Menopause is not a disease or an illness. It is permanent ending of menstruation in women. Menopause marks the end of a woman?s natural ability to bear children.
Menopause symptoms are as different as women themselves. Some women do not have any symptoms during menopause or only have a few symptoms. Other women develop disturbing and even severe symptoms.
In the western world about 12 percent of woman do not experience symptoms of menopause and about 14 percent experience intense physical or emotional problems. The average age of US women in whom menopause occurs is 51 years.
For most women, menopause is a normal occurrence. If menopause happens in a woman younger than 40 years, it is considered premature. Menopause is considered late if it occurs in a woman older than 55 years.
Here is an almost complete list of menopause symptoms.
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep disorders
Changes in menstruation
Mood swings
Depression and anxiety
Irritability
Difficulties in concentrating
Mental confusion
Memory problems
Decline in libido
Vaginal dryness
Urinary problems
Thinning of the skin around the cervix.
Breast tenderness
Tiredness
Hair loss and hair thinning
Headaches
Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis
Weight gain.
Keep in mind that most women will only have a few symptoms from this list of menopause symptoms. Symptoms can be noticed for several months to years before the last menstrual period and can continue for several years after.
