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February 10, 2012

Patient Discussions: Menopause - Symptoms Experienced

Question:What symptoms did you experience with approaching menopause?

Published: July 29

I am only 35 and I had to have a hysterectomy due to an illness and now I am feeling as if I have no energy to do anything. I am always crabby and I can't seem to get interested in having sex at all. I pray that I can get some kind of treatment to help me get through this. I am still too young to feel this worn out.

Related Reading: hysterectomy

Comment from: CJ, Female (Patient) Published: September 04

I am 46 years old, and for the past 10 years, I have had night sweats. Within the past year, it has gotten really bad. I wake up almost every night with my shirt wet. I also have to urinate in the middle of the night. For the last year my periods have become very irregular. I may skip a month or have two or three periods in a month. My periods are lasting longer now, up to eight or nine days. I will stop for two or three days, then start again.

Related Reading: night sweats

Comment from: Sweatin' in Texas, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: August 28

The symptoms I am experiencing include life-sucking, ear-burning, disgusting, perspiration-laden hot flashes, day and night; heightened emotions -- I've never been an emotional, teary woman, but I feel frequently on the verge of tears; and I've ballooned up 20 pounds in two months. I'm still having occasional periods, and I was told at age 35 that I was premenopausal. I'm now 45; I started my period at age 12. Aren't I too young for menopause? Can it be induced by stress? I've had a very stress-filled year.

Related Reading: hot flashes | menopause | stress

Comment from: Kathy, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: August 28

I am only going on 44. I had a partial hysterectomy in the year 2001. I am now experiencing hot flashes and the chills. I for the first time in 20 years have gained 15 pounds. My breasts are larger than ever. My sex drive has increased dramatically.

Comment from: Netty, 35-44 Female Published: August 28

I'm 44 and still have periods although they are getting heavier and less time in between. I start feeling bloated, emotional and angry, even aggressive about 10 days before I start to bleed. I have night sweats and bouts of depression, and I have been tested and my general practitioner. He has said everything is normal!

Related Reading: depression

Comment from: mesospoiled37, 35-44 Female Published: August 26

I am 40 years old, and I would have to say since I was 33, I have been perimenopausal. It has really hit hard over the last six months. I have been having anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, no energy, heavier than my normal menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, and a low, if any, sex drive. It hasn't been easy or fun. But I am trying to make the best of it. I am very lucky to have a man who understands everything I am going through. Oh, and I have the facial hair that keeps coming back.

Related Reading: anxiety | breast

Published: July 30

I experienced about six months of severe PMS that would last for 10 days each time. Then my periods stopped, and I've only had a couple during the last six months. I had chronic insomnia, night sweats, tiredness, and mood swings resulting in my doctor prescribing fluoxetine. My first doctor never acknowledged my symptoms, but my present doctor thankfully has. I'm being reviewed soon and HRT has been suggested.

Related Reading: insomnia | fluoxetine

Published: July 09

18 months my temperature went up and stayed up and 2 months age my periods stopped. The worse part is not being able to focus/think and mood swings. I am always hot and moody to tears for no reason.


Patient Discussions

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Menopause - Treatments Question: What treatment has been effective for your menopause symptoms?
Menopause - Experience Question: Did you experience weight gain with menopause?

