Menopause Symptoms

Although some women have few noticeable symptoms of menopause, other than the ending of menstrual periods, most women will have some other symptoms. Menopause symptoms may come and go, and more may develop, as the process of menopause progresses.

Menopause Symptoms that generally improve with time include:

• Menstrual period changes
• Hot flashes
• Emotional changes, such as mood swings or a change in sexual interest
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia).
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations).
• Vagina itching.
• Joint pain.
• Headaches.
• Problems with concentration and memory.

Menopause symptoms that can be long-term and get worse with time include:

• Vaginal changes, such as:
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vagina itching
  • Vagina pain
  • Vagina atrophy
  • Yeast infection , bacterial vaginosis
  • An increased risk of vaginal infections, vagina atrophy
  • Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Urinary tract problems, such as:
  • An inability to control the leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Changes in Appearance

Symptoms of menopause often end soon after menstrual periods stop. However, some women continue to have some symptoms for several years after their periods end. Many women report an increase in menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, following menopause caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, and these symptoms also seem to be more severe. Some conditions, such as depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability, may be made worse by menopause.