The Symptoms of Menopause That You Shouldn't Ignore

The Symptoms of Menopause That You Shouldn't Ignore

Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life. It is the time when a woman stops having menstrual periods permanently and cannot get pregnant. Menopause usually happens anywhere between the ages of 40 to 55. But there are certain early warning signs that can indicate an early menopause. Menopause can be a challenging phase of your life, but it doesn’t need to be difficult if you know what to expect and how to handle it properly. When you know what symptoms to watch out for, you are able to take steps beforehand to make the transition smoother and easier than expected. Here we have listed some of the common symptoms of menopause that you should not ignore:

Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

One of the most common signs of early menopause is irregular vaginal bleeding. This is usually related to a sudden drop in estrogen levels in the body. The probability of having abnormal bleeding increases if you go through a natural pregnancy, if you breastfeed, if you have had a hysterectomy, if you have been on certain medications, if you have had a significant weight gain or if you have smoked excessively in the past. During menopause, the levels of estrogen in the body drop significantly. Estrogen is responsible for regulating your reproductive cycle, including the menstrual cycle. When the levels of estrogen drop, this can cause your menstrual cycle to become irregular. This is because estrogen plays an important role in keeping your reproductive system healthy, including the lining of your uterus.

Hot Flashes

Another common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. Hot flashes are sudden episodes of extreme sweating and feeling very hot, followed by chills. This is a result of a sudden drop in estrogen levels in the body, which is one of the main symptoms of menopause. When estrogen levels drop, it can cause your body temperature to spike for no apparent reason. Hot flashes can occur at any time of the day, even during sleep. Although hot flashes can be uncomfortable, they are not harmful and do not lead to any long-term health issues. Hot flashes can range in severity from person to person, but most women find that the symptoms subside within a year or two after the onset of menopause.

Depression and Mood Swings

A sudden and unexplained change in mood is another common symptom of early menopause. When estrogen levels fall, they can affect the serotonin levels in your brain. This can cause sudden changes in mood, such as depressive episodes or mood swings, which are common side effects of menopause. Women are at a greater risk of developing mood swings and becoming depressed during menopause as compared to men, since estrogen has a significant impact on the female brain. If you experience sudden mood changes or feel unusually sad or anxious, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other causes, such as menopause, so that you can receive proper treatment.

Loss of Interest in Sex

Another common symptom of early menopause is a sudden loss of interest in sex. This is also related to falling estrogen levels in the body. A sudden and unexplained loss of interest in sex could be a sign of early menopause. As you approach menopause, the level of estrogen in your body begins to drop. This can affect the health of your reproductive system, your mood, and your sex drive. When estrogen levels are reduced, this can lead to dryness and irritation in the vagina, which can make sex uncomfortable. It can also lead to hot flashes and mood changes that makes it difficult to enjoy sex.

Muscles Aches and Joint Pains

During menopause, a sudden increase in muscle aches and joint pains can occur, especially in the lower back, hips, and knees. This is caused by an increase in inflammation in the body, which is also related to falling estrogen levels in the body. When estrogen levels drop, it can lead to a decrease in the production of progesterone, which is responsible for controlling the level of inflammation in the body. This can cause joint and muscle pains during menopause.

Constipation and Bloating
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An increase in bloating and constipation are two other symptoms of early menopause. When estrogen levels drop, it can lead to an increase in the amount of estrogen in the body, which can cause bloating. And when estrogen levels drop, it can also lead to a decrease in the production of progesterone, which is responsible for regulating the bowel movement. When progesterone levels drop, this can cause constipation.


Menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life. When you know the signs of an early onset of menopause, you can take the necessary steps to make the transition smoother and easier. It is important to be aware of these signs and symptoms so that you can take the necessary precautions to manage them, rather than ignoring them and hoping they will go away on their own.