Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a unique biological process that happens to your body, marking the end of your reproductive years. It typically occurs between 45 and 55 years old and could happen earlier or later for some women.

Various symptoms accompany menopause, and while it’s a universal experience, it affects women differently. You can experience symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and mood imbalances, to name a few, in varying degrees and frequency. Some women may experience these symptoms mildly, while it can be disruptive for others.

Regardless of the case, recognizing and understanding its symptoms is vital to managing menopause and living comfortably during this stage. Let’s discuss these in detail below.

The Three Stages of Menopause

Menopause is not a singular event but a process that unfolds in three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. In each phase, you’ll notice specific symptoms manifesting as your body starts to slow down the production of female hormones. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you manage symptoms more effectively and better understand what is happening in your body.

Stage 1: Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. In this stage, your body starts to gradually slow down estrogen production, as it transitions to the end of menstruation. Your ovaries release eggs less regularly, and estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and can cause early symptoms of menopause.

It typically starts during your mid-to-late 40s or as early as your late 30s and can last anywhere from a few years to a decade.

Stage 2: Menopause

Menopause — or natural menopause, to be exact — is defined by The Menopause Society as the end of periods because of the declining function of a woman’s ovaries. It is confirmed after one full year of no periods, signaling the end of reproductive years. In the United States, this happens around the age of 52 on average, though it can occur earlier or later.

However, it is important to note that this definition of menopause doesn’t apply to all women. That is because menopause can also happen as a result of certain surgical procedures (ie. hysterectomies) or medications (ie. chemotherapy or radiation therapy) — a condition called treatment-induced menopause.

Menopause itself is not a prolonged phase but a milestone indicating that the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and estrogen levels in the body are low. Perimenopausal symptoms can start to intensify in this stage, and bone density may begin to decline.

Stage 3: Postmenopause

Postmenopause is the last phase and encompasses the remainder of your life. Many symptoms may gradually diminish during this phase for some women, while it may persist for others. It’s important to note, however, that low estrogen levels have been tied to an increased risk of cardiovascular and bone health concerns.

Studies suggest that women lose around 20% of their bone density in the first five years postmenopause, putting them at a higher risk for fractures. Additionally, the loss of estrogen’s protective effects on blood vessels can elevate the risk of heart disease. Due to these risks, monitoring, and management of menopause and its symptoms are critical for overall health.

The Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Understanding the symptoms and the health risks women face during menopause and the later stages has pointed to a greater need for women’s healthcare during this period.

Some researchers even suggest that management through hormone replacement therapy is best started during the perimenopause stage to achieve better cardiovascular and bone health outcomes.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, regardless of degree or frequency, consider bringing up HRTs with your OB-GYN.

Physical Symptoms of Menopause

The first way menopause manifests is through physical symptoms, as the body responds and adapts to the fluctuating levels of female hormones in your body. You may start to experience:

Your period becoming irregular and/or light. Periods may become less frequent and regular, and the flow might lighten.
Heavy bleeding or spotting during periods. In contrast to light or infrequent periods, some women can experience heavy bleeding or spotting between periods. If heavy bleeding is accompanied by severe dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), consult with your OB-GYN to rule out other conditions, such as fibroids or endometriosis.
Hot flashes and night sweats. These occur as your body becomes less able to regulate your internal body temperature through blood flow. They are characterized by sudden intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face.
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. Decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. Due to the reduced lubrication and elasticity, itchiness and discomfort during intercourse are more likely, and your risk for vaginal infections is heightened.
Sleep disturbances. Insomnia or disrupted sleep is another common complaint during menopause, often triggered by hot flashes, night sweats, or anxiety. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration.

Emotional and Mental Symptoms of Menopause

Similar to physical symptoms, our bodies react emotionally, psychologically, and mentally to fluctuating hormone levels. Some symptoms that might manifest include:

Mood swings and irritability. You may find yourself becoming more emotional or reacting more intensely to situations that previously didn’t affect you. Other triggers, such as disrupted sleep or increased stress, can also exacerbate mood fluctuations.
Anxiety and depression. Some women experience heightened anxiety or depressive symptoms during menopause. Hormonal imbalances, combined with the emotional impact of this life transition, can contribute to feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness.
Difficulty concentrating and memory problems. “Brain fog” is commonly used to describe the changes in mental abilities (ie. learning, thinking, reasoning, etc.) that occur during menopause. You may feel like you’re starting to forget things more often, find it difficult to concentrate, or have trouble finding the right words. While these symptoms can be frustrating, they are temporary and often improve with time.

Beyond Menopause: Health Concerns to Watch Out for

Healthcare during menopause targets more than symptomatic relief. With low estrogen levels linked to increased risks for specific health concerns, patient education, and management approaches should be approached proactively and with a long-term view.

