Menopause
Alternate Names : Change of Life, Climacteric
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman.
Some women will have severe symptoms. Others will have mild symptoms
or none at all. The symptoms may occur for a few weeks, a few months,
or even several years. The symptoms may come and go. Some common
physical symptoms include:
disturbed sleep patterns, or other
sleep disorders
hot flashes,
which are a sudden sensation of heat in the whole body or in the upper part of
the body
irregular menstrual periods
leakage of urine when coughing, laughing, lifting, or during exercise
more frequent minor vaginal infections
and urinary tract infections
more frequent urination
night sweats
pain during sexual intercourse, known as
dyspareunia
Women who are menopausal do not experience any more
mental illnesses than any other group. However, the following
psychological symptoms are common during menopause:
anxiety
depression
difficulty remembering things
irritability
lack of concentration
less desire for sex
sleeplessness
tearfulness
Menopause usually occurs during a time in life when
other dramatic changes are taking place. Common changes during midlife
include:
becoming a grandparent
changing careers
starting retirement
losing a parent
having children grow up and leave home
These changes along with the changes going on in a
woman's body during menopause may result in increased
stress.
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