Menopause Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Before anything else, I must emphasize that symptoms vary among each woman. Understanding this is key - otherwise, we start comparing ourselves to others and seeking advice that may not apply, making things worse (EASY TIPS FOR MENOPAUSE). That said, I’ve rounded up the most common symptoms that many women experience. See if these resonate with you.

 

Hot Flashes

Sweating for no apparent reason is an unavoidable part of menopause. It’s like feeling the heat surge unexpectedly - even under air conditioning or during a scorching hot day. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes.

Cold Flushes

In contrast to hot flashes, cold flushes can also occur. You may feel cold for no apparent reason, even shivering. These extreme changes are a result of hormone imbalances during menopause.

 

Trouble Sleeping

Sleeplessness is common during menopause, often triggered by hot and cold flashes that disrupt sleep. Additionally, the body’s changing temperature can further disturb your rest. Overthinking and stress related to menopause can also keep you tossing and turning at night.

Tiredness

Lack of sleep leads directly to daytime tiredness. Worrying about the changes your body is going through adds mental exhaustion, making it harder to stay calm and relaxed.

 

Mood Swings

Anger, sadness, and emotional upheaval are common during menopause. These negative emotions often stem from the overwhelming changes in your body and the inability to manage symptoms effectively.

Overeating

Sometimes, menopause triggers emotional eating. It’s as if food becomes a comfort to fill the void of uncertainty. This psychological response can lead to overeating, as women try to cope with feelings of loss of control (HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT: SIMPLE TIPS).

 

Weight Gain

Weight gain is often a result of overeating and a lack of physical activity. When we remain inactive and stressed, the body holds onto extra pounds, adding more frustration to an already challenging time.

 

Built-Up Unhappiness

For many women, menopause brings a surge of suppressed emotions. It’s not uncommon to feel anger or sadness that’s been building up over time. This emotional release can feel overwhelming, especially if support from others isn’t there.

 

Seeking Attention

Sometimes, women going through menopause seek attention or comfort, not out of selfishness, but as a way to cope. If this need for support goes unaddressed, symptoms can worsen. In some cases, a lack of physical activity or withdrawal from daily tasks like cooking and cleaning can contribute to feelings of isolation.

How Yoga Makes a Positive Impact on Menopause?

While these symptoms can feel overwhelming, there’s a way to regain control and balance - yoga. Yoga is more than just stretches or poses; it’s a natural therapy that works holistically to ease the challenges of menopause. Through mindful movement, controlled breathing, and meditation, yoga helps balance fluctuating hormones, reduce stress, and manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.

 

Unlike quick fixes or medications that often come with side effects, yoga empowers you to reconnect with your body. It fosters resilience and calm during this transition, nurturing both your physical and emotional well-being. Yoga isn’t just about coping - it's about thriving. It’s about embracing a practice that nurtures your entire being in a way no pill can.

(Ms. Nava is a Zen entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).