Menopause is a significant stage of a woman's life. And with symptoms affecting nearly every woman experiencing this transition, many women feel unprepared for the changes. There are thirty-four menopause symptoms, some of which are more common than others.
Symptoms typically begin in your mid-40's, and they can run all the way up to your late-50s when menstruation usually stops. Keep reading to learn about the most common symptoms of menopause.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Menopause?
Generally speaking, six of the menopause symptoms tend to occur more frequently than the others. These six symptoms are:

- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
These are the “big six” to look out for, but it is unlikely that you will suffer from all of these during your menopausal transition. Aside from these six, there are also changes and pains that can trouble a menopausal woman. These can stretch from fatigue to hair loss, from breast pain to electric shocks.
However, it is unlikely that you will suffer from all of the menopause symptoms - one of the reasons being that it is hard to categorize all of them. Odds are you will likely suffer from one or two of these symptoms at any given time. Keep in mind, however, that all of menopause symptoms are treatable.
How to Treat Your Menopausal Symptoms
There are many possible methods of treating menopause symptoms, and the first thing for you to consider is your lifestyle. Removing caffeine and alcohol will help, but other measures you can take include:

- Eat more vitamins
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Eat healthy fats
- Drink more water
- Make time to relax
- Be sociable
Leading a healthy lifestyle is recommended throughout your life, but during menopause it can become even more important. Implementing these changes can vastly improve your overall quality of life, as well as treat your symptoms. Click on the following link for more information about treating menopause symptoms.
Sources
- BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.
- Hopkins, Virginia. Lee, John R. M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. New York: Warner Books Inc., 1996.
- Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Martin, Raquel. The Estrogen Alternative. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000.