Signs of Menopause

Menopause is said to occur in both men and women when the production of hormones like estrogen and androgen begin to decrease below normal levels. Lets us discuss the normal signs of menopause. 1) Irregular Periods - Irregular periods are the first sign in the early stages of menopause. If irregular periods continue for a long time then there are chances that the person is suffering from menopause. Periods become less and less regular and the time difference between two successive periods lengthens or shortens. Periods maybe followed by excessive bleeding for many days and spotting between periods may also happen. 2) Hot flashes - Hot flashes refer to an unusual feeling of warmth in the body even though the surrounding temperature is low. Hot flashes generally occur at night and subsequently lead to sleeping disorders. The face and the neck become flushed and red blotches may start to appear on the chest, arms and legs. Hot flashes may be mild or severe and they normally last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. 3) Vaginal and gall bladder problems - Problems related to vagina and gall bladder begins to grow as the area near the genitals begins to thin down and get dry. Sexual desires gradually begin to decrease and the chances of infections in the vagina and the urinary tract are more. 4) Low Sex Drive - Low sex drive is also one of the most common signs of menopause. You might be having a lot of trouble getting an erection or getting sexually aroused and you may also feel uncomfortable around the vaginal area. 5) Fatigue and Sleep Disorders - You will get tired easily when you do work and also might be find that you are unable to sleep well at night. You might also find it difficult to get back to sleep once you wake up in the middle of the night. 6) Depression and mood swings - Because of the various symptoms you might feel depressed and doomed. Also due to insomnia you might feel sudden mood changes where you may throw a fit at the slightest hint. 7) Physical changes - There might be changes in your body like thickening of the waist region, loss of muscle mass and loss of stretchiness in the skin. 8) Other signs - Some people might suffer from severe headaches which occur frequently and also joints and muscle stiffness. All the signs mentioned above may indicate the future occurrence of menopause.