What are Common Post Menopause Symptoms?

After a woman has stopped menstruating and is no longer able to conceive a child, she is said to be post-menopausal. Post-menopause may be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including a lack of menstruation that has lasted for longer than a year; fewer hot flashes and night sweats; vaginal dryness; and itching of the outside of the vagina. A woman may also experience stress incontinence during this period, cramping in her extremities, wrinkles, a better memory, and fewer mood swings. A woman’s risk of developing high blood pressure and osteoporosis may also increase after menopause.

Often, people discuss post menopause symptoms in a negative manner. There are some post menopause symptoms that are positive, however. For example, a woman may experience fewer hot flashes and night sweats during post-menopause. Likewise, she may be less likely to deal with the mood swings and decreased memory associated with menopause. Her sense of overall well-being may be restored, and she may notice an increase in energy.

Unfortunately, a woman may also experience unpleasant post menopause symptoms. For example, she may have changes that affect her genitals and impair sexual enjoyment. Some women note vaginal dryness that makes sexual intercourse uncomfortable and many also notice itching on the outside of the vagina. Even without these symptoms, however, a woman’s sexual desire may decrease during the post-menopausal period.

Some women also experience stress incontinence after menopause. For example, a woman may sneeze or cough and release urine. Women who experience these post-menopause symptom may also notice it when they laugh or lift something heavy.

Often, women experience muscle and bone changes after menopause. For example, cramping of the legs and feet are among the most common post menopause symptoms. Many women also experience pain that affects their bones as well as an increased susceptibility to broken bones. In fact, a woman’s risk of osteoporosis increases once she has reached menopause.

In many cases, a woman notices skin changes after menopause as well. Her skin may gradually become drier and less elastic. As such, she may be more prone to wrinkling.

Though high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancers aren’t post menopause symptoms, post-menopause may increase a woman’s risk of developing them. This is due, at least in part, to hormonal changes, but may also be influenced by a woman’s lifestyle. A woman may do well to talk to her doctor about ways to lower her risks as well as possible options for symptom relief.