Menopause: All women face it at some point, but it’s different for everyone. You’ve probably heard of women who experience no symptoms at all during the big change, but, for most women, there are telltale signs that can let you in on what’s happening.
Here at Modern OBGYN Care, our women’s health experts, led by empathetic OB/GYNs Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres, know that menopause can be tough. We’re here to make things easier and guide you through the smoothest transition possible. That all starts with knowing when you’re entering menopause, so this blog focuses on four telltale signs.
One of the earliest signs that you may be entering menopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Your periods may become less predictable — shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual. You might start skipping periods for the first time (other than pregnancy).
If you’ve had a regular cycle for years, these changes can be unsettling. We encourage you to reach out if you notice any significant shifts in your cycle. Monitoring these changes allows us to provide personalized care as you move through a challenging time.
Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most well-known symptoms of menopause, affecting 8 in 10 menopausal women.
They’re two sides of the same coin: Hot flashes are intense flushing, sweating, and discomfort during the day, while night sweats can wake you up, drenched in sweat, overnight. This can lead to some restless nights and daytime drowsiness.
Estrogen loss during menopause can have a number of effects. Vaginal dryness is among the most common, affecting at least half of women in menopause.
Low estrogen can make it harder to self-lubricate, and the walls of the vagina may thin, weaken, and dry out. You may experience vaginal dryness anytime, and it’s often a frustrating issue during sex.
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can contribute to unexpected mood swings. You might find that your temper is shorter than before or that you can go from happy to sad and back again unexpectedly.
Many menopausal women struggle with anxiety, depression, or both. Your emotions may feel more heightened than before.
The menopause symptoms we described here are normal. There’s nothing wrong with you, it’s simply that your body is navigating a time of great change, and you might need some extra support right now.
We know this can be a difficult time, and we’re committed to offering the support you need, whether that’s through hormone replacement, personalized counseling, lifestyle adjustments, or other approaches. We understand menopause, and we understand how to help you through it.
If you’re experiencing any signs of menopause, don’t hesitate to contact us online, or call our office at 754-217-4181 now.
