Menopause symptoms: What to expect from mood swings, hot flashes, skin changes

Symptoms of menopause: Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to metabolic slowdowns and changes in fat distribution. Hormonal changes can lead to increased abdominal fat, posing health risks like diabetes and heart disease (Image: Canva)

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and reproductive years. It usually starts after 12 consecutive months without a period, occurring between ages 45 and 55.  Hormonal changes is the primal cause for menopause.
As women, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. This decline causes ovulation to stop, leading to menopause. While this process is natural, it may trigger a range of physical and emotional symptoms due to hormonal imbalances.

According to a study in National Institutes of Health (NIH) as women age, their ovarian follicles decline, reducing hormone production like estrogen, inhibin, and AMH. This leads to higher FSH and LH levels, disrupting the menstrual cycle.

Periods may first become shorter and more frequent, then irregular or heavy, before stopping entirely. Testosterone levels remain stable, shifting the balance between estrogen and testosterone, which can cause androgen-related symptoms. Menopause may also result from surgeries, chemotherapy, or other treatments, but this overview focuses on natural menopause.

Also read | Menopause symptoms: Mood swings, hot flashes and sleep disturbances are signs of transition

9 ways menopause might affect your body:

Brain fog: Menopause often brings cognitive challenges, including difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fatigue. These changes are linked to declining estrogen levels, which play a role in brain function.

Thinning hair: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to hair loss or thinning, as estrogen levels drop and androgens (male hormones) become more dominant. This can also affect hair texture and growth cycles.

Hot flashes: One of the most common symptoms, hot flashes are sudden waves of heat that often cause sweating and discomfort. These episodes result from changes in the hypothalamus, the brain's temperature regulation center.

Bone loss: Menopause accelerates bone density loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone health, and its decline leads to weakened bones prone to fractures.

Dry skin and nails: Hormonal shifts can reduce skin elasticity and hydration, leading to dry, itchy skin. Nails may become brittle, reflecting a broader decline in skin and nail health.

Weight gain: Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to metabolic slowdowns and changes in fat distribution. Hormonal changes can lead to increased abdominal fat, posing health risks like diabetes and heart disease.

Sexual dysfunction: Declining estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and discomfort during intercourse. Emotional factors, including stress and anxiety, may also contribute to sexual health challenges.

Also read | What is menopause, signs and symptoms of this natural transition, expert tips to manage

Dry eyes and mouth: Menopause can lead to reduced production of tears and saliva, causing dryness in the eyes and mouth. These symptoms may affect daily comfort and quality of life.

Depression and anxiety: Hormonal fluctuations are linked to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. These emotional changes can be increased by life transitions and sleep disturbances common during menopause.

Managing menopause:

Managing menopause involves a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, stress relief through yoga or mindfulness, and, if needed, medical options like hormone replacement therapy. Consult a doctor for personalised treatment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.