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What are the first signs of starting menopause? - menopause management in Katy, TX

The first signs of menopause are often subtle. Women may notice their periods becoming lighter or shorter, they might have hot flashes, and they may find themselves fatigued more easily than they used to be. Although it can be difficult to tell what is just a normal part of aging versus the beginning stages of menopause, some clues can help you figure it out. If you are looking for menopause management in Katy, TX we can help you.

As always, if you suspect that your symptoms could be due to something other than hormonal changes - such as another medical condition - look for menopause management in Katy, TX, and consult with your Tree Of Life immediately. Below are some common physical and emotional symptoms associated with perimenopause: 

Hormonal changes 

The transition into menopause in Katy, TX can be a difficult time for women. One of the first signs that a woman is starting menopause is changes in her hormone levels. During menopause, a woman's estrogen levels drop, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. 


Depending on your age when you start menopause, its effects could last anywhere from a few months up to several years. The average time is about four years. During this time, you'll need help managing your symptoms so that they don't affect the quality of your everyday life too much. 


Hot flashes 

Hot flashes are the most common sign of menopause. They are a sudden feeling of heat in your upper body. You may also have a red face, feel dizzy, and have a rapid heartbeat. Hot flashes can be so bad that you feel like you are about to pass out. 


Here's another thing about hot flashes: they're the result of lower estrogen levels. This happens because your ovaries can no longer release eggs for fertilization. So, when they stop releasing eggs, your body stops producing estrogen. You start to experience hot flashes because you have less estrogen in your system than before menopause. 


Mood swings 

Mood swings are another of the first signs of menopause. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as hormone fluctuations, fatigue, stress, and dietary changes. If you're experiencing mood swings, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate them: 

Get plenty of sleep

Eat a healthy diet 

Exercise regularly 

Reduce stress levels 

Talk to your doctor if the mood swings don't seem to be going away 


Sleep disturbances 

Sleep disturbances are not only common during the transition to menopause, but they are also one of the first signs of it. These sleep disruptions tend to occur in the form of not being able to sleep soundly, being unable to fall asleep at night, having frightening dreams, waking up suddenly in the middle of the night, and both falling asleep too early or too late. 


Vaginal dryness 

Vaginal dryness is one of the very first signs of menopause. This vaginal dryness is caused by a drop in estrogen levels which leads to less natural secretions. It also leads to increased vaginal inflammation and irritation, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms. 


For starters, you can try using a lubricant during sexual intercourse and increase your intake of fluids, which will help keep your body hydrated. Finally, you can try pelvic floor exercises, which can help improve blood flow to the area and make sex more comfortable. 


Memory lapses 

Memory problems are one of those first signs of menopause. When the body is going through this change, it's not producing as much estrogen. Estrogen is vital for many things, including keeping the brain functioning well. When there is a drop in estrogen levels, it can cause some women to experience forgetfulness or trouble concentrating. 


Conclusion 

Menopause is a natural process that can happen to any woman in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. There are some early menopause signs, including hormonal changes, hot flashes, and mood swings. These may be followed by sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and memory lapses. 


The first signs of menopause are often easy to overlook but can significantly impact your quality of life. If you're noticing any of the things listed above, consider holistic integrative medicine in Katy, TX with Tree Of Life.