8 Worst Symptoms of Menopause

8 key sings of menopause that really are quite horrible... 

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs, and her menstrual periods cease permanently. 

Menopause can cause a variety of symptoms that vary from woman to woman, but some common symptoms of menopause include:

1. Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the body, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, and rapid heartbeat. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night and can cause sleep disturbances.

2. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

The decrease in estrogen production during menopause can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to discomfort during sexual activity. 

3. Mood changes

Severe changes in the hormones during menopause can cause mood changes, as well as mental health issues. Women may experience feelings of anxiety, stress or even depression during menopause. Menopausal symptoms may also include anger and irritability. 

4. Sleep disturbances

Many women experience insomnia or disrupted sleep during menopause. A lack of sleep is a common symptom that many women go through during the menopause. Much of this is due to overheating, and excessive sweating, at night. 

5. Changes in sexual function

Decreased estrogen levels can also lead to changes in sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. A lot of women do not feel like having sex during menopause. This is perfectly normal, but it usually passes, with time. 

6. Urinary problems

Menopause can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and other urinary problems. Some women also have pain when urinating and urinating more often than usual. Symptoms of the genital and urinary tract systems are called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This syndrome is also sometimes called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis.

7. Changes in the skin

Decreased estrogen levels can cause skin to become drier and thinner. Studies show that women's skin loses about a third of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. As collagen diminishes, the skin loses it firmness and begins to sag.

8. Hair loss

Hair loss around the menopause is usually caused by changing hormone levels – and the body producing less oestrogen and progesterone. These two hormones keep your hair healthy, making it grow faster and helping it stay on your head longer.

It's important to note that not all women experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary widely. If you're experiencing symptoms of menopause that are affecting your quality of life, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options.