Menopause symptoms are many and varied, based on the individual. Some women will suffer through no symptoms and will merely note that their periods stop after a short time of irregularity. Others may go through every possible symptom, even up to ten years before menopause properly hits. The symptoms are important to understand so you can watch over your health, see a doctor if something seems suspicious, and so you can understand what to expect in the coming years.

Menopause usually starts between the ages of forty and sixty and can be stretched out over the course of one to fifteen years, depending on the individual. Usually symptoms start in a woman’s late forties and end in her early fifties. Very early symptoms are known as pre-menopause and the monthly period may not be effected until far later.

There is the mistaken belief that menopause is when a woman’s period ends. In truth, this is only another symptom. Menopause is really when a woman’s ovaries stop releasing as much estrogen and thereby stop releasing eggs. Lower estrogen levels are responsible for all symptoms, including one’s period stopping.

Irregular periods will probably occur for a while before the periods stop entirely. This is very normal. The new hormone levels will throw your entire body off its usual track. Think of how irregular your periods were when you went through puberty. This is the same process, just going in the other direction. Irregular periods may mean other irregularities, like premenstrual syndrome at odd times or all month long, constant cramping, or sore breasts. A doctor can best examine and qualify these symptoms.

Decreased sexual drive is another side effect of lowered estrogen. This is very natural, considering the rapid changes one’s reproductive system is undergoing. Women can experience vaginal dryness or itching, which can also make sexual intercourse difficult or undesirable.

Physical appearance is another logical change, since high levels of estrogen are what give women things like softer skin and less body hair than men. Once these levels decrease, women may notice hair growth, especially on the face or chest. Skin may become thinner or less soft. Hair also tends to break more easily and be less silky. These are easy cured, though. There are several options for hair removal and plenty of lotions, conditioners, and vitamins to keep the rest of your body soft and healthy.

Hot flashes may be the most notorious symptom of menopause because of the extreme discomfort they cause. The body attempts to regulate all of its changes, including temperature, by sending heat throughout the body. Temperatures skyrocket very quickly, leaving women sweating and exhausted. The flashes quickly fade away and women find themselves to be freezing. Medications can stop flashes and vitamins can reduce the effects.

The strain on your body will be tremendous, leading to many headaches and muscle stress. Joints and bones could be sore. You may feel like you have to pee more frequently. These should all be brought to the attention of your doctor but, for the most part, they are normal. Your body tries to cope with changes in strange ways.

Depression is another common symptom due to the fact that so much is changing. It could be the result of a chemical imbalance or due to the social stigmas women have about menopause. It is a normal change that every woman must go through, not a sign of an individual being ‘less of a woman.’ Of course, depression is not helped by the other symptoms, which are the frequent aches and pains, lowered sex drive, and difficulty sleeping. Sometimes therapy is needed to get women in the right mindset regarding the new phase of life.

Jan Walodene is an expert author and writes about menopause and menopause symptoms .