The estrogen low levels lead to a change in your period. This is what you notice first. Your periods may no longer be regular; rather, they may be shorter or longer. You may bleed less than usual or more. These are all normal changes. But see your doctor if your periods come very close together or you have heavy bleeding. In case you have spotting or your periods last more than a week, it is best to consult a doctor.
Hot flashes are a result of estrogen low levels. Hence, many women have hot flashes around this time of menopause. These hot flashes may last for a few years after menopause. A hot flash refers to a sudden feeling of heat in all of your body. Your face and neck may become flushed. Besides, red blotches may appear on your chest, back, as well as arms. This can be followed by heavy sweating and cold shivering. Flashes can be very mild or strong. They may even wake you from your sleep. Most hot flashes last between 30 seconds and can go up to 10 minutes.
The estrogen low levels can cause your genital area to get drier as well as thinner, which could make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Also, you can have more vaginal or urinary infections. Some women may find it hard to hold their urine long enough. At times, urine leaks during exercise, sneezing, coughing, as well as laughing or running.
Around midlife, some women may have trouble in getting a good night’s sleep. Either they can’t fall asleep easily, or they wake too early. Night sweats too might wake them up. Then they may have trouble falling back to sleep in case they wake during the night.
You may find that your feelings about sex are changing due to the estrogen low levels. Besides, you may find yourself more moody as well as irritable around the time of menopause. Besides, stress, family changes like growing children or aging parents, as well as a history of depression could be causing these mood changes.