5 Lesser-Known Effects of Menopause

February 26, 2022

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Many people are familiar with some of the effects of menopause, like hot flashes and the lack of a menstrual cycle. However, like most bodily processes, menopause affects each person differently. If you or a loved one is experiencing menopause, it can be helpful to understand the wide range of potential symptoms that may come up. 

Menopause is a natural process that takes place as people age. It is characterized by the end of the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes throughout the body. Depending on a person’s genetics and various lifestyle factors, it can occur anywhere between 35 to 65. 

Cognitive Issues

Some people experience cognitive impacts when they go through menopause. These can include forgetfulness or difficulty focusing. These mental impacts are caused by changes in the body’s hormone levels. As a person’s estrogen level goes down, other hormones like cortisol can go up. Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone and can impact brain functions. 

Cognitive issues related to menopause may differ from person to person. If you think you may be experiencing these effects, consult with your doctor to find out what is happening and any potential treatment methods. 

Mental Health Impacts 

Menopause can also affect a person’s mental health. This may be because of the hormonal changes that occur in menopause. However, it can also be because significant changes generally characterize this period in life. As people experience menopause, they may also be adapting to kids growing up, changing jobs, or different social circles. These and body changes during menopause can be very jarring and can impact your mental health. 

People who have not previously experienced mental disorders are not likely to develop new symptoms during menopause. However, if someone has previously experienced a condition like anxiety or depression, menopause is a reasonable time for symptoms to reemerge or become more serious. It can be a good idea to seek out mental health resources during menopause to ensure you have everything you need to take care of your health. 

Headaches 

Some people may experience headaches or migraines as a result of menopause. This may happen to people who have experienced these symptoms concerning their menstrual cycles before but can also be a new symptom for some. Headaches are often due to changing hormone levels and may fade as hormones start to level out again as the process goes on. 

There are some potential treatments for menopause-related headaches, including regulating hormone levels. Consult your doctor to investigate ways to cope with these symptoms and find relief. 

Insomnia

Insomnia is another less-common symptom of menopause. Hormonal changes can cause insomnia or changes in the sleep cycle. These can be related to, or separate from, other symptoms of menopause like hot flashes that commonly affect sleeping. 

If you have sleep issues due to menopause, it is essential to address these impacts as soon as possible. Sleep is necessary for maintaining health, and a lack of sleep can have severe consequences, especially in the long run. Try investigating techniques to deal with insomnia or seek professional help if the symptoms become unbearable. 

Joint and Muscle Aches

Hormonal changes during menopause can also intensify aches, pains, and stiffness. This often goes along with the natural aches and pains that wear and tear on the bones and joints as people age. It is also possible to seek treatments to deal with these aches and pains through hormone regulation and other therapies. 

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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