Menopause Symptoms

Menopause symptoms can be different for each woman, but common ones (other than your period stopping) include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal changes. Some of the possible menopause symptoms women may experience as they approach menopause -- such as thinning bones, weight gain, and thinning hair -- might actually be related to growing older rather than changes in estrogen levels.

 

Menopause Symptoms: An Overview

Because estrogen is used by many parts of the body, there is a wide range of possible menopause symptoms; the symptoms of menopause may vary greatly from woman to woman. Changes in how much estrogen you have can cause assorted menopause symptoms, but that doesn't mean you will have all, or even most, of them. In fact, some of what appear to be menopause symptoms may really be a result of growing older and not due to changes in your estrogen levels.
 

Possible Menopause Symptoms

Menopause symptoms can include:
 
  • Changes in your period
  • Abnormal bleeding or "spotting"
  • Hot flashes (hot flushes)
  • Night sweats and sleeping problems
  • Vaginal changes
  • Thinning of your bones
  • Mood changes
  • Urinary problems
  • Problems with concentration or memory
  • Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response
  • Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist
  • Hair thinning or loss.
     

Menopause Symptoms: Changes in Your Period

A change in your periods might be the first menopause symptom you notice. Your period may no longer be regular. How much you bleed could change -- your period could be lighter than normal or you may have a heavier flow. Your period may also be shorter or last longer. These are all normal results of changes in your reproductive system as you grow older. But, just to make sure there isn't a problem, see your doctor if:
 
  • Your periods are coming very close together
  • You have heavy bleeding
  • You have spotting
  • Your periods are lasting more than a week.
     
(Menopause Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD