Living well with menopause

The main symptoms of menopause

During menopause, all women undergo a sudden and dramatic drop in female hormones. However, the symptoms that women experience during menopause vary greatly depending on the individual. For some women, the symptoms are relatively light, while for others they are severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Even the severest symptoms will gradually subside as a woman's body adjusts to a lack of the female hormone estrogen.

Nervous system Headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, forgetfulness, depression, difficulty making decisions, loss of concentration, insomnia, anxiety, etc.
Vasomotor System Hot flashes, perspiration, chills, heart palpitations, shortness of breath.
Skin and Secretion System Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, eczema, rashes, perspiration, dry mouth (abnormal saliva secretion, dry eye.
Digestive System Loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating
Muscles and Joints Stiff shoulders, lower back pain, back muscle pain, joint pain, stiffness in hand, numbness in limbs
Urinary and Reproductive System Irregular menstruation, frequent urination, feelings of urine left in the bladder, feelings of needing but not being able to urinate, urinary incontinence, genital prolapse, vulval pruritus, Vaginal obstruction.

Why do the symptoms and severity of menopause vary so greatly among individual women? The key to these differences seems to be their level of physical constitution, their personal attitudes and the amount of stress in their environment.