Menopause Symptoms
Many find the menopause a time of liberation, free from their menstrual period.
Decreasing levels of Oestrogen (the hormone thats responsible for the growth of the sexual organs) causes menopausal symptoms. Some women also suffer psychologically from realising they are ageing and their reproductive life is over.
As the menopause begins, many women have lighter of heavier menstrual flow, during what is known as the peri-menopausal stage.
A common symptom are hot flushes or night sweats, waves of heat flowing through the body.
Common menopause symptoms:
- Irregular menstruation
- Changes in sexual desire
- Tiredness
- Hot flushes (flashes, night sweats)
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Psychological changes
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Itching, Prickly skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Uncomfortable Intercourse
- Joint or muscle pain
- Insomnia
If you would like to talk to someone who understands your symptoms just post a reply on this page or use our ask a question page. For a more personal consultation you can email us contact @ menopause.org.uk
vicki burton said:
November 1, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
I have read other comments- and find I am exactly the same! I am 53, have terrible joint pains/feel depressed one minute, elated the next/feel immense anger and frustration/have panic attacks/ have virtually no sex drive. The last one is awful because I have only been married for a year…I’ve gone from someone really enjoying sex to someone who feels frightened by it.
Can anyone help? Does anyone feel like me?
linda kirk said:
November 3, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Hello vicki most women going through this time in our lives are having similiar or same experience.I would say i have felt like this for past 2 years and now periods are getting heavier and have no energy at times,what is happening to us. The way i deal with this at times is taking abit more time out for myself talking to friends ,sharing stories having a laugh trying to come to terms with the way my body feels.I talk to ladies who have came through the menopause how they feel now, and most say they have a totally new life and feel great.So hopefully we have this to look forward to.Until then lets all support one anouther through this phase in our lives and not to feel alone.
Kay Maybank said:
December 21, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
Help, 43 in January - have been perimenopausal for the last year - feel terrible - lonely - horrible.
Josie said:
January 1, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
I am 45 and am a mess. I am so emotional & at times am so angry & hate everyone. I have had a terrible Christmas due to my hormonal behaviour & being over emotional & sensitive & I cry at thedrop of a hat. People avoid me & to be honest I would avoid me. I too feel lonely. I have 2 older sisters who sailed through their menopause. They are lovely & sweet natured & remained so throughout - so why am I suffering all these symptoms & feeling so awful.