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Suggested Reading on Menopause by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Night Sweats
      • Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
    • Gout
      • Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney function and kidney stones.
    • Uterine Cancer
      • Though uterine cancer's cause is unknown, there are many factors that will put a woman at risk, including: over age 50, endometrial hyperplasia, using hormone replacement therapy, obesity, using tamoxifen, being Caucasian, having colorectal cancer. Symptoms of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. Treatment depends on staging and may include radiation therapy or hormone therapy.
    • Cervical Cancer
      • Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
    • Rosacea
      • Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
    • Hair Loss
      • There are many causes of scalp hair loss. This featured article covers the common ones such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and tinea capitis), telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness).
    • Osteoporosis
      • Learn about osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, which leads to an increased risk of bone fracture. Unless one experiences a fracture, a person may have osteoporosis for decades without knowing it. Treatment for osteoporosis may involve medications that stop bone loss and increase bone strength and bone formation, as well as quitting smoking, regular exercise, cutting back on alcohol intake, and eating a calcium- and vitamin D-rich balanced diet.
    • Hot Flashes
      • Hot flashes (or flushing) is the most common symptom experienced by a woman prior to and during the early stages of menopause. Hot flashes can be caused by other conditions. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and at times, blood tests. Treatment options include hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medications. There are non-FDA approved natural remedies.
    • Dry Eyes
      • Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air created by air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions.
    • Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
      • Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, which may include nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, hormonal changes, and more. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) is burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).
    • Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes of Menopause
      • Hot flashes are experienced by many women, however, not all women undergoing menopause experience hot flashes. A hot flash is a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body. Treatment for hot flashes include hormone replacement therapy and alternative prescription medications such as SSRIs (Effexor, Paxil, Prozac), clonidine (Catapres), megestrol (Megace), and gabapentin (Neurontin). Few alternative treatments for hot flashes (for example phytoestrogens - isoflavones, black cohosh, and vitamin E have been scientifically studied.
    • Gum Disease
      • Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
    • Insomnia
      • Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
    • Male Menopause
      • Male menopause refers to the decline in testosterone production in men. As men age, they often experience many of the same symptoms that women experience in menopause. Testosterone replacement therapy may relieve some of these symptoms.
    • Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain in the mouth. BMS may be caused by menopause, dry mouth or allergies. Signs and symptoms include tingling or numbness of the tip of the tongue, bitter or metallic taste, and dry or sore mouth. Treatment depends upon the cause of your burning mouth syndrome.
    • Lichen Sclerosus
      • Lichen sclerosus is a skin disease that causes white spots to form on the skin, which later grow into large, thin, and crinkled patches of skin that tear easily. Symptoms include itching, pain, blisters, and bleeding. Patches on the upper body usually go away over time, but patches in the genital region may scar if left untreated, causing problems with urination or sex. Treatment may involve surgery or the use of a very strong cortisone cream.
    • Menstruation
      • Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
    • Vaginal Dryness
      • Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
    • Senior Sex
      • Enjoying a satisfying sex life as we age is important to both physical and mental health. As we age, diseases and conditions may pose challenges in our sexual health, and sexual experiences. Learn how to manage your conditions and still have a gratifying sex life as you age.
    • Sexual Problems (Sex) in Women
      • Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.
    • Premature Menopause
      • Premature menopause is when a woman goes through menopause before the age of 40 because of genetics, illness, or a medical procedure. Symptoms of premature menopause include irregular or missed periods, mood swings, hot flashes, periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, incontinence, dry skin, eyes or mouth, sleeplessness, and decreased sex drive. Though premature menopause cannot be reversed, the symptoms can be managed with methods similar to those used for natural menopause.
    • Women's Health
      • Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
    • Sexual Health
      • Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
    • Bladder Spasms
      • People who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
    • Gum Problems
      • Gum problems may be caused by improper brushing and flossing, gum disease, canker sores, treatments and hormonal changes. Symptoms of gum problems include red, swollen, sore and bleeding gums. These symptoms can be prevented by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking enough water, not smoking, and relaxing.
    • Masturbation
      • Just about everybody masturbates. Masturbation itself is the self-stimulation of the male or female genitals to achieve sexual pleasure or arousal to the point of orgasm. Masturbation involves stimulating the penis or clitoris. Masturbation is very common among people who have, or do not have sexual relations with a partner. Masturbation can relieve sexual tension that can build up over a period of time. Masturbation generally is considered normal unless it becomes a problem by inhibiting sexual activity with a partner, done in public, or causes distress to the person masturbating. Some experts suggest that masturbation can improve a person's sexual health and personal relationships.
    • Adult-Onset Asthma
      • Adult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators.
    • Urinary Incontinence in Women
      • Millions of women suffer from urinary incontinence (UI). UI occurs twice as often in women as in men. There are many types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, functional incontinence, overflow incontinence, transient incontinence, and mixed incontinence.
    • Menopause and Sex
      • Menopause is often associated with a change in sexual functioning. Loss of estrogen, bladder control issues, anxiety, stress, health concerns, medications, and sleep disturbances often result in a decrease in libido. Though there are currently no good drugs for treating sexual problems in women, there are ways to increase intimacy with a partner and treat vaginal dryness.
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Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Menopause

What is lichen sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus is a long-term problem of the skin. It mostly affects the genital and anal areas. Sometimes, lichen sclerosus appears on the upper body, breasts, and upper arms.

Who gets lichen sclerosus?

Lichen sclerosus appears in:

  • Women (often after menopause)
  • Men (uncommon)
  • Children (rare).

What are the symptoms?

Early in the disease, small white spots appear on the skin. The spots are usually shiny and smooth. Later, the spots grow into bigger patches. The skin on the patches becomes thin and crinkled. Then the skin tears easily, and bright red or purple bruises are common. Sometimes, the skin becomes scarred. If the disease is a mild case, there may be no symptoms.

Other symptoms are:

  • Itching (very common)
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Bleeding
  • Blisters.

...

Read the Lichen Sclerosus article »






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