What is a major sign of menopause?

Answer 1

The most common sign and probably the most well known sign would be hot flashes, sudden feelings of heat accompanied with flushing and sweating. Other symptoms experienced could be increased anxiety and irritability.

Answer 2

Menopause is that time in a woman's life when her menstrual period ceases. Although this is welcome to many women who have reached the end of their childbearing years, the symptoms of menopause can range from minor annoyances to major life disruptions.

The period leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause and it's during this period that symptoms begin. When the ovaries begin reducing the amount of estrogen they produce, changes both physical and emotional begin.

Some of the most common signs of menopause include:

Weight Gain

Experts at the Mayo Clinic claim that the hormonal changes during perimenopause cause the average women to put on 10 to 15 pounds.

Furthermore, the excess weight typically settles around the belly, rather than the hips or elsewhere. Weight gain is gradual, however, so many women don't notice it right away. Mood Swings

Mood swings don't strike all women during this period of their lives and many doctors chalk them up to sleep deprivation, due to the various physical symptoms, such as hot flashes. Irritability, depression and anxiety are common complaints among perimenopausal women. Other emotional changes include memory lapse and difficulty in concentrating.

Hot Flashes

The hot flash is the symptom of menopause that receives the most attention. The severity hot flashes vary, with some causing a minor annoyance while others may feel unbearable.

The frequency of hot flashes varies as well, according to doctors with the Mayo Clinic. A woman may experience hot flash "clusters," as well as hot-flash-free periods.

Vaginal Dryness

While hot flashes take the starring role in any discussion of menopausal symptoms, vaginal dryness is seldom talked about. When estrogen levels decrease, the vagina loses its elasticity, causing surrounding tissue to thin.

Although only 20 percent of menopausal women experience vaginal dryness it is one of the more distressing menopausal symptoms. Some women may avoid intimacy because of the pain, itching and bleeding that may occur during intercourse. This, in turn, triggers some of the emotional symptoms of menopause.

Menopause actually includes three distinct phases. The initial phase, perimenopause, occurs when a woman's body stops releasing eggs, causing a reduction in progesterone and estrogen. This, in turn, causes changes in the menstruation cycle.

The second phase, menopause, occurs on the day a woman has not had a period for one year.

Post menopause includes the rest of the woman's life. The symptoms of menopause occur during all three phases.

Answer 3

menopause is cessation of menstruation. Symptoms include irritability, hot flashes,forgetfulness, dry vaginal discharge and osteoporosis.

Answer 4

Menopause cannot be avoided in a woman's life. Most women in their mid-life experience menopause and some of the early signs of menopause are menstruation irregularity and mood swings.

Answer 5

Some early signs of menopause include mood swings, headaches, depression, hot flashes, night sweats and water retnetion. Menopause usually occurs in women in their lates 40s or early 50s.

Answer 6

The most common sign of menopause is usually around the age of 40, when your period starts to reregulate. One month it could be normal, and the next may be very faint. Hope this helps.