Most women realize on some level that menopause is going to catch up with them sooner or later. Unfortunately, there is really no way to predict when exactly you’ll be going into menopause. While the average age for women seems to be about 51, some women start as early as age 40 or as late as age 55. Since going through menopause has a lot to do with your hormones, each woman is affected differently. It may even be genetically predetermined. How do you know whether you’re going through menopause or not?
Irregular or Missed Periods
Having irregular periods or not having periods altogether may be the most noticeable sign of menopause. Your periods may become lighter or shorter in duration, but it’s also quite possible to skip a period every so often. The tricky part is that you can technically still get pregnant. Therefore, a missed period might give you a scare if you have been sexually active without thinking about birth control. And while getting pregnant right before menopause might not be as likely as in earlier years, you are definitely not infertile at this point in life.
Decreased estrogen levels are normal during the years leading up to menopause. As your ovaries are shutting down, your follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) levels will rise. You can determine whether you’re menopausal by keeping track of your menstrual cycle, but you can also get your hormone levels tested to be certain.
Other Signs of Menopause
While irregular or missed periods are a pretty good indicator of what’s going on in your body, there are a few other symptoms you may be experiencing during menopause. For example:
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
These symptoms can last for several years, making you very uncomfortable. And while all of these symptoms are often associated with menopause, that doesn’t mean you’ll have them all. Additionally, it’s possible to experience sleep problems or one of the other symptoms without actually going through menopause. That’s why it makes sense to check your hormone levels to diagnose the problem correctly.
Fortunately, menopause doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare for you. Many women can handle the symptoms of menopause easier when utilizing hormone replacement therapy. At the Revive Health Center, we know how to take care of your well-being. Make an appointment with one of our specialists today so you can get your health back!
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