Symptoms
You may experience a number of symptoms as you go through the menopause, which may include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats – also called ‘vasomotor symptoms’. These are the most common symptoms of the menopause. Hot flushes start with a feeling of being ‘hot’, with a wave of heat, that moves upwards from the chest to the face and forehead, with sweating, followed by chills as the hot flush ceases.
- Changes to the menstrual cycle – your cycle length may become longer or shorter, and your periods may become heavier or lighter.
- Emotional symptoms – these may include depression, anxiety, tiredness, irritability, mood swings, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, lack of concentration and generally not feeling yourself.
You may find you need to pass urine more frequently or urgently, and may be prone to urinary infections. Reduced levels of the hormone estrogen may increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Other symptoms may include vaginal dryness and soreness, thinning of the skin, brittle nails, hair loss and generalised aches and pains. You can find out more about menopausal symptoms in the booklet ‘Living with the menopause’.
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