Menopause, by definition is the cessation of a menstrual cycle for longer than 12 months.  However, women can experience symptoms of menopause four years prior and up to five to ten years after menopause.  Many of these changes are due to hormonal imbalances.  With aging, women produce fewer and fewer ovarian eggs.  This means that fewer follicles grow each menstrual cycle resulting in a shorter and shorter menstrual period each month.  As menopause approaches, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone.  Eventually, estrogen levels drop low enough that there is not enough uterine tissue build-up to produce a menses, which leads to menstruation stopping altogether.  Finally imbalances in, or low thyroid and/or adrenal hormones can also contribute to and exacerbate the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe and vary from woman to woman.

 

The most common signs and symptoms of Menopause include:

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• ​Menstrual Irregularities​

• Hot flashes and night sweats​

• Mental decline – mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety and memory lapse

• ​Insomnia​

• Fatigue​

• Loss of Libido

• ​Weight gain​

• Vaginal dryness and urinary tract changes​

• Hair and skin changes​

• Beginning stages of osteoporosis and heart disease   ​