5 Early Signs of Menopause

Menopause is massive change in the life of a woman and it can happen at a different age for every woman. This is a natural process that every woman undergoes. It can often come with extremely annoying symptoms. As a woman, you must make yourself aware of what menopause is and what the symptoms are so you can identify this major change in your life and body when you are going through it.

Here are 5 of the earliest signs of menopause and some tips for women on how to cope with them.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and can often be the earliest warning sign. Hot flashes are sudden, intense waves of warmth, often accompanied by a blush to the face. This can happen at any part of the day or night for women. This sudden rush of warmth can make a woman feel very agitated and uncomfortable.

To help cope with hot flashes, it’s best to be sure you stay cool and hydrated. Trying relaxation techniques or avoiding triggers such as caffeine or spicy food can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. An important way to cope with hot flashes is to become aware of this massive change in your body and when it is happening so you can deal with it knowing it is here.

Trouble Sleeping:

Insomnia is another common symptom of menopause, and is often one of the first signs of the process. A lot of women when going through menopause are unable to sleep at night or keep waking up. Having a disturbed and troubled sleep is a sign that your body has started going through menopause. The changes in the hormone levels of the body make women restless and uncomfortable at night and sleep becomes disturbed.

To cope with this symptom, it helps to establish a good pattern of sleeping by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Cutting out caffeine and other stimulants should also help to encourage a better sleeping routine. Avoid drinking coffee after 4 PM and reduce sugar intake later in the evening. Avoid stimulants that can make sleeping difficult. Try drinking chamomile tea or lavender tea later in the evening to help you relax and calm down. Certain scents like lavender can also help you relax and induce sleep.

Mood Swings:

Many women experience sudden and intense changes in mood due to hormone fluctuations during menopause. Women can find themselves easily agitated or annoyed because of the changing hormones. This is a very natural phenomenon. Becoming aware of mood swings is the first step towards coping with it and processing the change.

In order to cope with these mood swings, it’s best to practice self-care through activities like exercise or yoga. Talking to a friend or counsellor can also help to relieve stress and provide emotional support. It is important to surround yourself with positive people and activities as you go through this change in life.

Decrease in Libido:

A decrease in libido is one of the more common symptoms of menopause. As a woman, you will often find yourself not really wanting to engage in intercourse. It is completely normal and fine to feel this way. Your hormones are changing and your body is going through a major change. There is no need to feel guilty about this. It is a very natural phenomenon that you are experiencing as woman.

If you are worried and concerned about this impacting your relationship with your partner and want to do increase your libido, it is best to talk to your doctor about options to help improve libido. Hormone replacement therapy and other medications may be prescribed to help. Certain foods and organic remedies might also be able to help boost libido. You can talk to your doctor and a nutritionist to help recommend a customized plan that will help you boost your libido.

Vaginal Dryness:

Many women experience vaginal dryness due to the hormonal shifts associated with menopause. This can make the vagina itchy as well and can be a very annoying feeling.

To help cope with vaginal dryness, it is best to focus on self-care and consult with your doctor about vaginal lubricant options. A gynecologist can suggest lubrication which will help you overcome that annoying symptom of vaginal dryness.

Conclusion: 5 Early Signs of Menopause

It is important to remember that menopause is a natural and normal part of life. If you find yourself experiencing some of the above symptoms, contact your doctor so they can help diagnose and you can give you advice on how to cope with them. Talking to your female friends will help you create a support group where you can find yourself surrounded by other women who are experiencing the same thing as you. This will help you become more aware as well about the early signs of menopause and how to cope with it.