What are the possible symptoms and problems of the menopause?
The menopause is a natural event. You may have no problems. However, it is common to develop one or more symptoms which are due to the low levels of oestrogen. Short term symptoms: • Hot flushes occur in about 3 in 4 women. A typical hot flush lasts a few minutes and causes flushing of your face, neck, and chest. You may also perspire (sweat) during a flush. Some women become weak, faint, or feel sick during a hot flush. The number of hot flushes can vary from the occasional flush, to fifteen or more times a day. Hot flushes tend to start just before the menopause, and typically persist for 2-3 years. • Sweats commonly occur when you are in bed at night. In some cases they are so severe that sleep is disturbed and you need to change bedding and night clothes. • Other symptoms may develop such as headaches, tiredness, palpitations, being irritable, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, aches and pains, loss of libido (sex drive), and feelings of not coping as well as before. It can
