At menopause , many women experience weight gain , particularly around the abdomen . Contributors to weight gain at menopause include declining oestrogen levels , age-related loss of muscle tissue and lifestyle factors such as diet and lack of exercise .
a decrease in estrogen levels . In response to this , your glands release higher amounts of other hormones that affect the brain ' s thermostat , causing the body temperature to fluctuate . Hormone therapy has been shown to relieve some of the discomfort of hot flashes for many women . Night sweats are simply hot flushes that occur at night . From my experience hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptom that makes women seek medical advice .
Anxiety and changes in mood
Low mood or irritability can lead to loss of self-confidence . It ’ s important to understand that many mood changes can happen because of the hormone changes in the brain , and this is beyond anyone ’ s control . Like depression , anxiety can occur because falling oestrogen levels change the way your brain functions . Some studies have shown that oestrogen is linked to levels of serotonin ( the ‘ happy hormone ’) in the brain . There is evidence that oestrogen levels are also linked to cortisol levels - the hormone of stress - so that when oestrogen levels drop , cortisol levels rise . It is likely that other hormones and chemical factors are also involved .
Problems with memory , concentration and ‘ brain fog ’
Brain fog is a condition often used by women during menopause to describe problems with memory , concentration and focus . It can create concerns that it could be an early sign of dementia or other serious issues . Brain fog could be related to sleep disturbances , another common symptom of menopause . The good news is that brain fog is temporary and during the perimenopause period hormone replacement therapy can be used to improve sleep and reduce hot flashes resulting in better cognitive function .
Changes in skin conditions
There are changes in skin conditions including dryness or increase in oiliness and onset of adult acne . During menopause , the skin quickly loses collagen . Studies show that women ’ s skin loses about 30 % of its collagen during the first five years of menopause . After that , the decline is more gradual . Women lose about 2 % of their collagen every year for the next 20 years .
Protect your skin from the sun with use of sunscreens . This can reduce visible wrinkles
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At menopause , many women experience weight gain , particularly around the abdomen . Contributors to weight gain at menopause include declining oestrogen levels , age-related loss of muscle tissue and lifestyle factors such as diet and lack of exercise .
and prevent new wrinkles . There are also various remedies or creams for wrinkles . Also consider using a skin care product that contains retinol or peptides . These ingredients can increase collagen in the skin .
As levels of female hormones drop before and during menopause , some women develop teenage-like acne . Because a woman ’ s skin is thinner and drier , treatments for teenage acne are often too harsh . Dermatologists recommend that you wash acne-prone skin with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid , this helps unclog pores . Avoid acne products that dry your skin . Drying your skin can worsen acne . Make a dermatology appointment if you cannot get acne under control . A hormonal treatment may be necessary .
Difficulty sleeping
This may make sufferers feel tired and irritable during the day . Hot flashes , especially night sweats , and changes in mood - depression in particular - can contribute to poor sleep . Managing these issues may help to manage sleep symptoms as well . Some women who have trouble sleeping may use over-the-counter sleep aids such as melatonin .
Discomfort during sex
As estrogen levels fall as women approach and pass menopause , the resulting dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues can cause penetration and intercourse to be uncomfortable for many women .
Headaches or migraines
Headaches are a common symptom that affect quality of life in midlife women . Several types that have various causes are possible . Headaches may be provoked by a number of factors , including stress , certain foods or beverages , skipping meals , sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns , allergies , exercise , sexual activity , and environmental changes such as noise , bright lights or changes in weather or altitude .
Migraines are moderate to severe headaches that involve throbbing or pulsating pain that ’ s usually aggravated by activity . They ’ re typically accompanied by sound sensitivity , light sensitivity , or nausea . Hormones may play a role in migraine headaches . Some women may notice that headaches tend to occur at certain times in their menstrual cycle . The fluctuation in estrogen levels in perimenopause may cause hormone headaches to increase . But many women will see these headaches stop once menopause is reached ; however , some women will continue to have headaches after menopause .
Increase in facial hair
During menopause , a woman ' s body stops circulating estrogen but continues to circulate the same amounts of testosterone . The imbalance of hormones causes the appearance of some male secondary sex characteristics , like coarse facial hair .
Hair loss or thinning
The thinning can occur on the front , sides , or top of the head . Hair may also fall out in large clumps during brushing and showering . Research suggests that hair loss during menopause is the result of a hormonal imbalance . Specifically , it ' s related to a lowered production of estrogen and progesterone .
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections ( UTIs ), such as Cystitis
A UTI is usually a bacterial infection that can happen anywhere in your urinary tract . They can show up with a multitude
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