Below are other aspects of your health and well-being that you must pay close attention to during your menopausal years.

Bone Health

Bone health can start to decline as estrogen levels diminish. Low estrogen levels during menopause have long been linked with decreasing bone density and mass. This decrease can make bones more fragile and prone to fractures, a condition known as osteoporosis.

Given this risk, it’s critical to prioritize regular screenings and follow a calcium—and vitamin D-rich diet. These minerals and vitamins help effectively maintain bone health and achieve a better quality of life.

Cardiovascular Health Changes

The health of your heart and blood vessels also undergoes changes after menopause. Various studies note that low estrogen levels may be linked to hardening of the blood vessels, making them less elastic.

This lack of elasticity in your blood vessels can lead to other issues, like increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring, along with a heart-healthy lifestyle incorporating balanced nutrition and exercise, can guard against potential issues. Awareness and proactive care are the keys to sustaining a vibrant heart.

Changes in Breast Health

Menopause brings about changes in breast health. Reducing hormones can lead to changes in breast tissue, and regular check-ups remain vital to detect any significant shifts. Continued attention and care provide assurance, fostering a sense of control and well-being during this new phase.

Managing Menopause: Coping Techniques and Treatment

Regardless of whether physical, mental, or emotional, treating menopause symptoms is vital to ensuring you live the best quality of life during this stage. Women shouldn’t have to continue allowing these symptoms to affect their lives to a bothersome degree.

You have the agency, along with appropriate medical help, to freely live a comfortable menopausal life if you can and want to. Below are some ways you can empower yourself through lifestyle and medical treatment.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Menopause Symptoms

Managing menopause symptoms is not solely about medical intervention. It also includes adapting lifestyle changes that align with one’s evolving needs. These changes are not about loss or restriction but about embracing new ways of nourishing your body.

Eating balanced, nutrient-dense food. Nutrition plays an important role in regulating the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. You’ll notice that symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings quickly improve when you eat more nutrient-rich foods and stay well-hydrated.
Making time for regular exercise. Many studies have shown that exercise is an excellent way of regulating mood and strengthening the body and mind. Besides its obvious role in weight management, exercise also causes the body to release “feel-good” hormones that help regulate your mood, enhancing overall well-being.
Practicing stress management and emotional regulation techniques. Menopause can make you more sensitive to stress, thus making the need for management more urgent. Meditating or practicing deep breathing exercises can help induce relaxation, calming and balancing your mood and mental state.

Medical Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms

On top of modifying your lifestyle, you can also explore medical options for managing menopause. The following can be brought up to your OB-GYN so that you can make the best choice for your health:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Supplementing your hormones with HRT is often the frontline treatment for menopausal symptoms. Whether the symptoms are mild or disruptive, HRTs can be taken so you can maintain overall health.
Non-hormonal Medications. Not every woman is a candidate for HRT, and some may prefer non-hormonal options to address specific symptoms. For instance, night sweats and hot flashes can be treated with a low dose of Paxil (7.5 mg), as approved by the FDA.

Other non-hormonal treatments for traditional menopause symptoms also include SSRIs and Veozah (fezolinetant), which can be explored, although their success rates can vary. Your OB-GYN will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment course for specific menopause symptoms.

Natural Remedies and Supplements. Black cohosh or phytoestrogens have been investigated for their potential benefits in relieving menopause symptoms and may offer additional ways to manage them.

However, remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Consult carefully with your OB-GYN about alternative medicines that you can safely consume. It’s also best to read and carefully consider the natural remedies and lifestyle practices for managing symptoms of menopause so you can safely use them.

Mental Health Support During Menopause

Caring for your mental and emotional well-being during menopause is as essential as caring for the physical. In terms of methods for coping with these aspects, you can:

Communicate openly with your support systems. Menopause can usher in a time of emotional fluctuation. Open communication with friends and family, expressing feelings, and understanding that these changes are part of the process can be comforting.
Seek the help of a therapist. When mood changes become too erratic and persistent, you must never ignore them. But when the feelings of anxiety and depression get too big and challenging to self-regulate, professional help from therapists can do wonders. Therapy or counseling offers a safe space to explore feelings and develop strategies for mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is a significant life stage that brings a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward managing them effectively and maintaining a good quality of life.

While some symptoms may be mild, others can be disruptive and impact daily functioning. Understanding the signs and symptoms of menopause can give you a tremendous sense of empowerment and agency, helping you feel more confident in taking control of your health.

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are affecting your well-being, consider consulting with specialized providers like Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists. Our team is here to provide personalized guidance and help you navigate menopause with the support and care you deserve.