Symptoms
As menopause approaches, women often experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms including:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia
- Anxiety
- Significant mood changes
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Vaginal dryness and pain with sexual intercourse
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble remembering things
- Diminished interest in sex
- Frequent urination or leaking of urine
- Headaches
- Achy joints
- Fatigue
- Early morning awakening
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may perform blood tests, a pelvic exam, and a Pap smear. Natural menopause is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Some women have had a hysterectomy before menopause, and they no longer have periods. For these women, if menopause is suspected but needs confirmation, the test considered most accurate for the diagnosis of menopause is the measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) . High levels of FSH (greater than 40) may indicate menopause.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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