For majority of women, physiological changes brought about by menopause start to manifest right after the age of 40. This is a time when ovaries do not produce as much progesterone and estrogen as before and menstruation become irregular. This phase is more commonly known as perimenopause or premenopause. On the average, the completion of menopause occurs in women aged around 51. However, some have earlier menopause because of cancer therapy, removal of ovaries, or ovarian failure.

Again, the degree and severity of the signs of menopause differ from one woman to another. Thus, some may not know that they already completed the phase until their monthly period has finally stopped. However, if you feel any of the symptoms below, it would be wise if you consult your doctor because there are several health conditions that may have similar symptoms as menopause. This is especially true for women who are younger than 40 and who experience severe physical discomforts.

Hot Flashes

Many women describe hot flash as an episode in which a sudden blast of heat coming from the upper body is felt. This can last for as short as a minute and as long as 30 minutes. The problem with hot flashes, particularly those that last for more than five minutes, is that you end up sweating a lot. So after just one episode, you feel suddenly cold on your soaked clothes. Night sweating is very similar to hot flashes. The main difference is that it occurs during the night so many women end up with sweat-soaked clothes when they wake up.

Irregularity of Menstruation

The most obvious sign of menopause is a change in the pattern and regularity of your period. Due to changing hormonal levels, you may experience irregular periods for a few months or even years. Aside from these irregularities, you will also find a change in the blood flow of your menstruation. Sometimes periods may be heavy or very light. If you experience pain and discomfort during your period, it would be best to tell your doctor about it. Although this symptom may be normal among menopausal women, it is still worth mentioning.

Vaginal And Bladder Problems

Itching or burning sensation while urinating and having sex coupled with vaginal dryness are just some of the problems that are experienced by women who are having menopause or perimenopause. It is also quite common for women to catch vaginal infections or even bladder problems, such as urinary tract infection or the inability to hold urine properly. Although such infections are common, they are not normal and will not go away without being treated.

Erratic Mood Changes

Another annoying symptom of menopause is mood changes. Many menopausal women find themselves in the middle of misunderstandings and disagreements with their partner, children, family, colleagues and friends because of this. Experts believe that declining estrogen levels may be responsible for the shifting moods in women. This symptom may also be exacerbated by stress and fatigue. But it is important to note that depression is not a sign of menopause. If you have chronic depression during this stage, you need to address this condition immediately or seek some professional help.

If you think that you are already in a stage of menopause, based on the symptoms above, do not fret. There are a lot of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and live your life normally. If you are afraid to undergo hormone replacement therapy, you can also find help from natural-based supplements, such as Menersa. Learn more about this product by visiting