Have you found yourself completely unable to predict the nature of Aunt Flo lately? One month you brace yourself for your period only to find that it never comes? Maybe you haven’t had a menstrual cycle in months, and as you are beginning to accept that this could be the end of your reproductive era, BAM, she surprises you with what seems like a normal period flow? 

Now imagine that after a night of tossing and turning and restless attempts at slumber, you are on a morning walk. There is nothing like the crisp cool autumn air blowing across your face, and just when you decide to relax, you get slapped with a sudden heatwave!? While none of these symptoms seem related on the surface, they are telltale signs that you may soon find yourself embarking upon the journey of enduring menopause. 

October is International Menopause Awareness Month because, believe it or not; we still struggle to understand and treat menopause symptoms. Menopause marks the end of an era, new beginnings, and the emergence of a new phase of life, but menopause is anything but fun. Although aging can be beautiful and welcomed gracefully, no one enjoys hot flashes and unpredictable mood swings. Understanding what to expect when you are expecting menopause can help make navigating this time a little bit easier. Below we break down the 10 most common symptoms of menopause:

Irregular Periods

Changes in your menstrual cycle can be one of the first indicators that your hormones are out of whack. Tracking your cycle is extremely important for staying ahead of these fluctuations. Understanding the patterns of your cycle will help you to determine what stage of life you are experiencing. Sometimes missed periods are unexpected, whereas, in other circumstances, you can identify precisely how and why your cycle begins to slow or becomes less consistent as you enter the pre-menopausal state of perimenopause. 

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of menopause and perimenopause’s least-loved symptoms. Hot flashes hit you intensely, leaving you feeling like your upper body is on fire for anywhere from a few seconds up to five minutes! Phew! We are sweating just thinking about that. Hot flashes can strike at any time, unexpectedly leaving you sweating, uncomfortable, flushed, and sometimes even feeling like you need to have a seat. Remember watching your mom desperately fanning herself with her hand even on the coldest days? You probably do because this symptom seems never to end. On average, feeling the heat from hot flashes can last for 7 to 10 years. 

Mood Swings

If you feel like an emotional rollercoaster, suffering from ups and downs, loops, and twists, you could be entering perimenopause or menopause. This symptom can be one of the most frustrating menopause symptoms because it leaves you feeling totally out of control. Generally, due to discomfort, your fuse is shorter. During this phase of life, remember to exercise regularly, take breaks when you need them, and do your best to stay connected to your family and friends. 

General Dryness

Menopause and perimenopause can leave you feeling like a literal desert. Not only will you begin to notice that your skin and hair feel more thirsty, but you may also literally be thirsty. Drink plenty of water and do your best to stay ahead of the hydration game to combat this menopause symptom. Unfortunately, dryness can extend to vaginal dryness as well, impacting your ability to enjoy sex. If you have an active sex life, lubrication is your best friend during menopause.

Weight Changes

As your hormones fluctuate and estrogen levels change, it is common for your metabolism to slow down and weight gain to be almost inevitable. Most women gain 10-15lbs during menopause, and up to 30lbs is considered typical. Cut yourself some slack and understand that your entire metabolic mechanism is different during menopause. This menopause symptom can be emotionally taxing, but you need to stay active and positive, even if it can feel like an uphill climb.  

Skin and Hair Changes

General dryness is a menopause symptom that can impact your hair and skin. You will notice during menopause that your hair is more brittle, fine, and even at times, falls out. Hair loss and changes are prevalent during menopause which can be a massive blow to your confidence. Remember to drink plenty of water, consider a collagen supplement, and practice healthy skin and hair routine habits. Conditioning treatments, face masks, and moisturizers are critical tools for combating these natural changes. 

Bone Loss

Did you know that, on average, women lose 10% of their bone density in the first 5 years after the onset of menopause? Sharp estrogen level decline leaves us brittle-boned, as estrogen is responsible for protecting and strengthening your bones. While this menopause symptom can sound scary, as we can never rebuild lost bone cells, you can increase bone strength and improve bone density by simply walking every day. It is a simple, safe, weight-bearing exercise that promotes bone growth and bone health. Additionally, walking helps strengthen stabilizing muscles, in turn helping with balance, mobility, and fall prevention. 

Brain Fog

“What was I looking for?” - every menopausal woman ever. Have you found yourself walking into a room, knowing you are looking for something, and then totally forgetting what you were in the room looking for in the first place? This happens to everyone, with or without menopause, but brain fog is a common menopause symptom. Unfortunately, many menopausal women are sleep deprived, which can further amplify this menopause symptom. Practicing mindful grounding techniques, actively slowing down, and practicing healthy sleep habits can help dramatically with cognitive function during menopause. 

Sleep Problems

Tossing and turning, never settling in, staring at the ceiling all night, you finally fall asleep, and your alarm goes off. You wake up feeling like you have not slept at all. Chances are strong that if you are menopausal, this is not far from true. Most menopausal women report issues with sleep and insomnia. Unfortunately, this menopausal symptom can trigger many other menopause symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, and general stress. Getting enough sleep as a menopausal woman is just as important as getting enough sleep as an infant. If you find that you have tried EVERYTHING and still can’t settle in for the night, consider a natural sleep aid like Deep Sleep Mode. There is no shame in needing a little help from a natural sandman to settle into dreamland, and you will love ending each night with a book and a nice warm cup of DSM. 

Diminished Sex Drive

Changes in your sexual desires during menopause are normal. There are several reasons for changes in your libido during this stage of life. Vaginal dryness and discomfort can leave many women embarrassed or discouraged. Your body is changing in many physical ways, which can leave you more self-aware and uncomfortable in your skin. In addition, the changes to your estrogen and testosterone levels naturally curb your enthusiasm for hot steamy sex too. This menopause symptom can be frustrating for you and your partner, so allow yourself to discuss this time openly with your partner if you find yourself struggling to get in the mood. 

Give Me A Break - How To Treat These Symptoms:

Hot flashes, wild mood swings, bodily changes, a loss of passion, increased stress, and insomnia do not sound like a walk in the park, and we do not want to pretend that they are. Facing the daily challenges associated with these 10 common symptoms of menopause probably feels impossible. Remember, you are not alone. 1.3 million women will enter menopause this year in the United States alone. That is a lot of women who do not need to suffer in silence. 

Consider joining a menopause support group online where you can chat explicitly about the challenges you face and gather advice from women in this same stage of life. Consult with your doctor if your symptoms become unbearable or you find yourself depressed and struggling to face day-to-day responsibilities. The more that we talk about menopause and normalize conversations around the best and worst parts of this new phase of life, the more we can progress science and societal understanding of the challenges associated with menopause and perimenopause. 

You can take back control of your life, look and feel amazing, and even sleep better during menopause, and you can do this NATURALLY. We have crafted a unique system that targets your hormonal imbalances, reduces the signs of aging, boosts your energy, and ensures a deep, restful sleep each night. The Complete Hormone Synergy System can bring you relief as you enter and endure perimenopause and menopause. Women of all ages can take this system safely, and over a thousand customers have shared their success stories and left a 5-star review. The Complete Hormone Synergy System consists of Prebiotic Collagen Protein, Hormone Harmony, and Deep Sleep Mode. The Trifecta - your menopause survival secret weapon. 

If you are still not sure where to start…

Consider taking our FREE Comprehensive Health Quiz today to determine your personal needs. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor before beginning a new health supplement or nutritional routine.