15 Signs of Menopause Women Need to Know

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that all women experience, and while every woman’s experience with menopause can be different; a woman is considered to have reached menopause when she does not go through menstruation for 12 consecutive months. This stage indicates the end of a woman’s ability to conceive.

When menopausing, many women experience physical symptoms such as hot flashes, and often symptoms related to menopause may also interfere with your sleep, decrease your energy, or impact your emotional health.

Why Does Menopause Happen?

Menopause, a stage that happens naturally in women’s lives, occurs due to the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decrease in the levels of oestrogen circulating in the bloodstream.

The menopausal transition in females usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier depending on the individual.

What Are the Stages of Menopause?

Natural menopause indicates the permanent ending of menstruation that occurs without any medical treatment. There are three stages of menopause that every female gradually experiences through their lives:

1. Perimenopause

   Perimenopause, also known as “menopause transition”, begins typically in your 40s. This process can start around eight to 10 years prior to menopause, during which your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen.

   Perimenopause extends until menopause, which is the stage when your ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the drop in oestrogen speeds up. Many individuals might encounter symptoms of menopause during this period of time. Nonetheless, your menstrual cycles will still continue, and there is a possibility of you getting pregnant during this time.

2. Menopause

   Menopause is the stage where you no longer have menstrual periods. Your ovaries would have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their oestrogen at this point. Your doctor usually diagnoses you with menopause when your menstrual period is absent for 12 consecutive months.

3. Post-menopause

   Post-menopause refers to the time when you miss out on your period for an entire year or the rest of your life after menopause. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes may improve.

   However, some women’s menopausal symptoms still persist for a decade or longer following the menopausal transition. Women in the postmenopausal phase face an increased risk of several health conditions, including osteoporosis and heart disease due to reduced oestrogen levels.

What Are the Common Signs of Menopause?

Menopause symptoms are caused by declining hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, and can affect the body in different ways. Symptoms vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time.

Quick Summary: Most Common Menopause Symptoms

Menopause symptoms can affect sleep, energy levels, and emotional well-being, which may impact daily activities and quality of life.

The most commonly reported signs include:

• Hot flashes (a sudden surge of heat, sweating, and discomfort)
• Night sweats
• Irregular or missed periods (less than every 21 days or more than 35 days apart, missing three or more consecutive periods, and experiencing menstrual flow that is heavier or lighter than the norm)
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, low mood)
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sitting, exercising, peeing, and engaging in sexual intercourse

Other Possible Symptoms

Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Joint aches and muscle pain
• Reduced libido
• Hair thinning or skin changes
• Weight gain around the abdomen, instead of the hips and thighs
• Headaches or migraines
• Urinary changes (incontinence, a sudden urge to urinate, or urine may leak during activities like exercising, sneezing, or laughing)

How Do Menopause Symptoms Affect Daily Life?

The most commonly reported changes that affect daily life during menopause include:

• Sleep disruption (insomnia) and night sweats lead to daytime fatigue.
• Hormonal fluctuations may cause mood swings, which include irritability, anxiety, or low mood.
• Reduced energy leads to persistent fatigue and can affect productivity and motivation.
• Difficulty concentrating, which is often described as “brain fog”.
• Physical discomfort such as hot flashes, joint pain, or vaginal dryness may affect comfort and confidence.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if:

• Symptoms significantly affect your daily life
• Sleep problems or mood changes persist
• You are unsure whether symptoms are related to menopause

Treatment options, including lifestyle changes and medical therapies, may help manage symptoms effectively.

Does Menopause Need to be Treated?

As menopause is a natural process that every woman has to go through, sometimes it may not be necessary to receive treatment. While discussing menopausal treatment options with your doctor, it is mainly about treating symptoms of menopause that disrupt your life.

1. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)

   Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), is an effective treatment for many women experiencing menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats.

   MHT works by replacing hormones, usually oestrogen, that decline during the menopause transition. Depending on individual needs, treatment may include oestrogen alone or combined oestrogen and progestogen (for women who still have a uterus).

   MHT is not suitable for everyone, and treatment should be individualised. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and the benefits and risks to determine the most appropriate option, which may include tablets, patches, gels, or sprays.

2. Antidepressants

   Antidepressants can be beneficial for managing mood symptoms if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety during the menopausal period. There are two main types of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Your doctor will talk to you about the potential advantages and risks of these medications.

3. Supplementation

   When you enter the menopausal stage, your body becomes increasingly reliant on vitamins and nutrients to maintain your health, as your oestrogen production decreases, and your metabolism slows down. Your doctor may recommend intake of calcium and vitamin D.

How to Deal with Menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage that is experienced by every woman in life, but everyone experiences and deals with it differently. Here are some helpful tips that can help you cope with menopause:

• Get an ample amount of rest, including maintaining consistent sleep routines.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Consume calcium-rich food such as milk, yoghurt, and kale to maintain the health of your bones.
• Exercise often, try incorporating weight-bearing exercises into your routine, such as walking, running, or dancing, where your feet and legs bear the load.
• Engage in relaxing activities like yoga or meditation.
• Have a chat with other women who go through the same experience, like your family members, friends, or colleagues.
• Consult a doctor prior to trying herbal supplements or complementary medicines.

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Menopause is a natural and normal stage of a woman’s ageing process. Therefore, it is normal to experience symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and more.

However, if the symptoms persist and disrupt your everyday life, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Be open to your doctor about your symptoms, so they are able to suggest the best treatments to manage your symptoms and make you comfortable.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.

This article has been medically reviewed by Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) specialist, Dr Tan Ying An.