Hot Flashes or Flushes
A sudden feeling of heat that spreads over the body, this sensation is often accompanied by reddening of the skin and perspiration. Flashes generally last 30 seconds or a little longer, may be experienced several times a day and may be mild or strong enough to awaken you from sleep. Hot flashes occur for several months in some women, for a few years in others.
Lack of Sleep
A reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, along with sleep interruptions caused by hot flashes, may occur. Additionally, some women find it takes longer to fall asleep. Sleep deprivation can make you tired, irritable and nervous.
Changes in the Vagina and Urinary Tract
As estrogen levels decline, the walls of the vagina may become thin and dry. These changes make the vagina more susceptible to infections and could cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. Dryness and irritation may also occur in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Some women may need to urinate more frequently, or may experience mild stress incontinence (involuntary urination when they laugh or cough.) Bladder infections are more likely after menopause.
Dysfunctional Bleeding
Changes in the menstrual cycle include bleeding that lasts longer or shorter than it has in the past, flow that is lighter or heavier and even mid-cycle spotting. Endometrial Cryoablation is a treatment offered by The Veranda for dysfunctional bleeding.
Skin Dryness
Your skin, like your vaginal walls and urethra, may become dry and more easily irritated as estrogen levels decrease.
Sexuality
Menopause need not affect a woman’s enjoyment or level of sexual activity. Some women may experience vaginal dryness, which can be easily remedied by the use of over-the-counter products. For others, lowered hormone levels may reduce interest in having sexual relations. Yet most women find that be having regular sex during and after menopause, their vaginas retain elasticity and their ability to have orgasms is undiminished. Often couples find sexual relations become more enjoyable at this stage of life because they are more experienced, have more privacy and time and know how to please each other.
Osteoporosis
Bones are in a constant state of transformation as the body grows new bone and rids itself of old bone. Over time, a woman’s body ceases to produce enough new bone to replace bone that is lost. A small amount of bone loss after age 35 is normal. But when too much bone is lost, osteoporosis occurs, resulting in the increased risk of broken bones. Most likely to be affected are the bones of the hip, wrist and spine.
Emotional Health
Most women going through menopause are also experiencing a number of significant life changes. Such changes can include caring for ill parents, job dissatisfaction, relationship stress, change in financial status and having children leave home. Any one or a combination of such stressful events, especially if coupled with a change in hormone levels, can affect a woman’s mental well-being.
