Menopause is a natural life event that all women may experience after the age of 40. The menopause rule of thumb is that it occurs between the ages of 40-58 with the average hovering around 51 years of age.
But how do you know if you are in menopause, and what are the symptoms?
According to the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, two-thirds of women will experience hot flashes. Irregular periods and vaginal atrophy may also occur.
Other possible symptoms may include:
· Weight gain
· Hair loss or thinning
· Changes in body odor
· Trouble sleeping
· Sudden bouts of bloating
· Loss of libido (sex drive)
· Depression
· Irritability
· Mood swings, sudden tears
· Headaches
Recently, a dear friend told me she was going through “the change” and mentioned she was having some unusual symptoms like a frozen shoulder, serious fatigue and a sudden onset of allergies. She visited her doctor and he mentioned that her symptoms were a combination of age and menopause.
He recommended a hormone treatment, but she opted for the holistic approach with acupuncture, black cohosh and red clover, with a sidecar of an over-the-counter pain reliever.
However, the Huffington Post reported that there other unusual menopause symptoms are possible, such as:
· Buzzy sensations in the head
· Burning tongue
· Bouts of rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
· Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
· Dizziness
Ellen W. Freeman, PhD, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center stated in the Huffington Post, "We certainly know more than we did a decade ago, but there's a lot to uncover." Currently, there is not a large amount of research to confirm what exactly happens with the fluctuation of hormones during menopause.
Another menopause symptom is loss of breast fullness. Don't be surprised if you go down a cup size while going through menopause. According to Dr. Lila Schmidt, a reproductive endocrinologist in private practice in San Diego, it is nothing to be concerned about. This can occur due to changing estrogen levels.
Dr. Schmidt also stated that dry skin can be a result of menopause. Our ovaries produce less estrogen and this results in itchy and tight skin. She recommended a moisturizer to battle against dry skin.
Anyone experiencing any menopausal symptoms should contact their doctors. Your medical practitioner can discuss hormone therapy as well as prescribe antidepressants or joint pain cream.
It is important to inform your medical practitioner of any supplements that you are taking or thinking of taking, as they may mix negatively with other prescription medications.
Sources:
Pan, Joann. "Menopause Symptoms: Women Report Strange Sensations
Beyond The Common Signs." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com,
11 July 2013. Web. 02 Sept. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/11/menopause-symptoms_n_3542512.html
"Menopause." Womenshealth.gov. Web. 02 Sept. 2013.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause
"Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal." Perimenopause, Early
Menopause Symptoms. Web. 02 Sept. 2013.
http://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal
"Menopause Symptoms That May Surprise You." EverydayHealth.com. Web. 03 Sept. 2013.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause-pictures/menopause-symptoms-that-may-surprise-you.aspx#/slide-2
"Menopause Symptoms That May Surprise You." EverydayHealth.com. Web. 03 Sept. 2013.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause-pictures/menopause-symptoms-that-may-surprise-you.aspx#/slide-4
Reviewed September 3, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith