Even though most women hate having a monthly menstrual cycle, almost none of them actively look forward to menopause. Menopause is a difficult and trying time for most women. In many respects it is like having a second puberty only, in this case, the woman is very aware of her menopause symptoms and how they affect her and the people who surround her. It’s important that each person understands the different symptoms of menopause so that they can help the women they know work through the difficult transition. If one of the women in your life is close to the age where menopause starts, here are some of the symptoms that you should watch out for.

For many husbands, one of the most traumatic menopause symptoms is the loss of libido or dryness of her “lady bits”. A woman’s lack of interest or desire is not always a symptom of menopause. If, on the other hand, your wife or girlfriend suddenly loses her drive completely or has a lengthy “not in the mood” dry spell, it could be a sign that her body is going through some important changes. Just be as supportive as possible. Going through “the change” is not a cake walk for her either. As it turns out our bodies are in constant change and we really start to notice as we grow up, we need reading glasses to read the paper and advil to get through the day. The irregular heartbeat is perhaps the hardest menopause symptom to find. Some women will notice that their heartbeat speeds up and slows down without them having to do anything to cause such a reaction. One example of the irregular heartbeat is the woman who is sitting still and has a heartbeat that suddenly races and just as quickly slows down a little too much for comfort. You might be one of the women who do not have this happen. Some women only find out that they have this symptom when their hearts are observed for other purposes. The doctor is usually just doing a routine listen to the woman’s heart when he notices the irregularity. If you are of a certain age, this could be a symptom of menopause.

Having your period stop is the most obvious symptom of going through menopause. You could be going through menopause if your period suddenly stops coming or changes in frequency or duration or even “strength”. Remember, it is not always missing your period that signals the onset of menopause. There are some women who get heavier than usual periods right before menopause starts. Any change in the monthly cycle should be reported to a doctor, especially if you are getting to the age where menopause usually occurs. It makes you feel like hiding behind reading sunglasses. There are lots of different menopause symptoms. No two women experience the exact same symptoms in the exact same ways. For some women, the symptoms are only mild. Other women have symptoms that are incredibly intense. Understanding what you are going through can really help you deal with your change and it can help the people in your life be prepared to help you go through it. This article lists just a few of the menopause symptoms you might have to deal with. Talk to your doctor for more information on the symptoms that you should be watching for.