How do I know if I'm menopausal? The answer might surprise you...
You're nearing the end of your reproductive years, but you're not quite sure if you're menopausal or in peri-menopause. You've heard that these are the years leading up to menopause, but what do they really mean for you?
You're not alone in your confusion. The terms "menopause" and "peri-menopause" are often used interchangeably, and they can be confusing for women trying to determine if they are experiencing the symptoms of menopause.
In this post, we'll break down the differences between menopause and peri-menopause and help you determine if you are in fact experiencing the symptoms of menopause.
The Hard Truth About Menopause
You're probably aware that menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women, but do you know what it actually is?
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods stop permanently. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can happen anytime from your late 30s to early 60s.
There are a number of symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. But the hard truth is that not everyone experiences these symptoms, and some women go through menopause without even realizing it.
The Most Common Symptoms of Menopause
There are a few common symptoms of menopause that tend to show up around the time of your menstrual cycle changing. All of those symptoms mentioned above are the obvious ones and changes in your libido is more common than you might like to think. Sometimes the vaginal dryness is unbearable.
However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences these symptoms and that they can vary from woman to woman. So if you're worried that you might be going through menopause, it's best to consult with your doctor and get a diagnosis.
Why You Might Not Know You're in Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can be so mild that you might not even realize you're going through it. In fact, according to the North American Menopause Society, around 33% of women don't know they're in menopause until they've gone a full year without a menstrual period.
So how can you tell if you're in menopause? There are a few key signs to look out for: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness and changes in your sex drive. If you're experiencing most or all of these symptoms, it's likely that you're in menopause.
If you're approaching menopause or are already in the midst of it, don't worry—there are plenty of ways to deal with the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you, and make sure to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
How to Cope With Menopause
So you think you might be going through menopause? The good news is that there are ways to cope with the symptoms. Here are a few tips:
1. Talk to your doctor. He or she can help you figure out if you're menopausal and, if so, recommend the best course of treatment.
2. Modify your diet. Cut back on processed foods and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help to boost your energy and improve your overall health.
3. Get regular exercise. Exercise can help you feel better both physically and emotionally, and it's a great way to relieve stress.
4. Seek support from family and friends. Menopause can be a difficult time, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Talk to the people close to you about what you're going through and lean on them for emotional support.
When to See a Doctor About Menopause
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. Many women decide to go on hormone therapy to help relieve their symptoms, but there are also other homeopathic treatments available. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment for you based on your individual situation.
Conclusion
You might be wondering how to know if you're menopausal. The answer is that there isn't one definitive way to know. Surprise! Each woman's experience is unique, so you may not know it, however, the clues mentioned above are some sure fire signs.
