Menopause is a natural occurrence that happens to every woman. Hormonal influxes cause changes in women’s bodies before, during, and after menopause. As your estrogen levels decrease, changes begin to occur – for some these can last for several years. Menopause can affect different parts of your body in different ways, here’s how.
Weight
Your weight may change before, during, and after menopause and what worked to lose weight before may not work anymore. It’s important to understand how your body has changed and how to update your weight loss or management approach. For some women, weight loss during and after menopause can feel like hard work, but talk to your doctor to understand what you can do help your body adjust whilst going through menopause.
Mood Swings – Brain and the Nervous System
Mood swings are one of the most common symptoms of menopause caused by changes in your hormones. As the brain and nervous system are connected, if you experience a change in your brain due to hormone depletion such as mood swings, these changes may also show as physical too due to your nervous system. There are many changes that may occur including hot sweats, feelings of stress, irritability and fatigue. These are all completely normal and are due to your hormones, but it is important that your partner understands this and is supportive.
The Skin
Menopause can affect the skin in many ways, and this is something many women do not link to menopause. As our estrogen levels change, the elasticity in our skin becomes weaker and our skin is less able to hold water, meaning it may become drier and flakey.
Reproductive System
This is what is affected the most, and with menopause comes the end of your monthly periods. Your periods may slowly stop over time or become irregular, and this can occur in different ages in women, there is no exact age that menopause can start, and some women experience menopause very early in life.
Bones
Once we hit the age of 30, our bones begin to weaken. The stronger our bones are before we hit the age of 30, the stronger they may be for the rest of our lives. This means taking good care of them, exercising and eating the right foods. Women are more susceptible to bone diseases such as osteoporosis due to menopause. This is because the lack of estrogen leads to a low bone density, gradually leading to weaker bones and a higher risk of breaks and fractures.
Menopause can affect women in many ways and being prepared and understanding how your body changes is important. If you are worried you are beginning menopause at an early age, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor.
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