Health Tip

5. Vaginal Dryness

As estrogen decreases so does the body’s lubrication and moisture in the skin, hair, and more intimate areas like in the vagina, which can make sex suddenly painful or uncomfortable. Talk to your gynecologist about over the counter lubricants to help increase moisture and sexual enjoyment.

6. Mood Swings

PMS like pregnancy and menopause leaves the hormones unbalanced—often resulting in anger outbursts, irritability, or crying for no reason.  If you add to that sleep deprivation, and the fear and confusion over the changes taking place in your body, it’s no wonder you’re a bit cranky.

7. Sore Breasts

Sore, tender breasts are often a sign of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause too due to hormonal changes, water retention, and swollen breast tissues.  In the meantime, you may want to buy a comfortable bra with added support and cut out excess caffeine, which can aggravate swelling and water retention.

8. Chronic Headaches

As certain hormones deplete, certain foods (i.e., caffeine) can aggravate neurological changes in our brains. Migraines are often a painful symptom of perimenopause, and excess coffee, noise, and bright lights never help those who suffer from chronic headaches.

9. Decreased Sex Drive

As women transition into menopause they often feel one of 2 extremes. While some feel sexually liberated now that they are no longer able to get pregnant; others suffer sudden self-consciousness and feel undesirable. Many times testosterone hormone therapy can help restore some of that lost libido.

10. Incontinence

Do you suffer an embarrassing leak when you sneeze or jump up and down?  Bladder changes are typical during perimenopause as estrogen decreases and leaves the pelvic and bladder muscles weaker than normal. You can try Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the bladder and pelvic floor.

Source: Catherine Roberts, activebeat.com

Courtesy: Health Prior 21