As women grow older, it is normal to begin to experience physical changes associated with menopause. In the most basic sense, menopause is the time when a woman stops having a monthly period. Along with this transition, women often experience a wide variety of symptoms due to changing hormone levels.
Even though menopause is a normal part of growing older, the symptoms for some can be severe and life altering. Because of this, many women seek out bioidentical hormone treatment in hopes of lessening the negative symptoms associated with this new season of life. Here are 5 menopause symptoms to watch for, allowing you to start right away with hormone replacement therapy to improve your quality of life and eliminate or decrease the severity of the symptoms of menopause.
Menopause: Hot Flashes
In general, hot flashes are considered to be one of the tell-tale signs that menopause is around the corner since two-thirds of menopausal women experience this symptom. While there is still much research to be done, many experts believe a drastic decrease in estrogen is behind hot flashes. Typically, these episodes last for thirty seconds and cause women to feel hot all over, experience palpitations, and exhibit flushed skin.
Changes in Libido and Sexual Function
At the onset of menopause, many women will notice some changes in their libido and sexual function. Variances in hormone levels can cause women to desire intimacy less. Additionally, many women may notice vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and an overall change to their vaginal discharge.
Weight Gain
As women grow older, they may experience undesired weight gain associated with the arrival of menopause. When it comes to weight gain, there are often several factors at play. Hormonal changes during menopause definitely play a role, along with lifestyle changes such as decreased activity.
Mood Swings
The symptoms can be very unpleasant, and may result in an overall decrease of quality of life. This alone can be enough to cause mood swings or mild depression, but it also is clear that the drastic hormonal changes experienced during this season of life can cause some women to experience extreme mood swings or depression.
Fatigue
Our body works hard to make sure we have enough energy to get through the day. One important factor in maintaining healthy energy levels is a combination of hormones produced by our bodies. During menopause, these hormone levels may decrease and you may experience extreme fatigue that makes it difficult to carry out to day-to- day tasks of your life.
Typically, women feel they must dread the future of their health and their body when growing older. While this may be true for some, it doesn’t have to be the case thanks to the amazing advancements being made in hormone replacement therapy.
To learn more about improving your quality of life during menopause, click here or call the options available to you, click here or call 512-459- 4405 to schedule a consult at Premier Health and Wellness.