Menopause Around The Corner? 4 Changes You Can Expect
When they refer to menopause as "the change" they aren't kidding. Your body is going to go through so many changes. You may be looking forward to the end of your periods, but you probably aren't looking forward to the physical and emotional changes that accompany menopause. In fact, you might not even be aware of all the different changes that you're about to endure. You probably know about the hot flashes but you might not know about some of the other changes you're going to have to deal with. Here's a brief look at what you have to look forward to.
Frequent Urination
When you go through menopause, your body stops producing estrogen. As a result, the lining of your urethra thins out and begins to shrink. When this happens, your bladder won't be able to hold as much urine as it once did. This means that you might find yourself heading to the bathroom more often than you used to. If it begins to interfere with your daily activities, you should talk to your doctor about it.
Urinary Incontinence
In addition to frequent urination, you may find that you also suffer from urinary incontinence. If you had children, your bladder weakened during each pregnancy. Now that you're going through menopause, those already weakened muscles are weakening even more.
Part of reason for this is because your body needs estrogen to keep the bladder muscles strong. Now that you no longer produce estrogen, your bladder may no longer be able to hold urine. Many women find that they need to wear panty liners to prevent embarrassing leaks.
Mood Swings
If you thought mood swings were over when the periods stopped, you're in for a rude awakening. Sadly, mood swings can actually get worse during menopause. Part of the reason for this is because your estrogen levels are going to fluctuate almost constantly until you're completely done with menopause. If your mood swings become so severe that they interfere with your life, you should speak to your gynecologist about treatment options.
Insomnia And Fatigue
The hot flashes that you were prepared for may actually cause you to lose sleep. If you're constantly waking up to adjust the covers, you may find that you develop insomnia. Severe insomnia can lead to extreme fatigue, memory loss, and anxiety. If you're experiencing sleep disturbances, your gynecologist, one like Naples OBGYN, may be able to prescribe you something to help you sleep at night.
Menopause is a natural occurrence that signifies a change in your reproductive life. Be prepared for the changes that are coming to your life. Your gynecologist will be able to answer any questions that you might have.
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