Understand which of the 34 Menopause Symptoms May be Impacting You

Some women in their early 40’s may start noticing a difference about how they feel both mentally and physically. This could very well be the start of perimenopause defined as the years before actual menopause. During this time, women can experience mild to severe menopause symptoms that in some cases can be debilitating. Up until very recently, hormone replacement therapy was used to treat severe symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal discomfort and others.

Over the past few years, the risks of hormone replacement therapy have become more apparent and women are starting to say no to this form of menopause treatment. For some women, they start noticing symptoms coming on gradually while others literally wake up and find that symptoms have overtaken them in simply a few days.

Menopause symptoms have been known to last for years. For some lucky women, symptoms last a few short months. But what exactly are the 34 most common menopause symptoms to be aware of. They include these emotional symptoms:

1. Mood swings and anxiety

2. Irritability

3. Memory loss and concentration issues

4. Depression

The most common physical menopause symptoms include:

5. Hot flashes likely the common and well known of all symptoms

6. Insomnia sometimes linked to hot flashes

7. Fatigue often linked to insomnia

8. Vaginal dryness/painful intercourse

9. Loss of bladder control caused by the thinning of the bladder and urethra

10. Urinary tract infections

11. Decreased sex drive/libido

12. Bloating, water retention

13. Breast tenderness

14. Osteoporosis

15. Gum disease

16. Tooth loss

17. Bad breast

18. Ringing in the ears (buzzing)

19. Thinning hair

20. Changes in skin especially skin becoming dry

21. Brittle fingernails

22. Increase in heart disease

23. Changes in periods heavy or light

24. Headaches including migraines

25. Joint and muscle pain

26. Heart palpitations

27. Tingling in the feet and hands

28. Dizziness

29. Increase in facial hair

30. Decrease metabolism

31. Increase in weight

32. Increase in allergies

If you are approaching the age of 40 or are well beyond that time, some of the best information about menopause symptoms can come from your natural mother and older sisters. They may be able to provide you with some insights into their experience with menopause if they haven’t already done so. It is also recommended that you speak to your doctor to get the latest information on effective menopause treatments that will work for you.