Are you approaching 40 or beginning to experience symptoms of menopause? Find out what to expect, the difference between early or premature menopause, the early signs of menopause symptoms, and how to naturally treat those side effects so you can back to feeling your best:
Early Menopause vs. Premature Menopause
The stages of menopause typically begin for women around the age of 50, but since there is no definitive timeline, women can start earlier or later. Is there a difference between the terms “early menopause” and “premature menopause”? Yes, there is! Early menopause refers to women who start menopause before the age of 45, while premature menopause describes women who begin the menopause process before the age of 40.
Early Signs of Menopause Symptoms
Some women may experience symptoms several months to several years before going through the stages of menopause. Some of the early signs of menopause symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual cycle: You may have longer or shorter cycles or spotting between periods. If you are still having a period, even if it’s irregular, you can still get pregnant.
- Vaginal dryness: Discomfort during sex is a common side effect of menopause, as well as increased urinal urgency and the possibility of UTIs.
- Low libido: Another common issue women face is a decreased sex drive.
- Night sweats & hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth spreading throughout the body and excess sweating are early signs of menopause symptoms.
- Mood swings: Irritability, anxious thoughts, and depression can all be signs of the natural change your body is going through during menopause.
- Unexplained weight gain: Many women going through menopause have a reduced metabolism and hormone changes, resulting in weight gain.
- Hair loss or thinning: You may notice your hair becoming dry and brittle, thinning in areas, and even significant hair loss is possible.
- Dry skin & brittle nails: In addition to hair concerns, your skin and nails can become extra dry and weak during the stages of menopause.
- Insomnia: Waking up early or the inability to stay asleep throughout the night is another frustrating menopause symptom, often accompanied by night sweats.
- Headaches & joint pain: Some women can also experience muscle and joint pain, achiness, and frequent headaches in the early stages of menopause.
While these symptoms are irritating and uncomfortable, it is completely normal to have many, if not all of these side effects. Thankfully, there are several natural treatment options available to provide relief!
BHRT at Stark Pharmacy
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a doctor-prescribed medication that balances your hormone levels, easing the early signs of menopause symptoms. The benefits of HRT for menopause include boosting libido, alleviating hot flashes, improving sleep quality, and more. At our compounding pharmacy in Kansas City, we create tailored medications to the exact dosage strength and form you need for optimal absorption and results.
We hope this information regarding the early signs of menopause symptoms was helpful and that you learned a bit more about the benefits of BHRT. Get in touch with us today about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as a natural treatment for menopause symptom relief!
