Our bodies go through a lot of changes during our middle years. Some of these can be attributed to fluctuating (in our 40s) or decreasing (in our 50s) hormone levels and some can’t. However, according to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch report on Menopause, the four most commonly reported changes include:
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Mood changes and depression
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Insomnia or other sleep problems
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Cognitive or memory problems
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Decline in sexual desire and/or function
The domino effect of sleep deprivation can potentially cause all of these symptoms so it is understandable that these complaints would be at the top of the list.
Other changes that often occur, but cannot be positively attributed to hormonal changes include:
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Weight gain
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Urinary incontinence
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Heart palpitations
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Dry skin and hair
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Headaches
If you’re noticing changes - however vague– in your own body, you can check out a published list of 35 symptoms of Menopause, which was compiled by a group of women for Project Aware.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for this. I think the emotional rollercoaster and lack of direction many women feel in mid-life is vastly underrated. Many of my friends have been told they’re too young to be in peri-menopause, mid 40’s, and yet, they have all the symptoms I had - wanting to find time alone, to get away from family or work, to rethink their lives, to slow down and find themselves.
This is much bigger than hot flashes and insomnia, but adds to the mix of discomfort.
It does get better, and I am happy to say, smooth sailing is usually just around the corner.
best
jenn
Thank goodness for sites like this and the one you have on your blog roll - Women to Women. Note their whole section of information on menopause and understanding those menopausal symptoms whether pre- or post- menopause!
Read this, read everything and thank you to those who open this communication!
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