Symptoms Menopause
What are the symptoms of the menopause?
During the menopause, you may experience physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disorders and mood swings. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and can also change within the three different phases of the menopause.
Symptoms in the phases of the menopause
The menopause brings with it many physical changes, which can manifest themselves in various ways. Osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders are just a few examples of the possible symptoms and long-term consequences of the menopause. These symptoms can be different from woman to woman and vary depending on the phase of the menopause. It is helpful to consciously deal with the changes in order to be able to react to possible complaints in good time and take appropriate measures. In addition to the descriptive symptoms, there are also other typical menopausal symptoms:
Perimenopause (transition phase):
- Irregular menstruation
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disorders
- Mood swings (e.g. irritability, tearfulness)
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Lower libido
- Headaches
Postmenopause (after the menopause)
- Hot flushes (may still occur, but may decrease)
- Dry skin and mucous membranes
- Vaginal dryness (may persist)
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Reduced muscle mass
- Sleep disorders (may still occur)
- Mood swings or depressive moods
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Flatulence or digestive problems
Menopause (last menstruation and transition):
- Permanent absence of menstrual bleeding
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disorders
- Vaginal dryness
- Lower libido
- Irritability or depressive moods
- Weight changes (frequent weight gain)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Frequent urge to urinate
Long-term consequences of the menopause
The menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that not only brings temporary symptoms, but can also have long-term effects on the body. The decline in hormones, particularly oestrogen, changes many bodily functions and can increase the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders. It is important to be aware of these possible long-term consequences in order to take early action and actively support your own health after the menopause.
Bone health
The menopause has a direct impact on bone health, as falling oestrogen levels accelerate natural bone loss. Oestrogen plays an important role in protecting bones, and the loss of this hormone during the menopause leads to reduced bone density. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and more prone to fractures. The risk is particularly high in the first few years after the menopause. To prevent osteoporosis, a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise are crucial.
Cardiovascular diseases
The decline in oestrogen after the menopause can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, as oestrogen also has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. However, women can actively counteract this by incorporating regular exercise into their daily routine, such as walking or cycling, and ensuring they eat a balanced diet. Controlling blood pressure and avoiding stress are also important factors in strengthening the heart and reducing the risk of high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. With these simple but effective measures, the cardiovascular system can be kept healthy even after the menopause.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are a common symptom of the menopause and are closely linked to hormonal changes. The decline in oestrogen and progesterone can affect sleep regulation, as oestrogen has a calming effect and progesterone promotes sleep. In addition, hot flushes and night sweats caused by falling oestrogen levels often lead to night-time interruptions. Mood swings and increased stress can also have a negative impact on sleep. Regular sleeping habits, stress reduction and a balanced lifestyle can help to alleviate sleep disorders.
