Menopause is one of the more challenging periods in a woman’s life. Each of us experiences menopause differently and struggles with various symptoms. The first signs of approaching menopause can include breast and back pain. Learn about all the symptoms of menopause and discover how to manage them!

What Is Menopause?

Menopause, also known as climacteric, is the period during which the hormonal function of the ovaries gradually ceases, leading to the loss of fertility. Menopause is diagnosed when menstruation stops for at least 12 months.

The first symptoms that appear before menopause and may indicate its onset include breast tenderness, swelling, and back pain. Can we predict when menopause will occur?

Several factors can indicate the onset of menopause. One of these is irregular periods. Before menopause, periods become shorter, and the cycle shortens. If your cycle lasts 20-24 days, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

Menopause can be divided into three stages:

  • Perimenopause, which is the pre-menopausal period when ovarian activity declines;
  • Menopause, the time of the final menstruation;
  • Postmenopause is the period after menopause when the body no longer produces eggs capable
    of fertilization.

Symptoms of Menopause

The symptoms of menopause are a result of changing hormone levels. The main symptoms include the absence of menstruation, hot flashes, excessive sweating, and headaches. These issues affect most women during this period. What other menopause symptoms can we distinguish?

  • Nervous system: symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, sleep problems;
  • Urinary and reproductive system: burning during urination, vaginal dryness, frequent urination, frequent urinary tract infections;
  • Sexual activity: decreased libido, pain during intercourse;
  • Musculoskeletal system: joint pain, loss of muscle mass;

Rare signs of menopause include difficulty breathing, panic attacks, allergies, or tinnitus. These unusual symptoms are related to changes in estrogen levels.

Is it possible to go through menopause without symptoms? The intensity of symptoms depends on individual predispositions. The entire menopause process often lasts several months, and symptoms may occur at different times. In some cases, they may not occur at all. However, the cessation of menstruation always happens.

During menopause, a woman’s body is weakened, so it’s important to focus on proper diet and supplementation. Which herbs for menopause are effective in daily diet?

Hot flashes and cold sweats are some of the most disliked symptoms of menopause. To reduce these unpleasant sensations, it’s recommended to include ashwagandha and red clover in daily supplementation. These plants are considered allies for women during menopause.

Relaxing herbs such as lemon balm, mint, and chamomile also help. A cup of herbal tea at night soothes and promotes restful sleep. Don’t forget the daily intake of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, as the risk of osteoporosis increases during menopause.

How Long Does Menopause Last?

 At what age does menopause usually occur? Many women report the first symptoms of menopause around the age of 47, which is an entirely normal process. Menopause symptoms can occur with varying frequency and intensity.

How long does menopause last? Menopause can last from one year to as long as 10 years. When menopause symptoms subside, it depends on individual predispositions.

Sometimes, women experience what is called premature menopause. Premature menopause is a medical condition involving menstrual disturbances and the absence of ovulation before the age of 40. This disorder is referred to in medical terms as premature ovarian failure.

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