The link to various menopausal symptoms is the reduction of the production of the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen plummets to about 2-5%, as laboratory findings have published, of what it was before when you become 40 and can cause significant symptoms which can be quite bothersome. Research has shown the average time it takes you to go through the changes is considered to be 7.4 years.
From what we see above, fluctuation and or withdrawl of oestrogen is the link, or the cause of the changes your body starts going through when you have reached the midlife cycle.
So how do menopause symptoms vary during different periods?
You may already be going through some changes with your body years before your last menstrual cycle. You could very likely experience changes before you fully realise that you might be perimenopausal. There is a lot of variation, from one woman to the other. Consulting with a menopause specialist may prove to be helpful to support your journey through the midlife cycle. The perimenopausal period can start up to 10 years before becoming menopausal. Then you may also only experience some of the changes later or during the menopause period, during the 12 months when you do not menstruate, and then obviously omit the top line of the list below.
Some of the early signs and perimenopausal symptoms you may be experiencing, include:
irregular periods that differs from your regular cycle
hot flashes, sudden feeling of heat in the upper part of your body
increased sleep issues
less libido or changed feelings towards sex
body and sudden mood changes
changes with your vagina
changes in bladder control
Lesser known symptoms of menopause or less talked about symptoms in perimenopausal women. The link to various onset of symptoms caused by reduced oestrogen production:
Tinnitus - which is caused by reduction of oestrogen production, there are oestrogen receptors in the inner ear
Vertigo - which is caused by reduction of oestrogen production, there are oestrogen receptors in the inner ear
burning mouth syndrome - oestrogen plays a role in the development and maintenance of nerves and tissue in the mouth
electric shock sensation - may be related to hormonal imbalance as oestrogen works with the central nerve system
hormonal acne - caused by reduction in oestrogen and progesterone
nipple discharge - caused by thickening of the milk duct
changes in body odour - oestrogen and progesterone affect the ph level of the skin, reduction of those can cause the natural body´s odour to change
abdominal discomfort - caused by fluctuation in hormones. There are oestrogen receptors in the gut and the digestive system. Reduction in oestrogen can also affect cortisol and adrenaline
The symptoms of menopause may vary during different periods: women during 40 - 55 years of age
changes in the shape of the breasts and or larger breasts - known as age related breast changes
dry eyes - experienced by natural reduction in tear production
flushing - occurs because of increased blood flow
hair loss - as a result of hormonal imbalance, there are oestrogen receptors in hair follicles that may play a role here
headaches - oestrogen withdrawal can trigger headaches
hot flashes - a result from a hormonal changes
increased facial or body hair (hirsutism) - as a result of hormonal imbalance
irregular or increased heart rate (palpitations) - the withdrawal of oestrogen can cause pounding or fluttering heartbeat
Increased urination - due to changes in the bladder control
insomnia - can be caused by hormonal changes and hot flashes and is experienced in up to 60% of women
Itchy skin - the reduction in oestrogen production can cause reduced production of collagen and sebum, which helps to protect and moisturise the skin
excessive sweating - common symptoms of menopausal transition
painful intercourse (dyspareunia) - caused by hormonal imbalance. There are oestrogen receptors within the vagina, the urethra and the pelvic area and the tissue within the area can become very thin
breast tenderness or sore breasts
weight gain - study shows that on average women gain 3.3 pounds (1.5kg) per year during menopausal transition
Mental and emotional symptoms of menopause may include:
anxiety - caused by hormonal fluctuation and its effect on the central nervous system
depression - the same hormone that controls the hormonal cycle also influences the brain chemical serotonin
forgetfulness (brain fog) - due to fall in oestrogen and testosterone
Irritability - caused by hormonal fluctuation. Often referred to perimenopausal anger
fatigue - caused by fluctuating oestrogen hormones
generally more emotional or tearful
libido - many women experience lack of interest in sex and or difficulty reaching orgasm during perimenopause or menopause
The symptoms of menopause may vary during different periods: women 50 - 55 years of age
Once a full year has passed since your last period, you’re officially in the postmenopausal phase. There are many helpful programs and coaching options that can help you if you are feeling the full effect of the menopause symptoms and would like help to navigate through the physical and mental changes you are going through.
difficulty concentrating
achy joints and muscle aches- the body naturally becomes more stiff with age
Frequent mood swings - related to decrease in oestrogen and progesterone
heart disease - a fall in oestrogen production can cause fat build up in your arteries
Osteoporosis - a fall in oestrogen production can affect the bone health as oestrogen protects the bones
urinary incontinence - caused by thinning of the lining of the urethra
urinary tract infections (UTI´s) - caused by reduction of oestrogens, which help the tissues in the vagina and urethra to stay moist and elastic
vaginal infections - caused by fall of oestrogens
Atrophic vaginitis (vaginal atrophy) - thinning, drying and or inflammation of the vaginal walls
Postmenopause symptoms may continue for women age 60–65 years
If you’ve already been through menopause, the day when you haven't had your period for 12 consecutive months, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with all the symptoms. You may still have some of the same or variation of other symptoms you experienced during perimenopause and menopause. Some women experience hot flashes a few years after entering the postmenopausal cycle. Working with an experienced menopause mentor may be very helpful during the transition to the postmenopause cycle, which will vary for the rest of your life.
Late menopause
Although most women have started transitioning into menopause or postmenopause by the age 55, there is a small percentage of women who experience late-onset of menopause.
Late menopause refers to the onset of perimenopause after age 55. Although some studies show increased risk of breast cancer, this isn’t all a bad thing as it indicates longer life expectancy.
Research, done in the 90's, has shown late menopause to possibly reduce the risk of:
heart disease
Heart attack
Osteoporosis
stroke
Conclusion
Symptoms of Menopause may vary during different periods, however the transition for every woman through menopause is experienced differently as well. One thing is undoubtedly clear, the link to the various onset of symptoms is caused by reduced oestrogen production. Which appears to be the main culprit for the drastic changes, although the reduction of progesterone and sometimes testosterone plays a big role as well.
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