Menopause is high on the list of unavoidable life changes that women will go through. If you’re getting older, it’s important to know what signs to look for and how to deal with them well. With the right information, you’ll be able to manage the changes and continue with your daily life.
Typical Signs of Menopause
The signs of menopause can vary from one person to the other. Some women have reported much milder symptoms than others. With that said, typical signs of menopause include:
- Irregular menstruation
- Chills
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain from a slowed metabolism
- Drastic changes in mood
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Reduced breast fullness
- Loss of coordination
- Incontinence
The first sign most women notice is the change in their menstrual cycle. For those who already had an irregular cycle, it might take the onset of other symptoms to highlight the possibility of menopause’s onset.
Regardless of which symptoms women experience, they usually level out over time. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for African American women. According to recent studies, black women are more likely to experience stronger symptoms of menopause. Additionally, their symptoms have been shown to worsen as they age.
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For African American women who are experiencing menopause because of a hysterectomy, the news is just as discouraging. While some women may experience an ease in their symptoms with hormone replacement therapy, women of color reported no such change. Studies also show that black women spend much longer in the transitional phase than others.
Signs of Early Menopause
Recent statistics show that the average age of menopause for African American women in the United States is 49 years old. This is 2 years younger than the general average. Even so, menopause can set in much earlier. Anyone who experiences menopausal symptoms before the age of 40 is said to be in early menopause.
The symptoms of early menopause are
