From the Guidelines
Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and irregular periods, with hot flashes being the most common symptom, experienced by about 75% of women. These symptoms result from declining estrogen production as ovaries reduce their hormonal function 1.
Common Symptoms
- Hot flashes, characterized by sudden feelings of warmth spreading throughout the body
- Night sweats, which can disrupt sleep, contributing to fatigue and irritability
- Vaginal dryness, occurring due to decreased estrogen levels, causing discomfort during intercourse
- Sleep disturbances, mood swings, anxiety, or depression during this transition
- Other common symptoms include decreased libido, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin, and memory or concentration problems
- Joint and muscle aches may also occur Symptoms typically begin during perimenopause (the transition period before menopause) and can last for several years 1. The severity and duration of symptoms vary significantly between individuals, with some women experiencing minimal disruption while others have more severe symptoms that may benefit from treatments like hormone therapy, vaginal moisturizers, or lifestyle modifications 1.
Treatment Options
- Hormone therapy
- Vaginal moisturizers
- Lifestyle modifications, such as rhythmic breathing, vitamins, exercise, and avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Environmental modifications, such as cool rooms and dressing in layers, can also be helpful
- Nonhormonal medications like SNRIs and SSRIs can decrease the intensity and severity of vasomotor symptoms, although they are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for this indication 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can be diverse and impact various aspects of a woman's life. Some common symptoms include:
- Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, which can vary in intensity and duration 2, 3, 4
- Genitourinary symptoms, including vaginal atrophy and dryness, leading to diaphoresis, dyspareunia, and increased risk of infection 2, 3, 4
- Changes in sexual function, mood, and sleep 3, 5
- Psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety 5, 6
- Sleep disturbances 3, 6
- Joint pain and skin changes 6
- Urogeninal symptoms, including urinary problems 3, 6
Prevalence of Symptoms
Approximately 50% to 75% of women experience hot flashes, night sweats, or both (vasomotor symptoms) during the menopausal transition, while more than 50% experience genitourinary symptoms (genitourinary syndrome of menopause [GSM]) 4. These symptoms can be chronic and last for several years, impacting a woman's quality of life 4.
Impact on Quality of Life
The symptoms of menopause can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, making management of these symptoms essential to reduce the associated burden 5. Understanding and treating the symptoms of menopause is crucial, as women will live up to a third of their life in the postmenopausal stage 5.