Preparing for the First Symptoms of Menopause

By Judy Wellsworth

Menopause is a perfectly natural physiological change, so the first symptoms of menopause should be regarded as the beginning of a new phase of a woman's life. Even so, the first symptoms of menopause can cause concern for many women who are not quite ready to accept the passage of time and the end of their childbearing years. They may await the first symptoms of menopause with a mixture of dread and relief that it is finally approaching.

Those women who are not well prepared to deal with the first symptoms of menopause may actually panic when they appear; even worse, if the first symptoms of menopause arrive earlier than expected, women can often mistake them for something else and seek unnecessary medical or psychological treatment. The first symptoms of menopause can appear as early as a woman's thirties, although that is relatively uncommon. But even with their thirties women will begin to have fluctuations in their hormonal balances which are simply an indication that menopause is on the way.

Identifying The First Symptoms Of Menopause

Hormones are responsible for most of the physiological changes which women experience from puberty on. Hormones regulate the start and regularity of the menstrual cycle, and one of the first symptoms of menopause is an interruption of that regularity. The menstrual cycles will first become irregular, and will eventually cease altogether.

Another of the first signs of menopause is that the amount of menstrual flow will either increase or decrease significantly; and the development of fibroid tumors along the uterine walls may also occur in the early stages of menopause.

Many women also experience mood shifts, insomnia, hot flashes, and night sweats as menopausal symptoms. These symptoms can sometimes be so severe that they actually interfere with the daily routines of life. Mood shifts can confuse and irritate both family and friends; and the hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia can exacerbate the effects of the mood shifts.

Other of the common first symptoms of menopause include unexplained weight gain, and vaginal dryness leading to uncomfortable intercourse. Women who educate themselves in what to expect from the first symptoms of menopause will be prepared to recognize them for what they are and seek the appropriate medical and emotional support they need to make the transition from perimenopause to postmenopause as smooth as possible for themselves and their loved ones.

For More Information:

You can also find more info on diet and exercise and post-menopause you. Menopausesymptomshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Menopase Symptoms.

Article courtesy of www.goarticles.com.