How menopause begins in women: symptoms and signs

What is the climax? The extinction of the reproductive system. Decreased concentrations of progesterone and estrogen. Changes in hormonal levels and well-being. Every woman faces this phenomenon. Someone is 35–40 years old, others are 45–50. Information about the harbingers of menopause will be useful for both young and mature ladies. After all, when the patient learns in advance about the onset of menopause, she manages to prepare both morally and physically.

Premenopause and menstrual cycle

From birth, a certain number of eggs are laid in the girl's body. Their stock decreases with age. Closer to the age of 45–50, the reserve of fertilization material is depleted, and failures occur in the ovaries. The body is prepared to shut down the reproductive system. This is reflected in menstruation.

In women with normal hormones and healthy genitals, regular periods. They are not too abundant or scarce, lasting from 2 to 5 days. A woman immediately notices the onset of premenopause, because during this period, the menstrual cycle gets off. The gynecologist does not find any inflammatory processes. But the monthly delay is 1-2 weeks, then come much earlier. Some patients develop premenstrual syndrome, which is accompanied by:

• swelling and enlargement of the mammary glands;
• sore nipples;
• mood swings;
• uncomfortable sensations in the lower back and lower abdomen.

Gradually, the breaks between the monthly periods are extended to 45–90 days. Discharges become scanty, dark or light brown. Sometimes they are more like a secret, which is produced in the last days of menstruation.

If a woman passes hormone tests, she will see that the concentration of estrogen has decreased. Changes in hormonal levels occur gradually, so as not to expose the body to serious stress. Although in some cases, menstruation disappears abruptly, and the level of progesterone and estrogen decreases almost instantly.It depends on heredity, lifestyle, and diseases. For example, chemotherapy or removal of the uterus often leads to early menopause. And some oral contraceptives, on the contrary, postpone premenopause for 3-6 years.

Overweight and libido

On the extinction of the reproductive system says the lack of sexual desire. Libido depends on the level of progesterone and estrogen. When the ovaries stop producing these substances, several changes occur in the female body at once.

First, there are failures in the glands located in the vagina. They produce a lubricant that moisturizes the walls and protects against drying out. It also facilitates the sliding of the penis during intercourse. But with menopause, the glands produce much less secretion. A woman feels permanently dry in the intimate area. During emotional arousal, the vagina is not moistened, so sex only brings pain.

Secondly, with a decrease in the level of estrogen, the work of the nervous system changes. Libido is suppressed, and the patient has less and less need for sex.Hint partner to perform marital duty annoying and cause attacks of aggression. But it also happens that before the extinction of reproductive function, a woman becomes sexually active. She always wants to make love. Some women claim that it was during the pre-menopausal period that they finally began to get orgasms. This condition lasts from several months to 1-5 years.

Estrogens affect not only libido, but also metabolism. Extinction of ovarian function is often accompanied by weight gain. Body weight increases rapidly due to slower metabolism, so women during menopause have to change their eating habits.
If the body fat is growing too fast, and the woman recovers by 4–5 kg per month, she should consult a gynecologist. And then do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, donate blood for hormones and make an appointment with an endocrinologist.

Body temperature

Hot flashes are the most unpleasant symptom of menopause. The work of the nervous system is disrupted due to hormonal changes. The vessels and the heart also suffer. There are problems with pressure. When a woman gets into a stressful situation or finds herself in a stuffy room, the capillaries located in the upper part of the body expand dramatically.The pressure rises, and the skin of the face, neck and décolleté becomes red or covered with purple spots.

The attack is accompanied by enhanced sweat glands. Clothing gets wet in the armpits and back. The face and neck are covered with sweat. Due to a sharp increase in pressure, heartbeat increases. A woman may feel a ripple in her temples or ears. Some patients feel dizzy and have black dots that look like midges.

Also, the symptoms of hot flashes include a lack of air, due to which panic attacks can occur. A woman is afraid that she will suffocate or lose consciousness in the middle of the office. Fear only increases tension and heartbeat. A hand tremor appears, and the legs become deformed and wadded.

Tides disturb patients in the daytime and at night. Attacks cause not only stress, but also other factors:

• tight or too warm clothes;
• cigarettes;
• spicy foods or hot drinks;
• alcohol;
• slimming underwear;
• lack of oxygen;
• dehydration;
• antidepressants and drugs for weight loss.

Duration of tides ranges from 3 minutes to half an hour.Cool water and fresh air help to stop the attacks, but they do not always work. To pressure drops did not cause panic attacks, a woman who feels heat in the upper part of the body, should sit down and calm down. Unbutton a blouse or jacket, take a few slow breaths.

At night, patients are worried not only by the tides, but also by chills. Palpitations during rest slow, pressure decreases. Blood circulation in the upper and lower extremities worsens. Often a woman wakes up from the feeling of cold, which passes after active movements or a cup of hot tea.

Emotional condition

Hormonal fluctuations affect the working ability of patients. The work of the nervous system deteriorates, so the concentration of attention decreases. A woman complains of fatigue, which makes it harder for her to focus on reports. Climax is also accompanied by frequent insomnia and headaches.

For premenopausal, mood swings are also characteristic. Patients react very emotionally to stressful situations. Laughter quickly gives way to tears and vice versa. They can not control aggression.Periodically become the initiators of conflicts with colleagues and relatives.

Hot flashes cause drowsiness and anxiety. It seems to a woman that something terrible has to happen to her or her family members. She can not get rid of anxiety and unreasonable fear. Some patients develop depression due to thoughts of approaching old age, new wrinkles, and extinction of reproductive function.

Additional signs

Estrogens are also responsible for the retention of moisture in soft tissues. When the level of female hormones decreases, the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth begin to dry up. The skin loses fluid and elasticity. It becomes lethargic and dull. The fragility of hair and nail plates is increased.

Suffering and urinary system. Patients often visit the toilet. When urinating, they experience burning and other discomfort. When the concentration of estrogen decreases, the pelvic muscles relax. This leads to incontinence and prolapse of the uterus.

In women, anorexia is observed. They then refuse to eat, they do not move away from the refrigerator. Patients also complain of constipation and flatulence,after all, due to poor metabolism, intestinal work worsens.

For menopause characteristic:

• tingling in the hands or feet;
• pains in the joints and muscles;
• lump in the throat;
• numbness of fingers, upper and lower limbs;
• goose bumps crawling on the skin;
• pain in the heart;
• tinnitus;
• propensity for hypochondria.

Menopause is not as terrible as women think. Hormonal changes occur smoothly, so the body manages to adapt to a new state. So that the symptoms of menopause do not interfere with an active life, patients are advised to follow the diet, take drugs that increase the level of estrogen, play sports and maintain positive thinking.

Video: symptoms of menopause and menopause in women