Menopause: What symptoms occur during menopause?
February 12, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Christine Widmann
Dear Gynecologist,
My name is Louis Evers and I am 52 years old. Lately, I have noticed changes in my body and have been experiencing symptoms that I was not familiar with before. I suspect that I may be slowly entering menopause, but I am unsure as to what symptoms are typical of this phase.
In the past few months, I have been experiencing more frequent hot flashes and night sweats. As a result, I have been suffering from sleep disturbances and often feel tired and exhausted during the day. Additionally, I have been having issues with my skin, which has suddenly become dry and sensitive.
My mood swings have also become more pronounced recently. I have noticed that I am more easily irritated and sometimes feel down without a specific reason. These emotional fluctuations are very burdensome for me, and I am worried that they could affect my relationships.
Could these symptoms be attributed to menopause? What other typical complaints occur during this phase? Are there ways to alleviate or treat the symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy immediately? I would like to learn more about this in order to better cope with the changes in my body.
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Louis Evers
Dear Mr. Evers,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. It is quite possible that the symptoms you have described may indicate the onset of menopause. Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is a natural phase in a woman's life where the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases. This hormonal change can lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes.
Hot flashes and sweating are among the most common complaints during menopause. They are caused by hormonal changes in the body that affect the regulation of body temperature. Sleep disturbances are also a common symptom, as hot flashes often occur at night and can make it difficult to fall asleep. The resulting fatigue and exhaustion are also typical symptoms.
Dry and sensitive skin may also be attributed to hormonal changes, as estrogen plays an important role in skin health. Mood swings are also typical side effects of menopause, as hormone deficiency can affect neurotransmitters in the brain.
There are various ways to alleviate menopausal symptoms without resorting to hormone replacement therapy. A healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help reduce symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be beneficial.
There are also herbal remedies such as red clover extract or black cohosh that can be used for menopausal symptoms. Homeopathic remedies or acupuncture have also been found to be helpful for some women. It is important to individually test what works best for you.
I recommend scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist to discuss your symptoms in more detail and possibly conduct further examinations. Your doctor can then provide you with an individualized treatment recommendation tailored to your specific needs.
I hope this information was helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey through menopause.
Sincerely,
Christine Widmann, Gynecologist
