Menopause is something that affects women in their older years. It can affect all women differently. What one woman experiences is not exactly what you are going to experience. Your symptoms may be mild compared to someone else. If you aren't sure if you are experiencing the signs of menopause, read on for a few that could affect you and what you may be able to do to help.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a sign of menopause that can come on quickly and go away just as fast. You may feel them while sitting and doing nothing, or while active, or even while you're sleeping. These hot flashes can be very irritating, especially when you experience them when you're out and about. Dressing in layers will help with this, as will dressing in clothing that helps wick sweat away from the body. At night or while at work, you can also keep a fan nearby to help you cool off.
Irritability
Your hormones will be all over the place, you may feel happy one instant and then sad the next, or even grumpy for no reason at all. With these hormonal changes, it can be difficult on relationships and on those around you. To help control your hormones, your gynecologist can give you replacement hormones. You'll need to get an exam and a checkup from your gynecologist, who can then prescribe the type of hormone therapy you need to you.
Low Sex Drive
With your hormones all over the place and those hot flashes, sex may be the last thing on your mind and you may not have any sex drive at all. This can also be hard on your relationship. You can talk to your gynecologist about this as well for treatment options and what can be helpful to you, including medication or hormone replacement therapy.
Dry Skin/Hair
You may also notice changes to your skin, scalp or hair during menopause. You may see your hair falling out, notice flakes in your scalp, or notice that your skin may be feeling not quite as soft as it once was. Extra lotion can help, as can a different type of shampoo to improve your dry scalp. If your hair continues to fall out, talk to your gynecologist about what can be done.
Menopause affects every woman differently and these are just a few of the more common symptoms. If you think you are going through menopause, talk to your gynecologist about your symptoms and what can be done to help alleviate your symptoms. Get in touch with a gynecologist like George L Stankevych, MD.
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