Are you constantly going from cold to burning up hot during the day? Have you experienced significant mood swings or even feelings of depression? Is your sex drive not as strong as it used to be? Are you less than excited and motivated to workout because of decreased energy levels? If you are a woman, you could be going through menopause.
What Is Menopause, Really?
Menopause has been the butt of female jokes for decades. However, what is menopause, really? How do you know if you’re going through it yourself? We are going to go over the most common symptoms and signs that you may be going through menopause. But, first things first. Menopause is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, embrace it! Let’s dive in.
Menopause is considered a normal part of aging, and it usually happens after the age of 40. But some women can go through menopause early, either as a result of surgery, such as hysterectomy, or damage to the ovaries, such as from chemotherapy.
Common Symptoms Of Menopause
Since menopause is simply known as the time in a woman’s life when her body stops menstruating, let’s look at what is actually happening inside a woman’s body during this time. First, estrogen levels are typically all out of whack. Sometimes they spike, sometimes they drop very low. Hormones such as estrogen play a large part in how we feel as women which explains the mood swings, hot flashes, etc.
As your ovaries age and release fewer hormones, FSH and LH can no longer perform their usual functions to regulate your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels.
List Of Common Symptoms
- Irregular, skipped, or stopped periods
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Extreme lethargy or fatigue
- Depression
- Headaches
- Racing heart
- Muscle aches
- Decrease in sex drive
- Vaginal dryness and bladder control problems
- Night sweats
Is It Menopause?
If any of these common symptoms sound familiar, it may be a good idea to talk with your gynecologist for clarification. In the office, your doctor will listen to your displayed symptoms and will conduct a blood test for conclusive results. In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended which can help during this time.
If you are looking for a gynecologist in Cleveland, TN, give us a call! Our team of healthcare professionals will answer any and all questions that you may have to give you peace of mind. We look forward to serving you soon!