Post on 16-Feb-2021
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 1/18
When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens ToYour Body
BY CAT LAFUENTE / DEC. 29, 2020 1:02 PM EST / UPDATED: JAN. 4, 2021 1:25 PM EST
When you go through menopause, what happens to your body? If you're a person who's spent a good portion of
your life with a menstrual cycle, chances are at some point you're going to go through this signi�cant hormonal
change. And while some people might just stop menstruating, most of us will have some, if not several, side effects
as our bodies shed the ability to reproduce (via the Cleveland Clinic). For some, the change may be bittersweet,
reminding them of their children, but also that they'll have no more as they grow older. But for others, it will be a
joyous occasion, as fertility was never a concern for them.
So how much do you know about menopause? Perhaps you learned about it when your mother went through it,
which gave you a good idea of what to expect. But given that everyone's body is different, there may be more you
need to know about venturing through this rite of passage. To that end, when you go through menopause, this is
what happens to your body.
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https://www.thelist.com/author/catlafuente/https://www.thelist.com/224808/when-you-have-your-period-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15224-menopause-perimenopause-and-postmenopausehttps://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CKiLjbNP4X6KCMdeFoPMP5ZamwAK4woPzYNiTlYKVDdmpkJKXDhABIOfA5yJgya6ui8Ck2A-gAfGquoYDyAEJ4AIAqAMByAMKqgSoAk_QaZU1BZpkB0ObReVpi646Y0npV-0qXr5fvsWejyRIDkkpvRExf9PSLbDQxw_rflDfeCMafK6HBYVCS6DjqaGALtoxTgaRWsZ42jU5aUKcb68A6XI3I4O8IFt4B0H9QAsu93Vr7yB1aB61sf96z27sCX3c5Fi19QMTJLxhyycQxWIfBV7Y2abt9kNIjPprW8AAnWmHHGY9iEo57ozUsNJscKACD2hYcvpQmvi45yuSBujeHS0gF_tPnprjRK1Ggi7TeFAJ05_ZT1ixga-KFYma55ipkePBq4tCY7d2G1xqDRhMTXA4Iev9Ga6SP5YSLshpb1UKgZ6ReTBFVwc4d8PU0XV21cD7MugSh8g4U0panO-jxB-LHC73BZ0uoD7vozsrybSCRMvbwASLv4Po5wHgBAGgBi6AB_fUxXmoB9XJG6gH8NkbqAfy2RuoB5SYsQKoB6XfG6gHjs4bqAeT2BuoB7oGqAfulrECqAemvhuoB-zVG6gH89EbqAfs1RuoB5bYG9gHANIIBwiAYRABGB2xCXhdAwhLHNqugAoDmAsByAsBgAwBuAwB2BMM&ae=1&num=1&cid=CAASEuRo89Is_QUi2WVaI1f0h37nQA&sig=AOD64_3W7lhnirJMVshmTb10l43dLxyscw&client=ca-pub-4737397056022073&nb=9&adurl=https://www.arthrozene.com/dynlp_ga.php%3Fh%3D9%26img%3D126%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIoujbwKiN7gIV1wJoCB1liwkoEAEYASAAEgK5LvD_BwEhttps://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CKiLjbNP4X6KCMdeFoPMP5ZamwAK4woPzYNiTlYKVDdmpkJKXDhABIOfA5yJgya6ui8Ck2A-gAfGquoYDyAEJ4AIAqAMByAMKqgSoAk_QaZU1BZpkB0ObReVpi646Y0npV-0qXr5fvsWejyRIDkkpvRExf9PSLbDQxw_rflDfeCMafK6HBYVCS6DjqaGALtoxTgaRWsZ42jU5aUKcb68A6XI3I4O8IFt4B0H9QAsu93Vr7yB1aB61sf96z27sCX3c5Fi19QMTJLxhyycQxWIfBV7Y2abt9kNIjPprW8AAnWmHHGY9iEo57ozUsNJscKACD2hYcvpQmvi45yuSBujeHS0gF_tPnprjRK1Ggi7TeFAJ05_ZT1ixga-KFYma55ipkePBq4tCY7d2G1xqDRhMTXA4Iev9Ga6SP5YSLshpb1UKgZ6ReTBFVwc4d8PU0XV21cD7MugSh8g4U0panO-jxB-LHC73BZ0uoD7vozsrybSCRMvbwASLv4Po5wHgBAGgBi6AB_fUxXmoB9XJG6gH8NkbqAfy2RuoB5SYsQKoB6XfG6gHjs4bqAeT2BuoB7oGqAfulrECqAemvhuoB-zVG6gH89EbqAfs1RuoB5bYG9gHANIIBwiAYRABGB2xCXhdAwhLHNqugAoDmAsByAsBgAwBuAwB2BMM&ae=1&num=1&cid=CAASEuRo89Is_QUi2WVaI1f0h37nQA&sig=AOD64_3W7lhnirJMVshmTb10l43dLxyscw&client=ca-pub-4737397056022073&nb=0&adurl=https://www.arthrozene.com/dynlp_ga.php%3Fh%3D9%26img%3D126%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIoujbwKiN7gIV1wJoCB1liwkoEAEYASAAEgK5LvD_BwEhttps://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CKiLjbNP4X6KCMdeFoPMP5ZamwAK4woPzYNiTlYKVDdmpkJKXDhABIOfA5yJgya6ui8Ck2A-gAfGquoYDyAEJ4AIAqAMByAMKqgSoAk_QaZU1BZpkB0ObReVpi646Y0npV-0qXr5fvsWejyRIDkkpvRExf9PSLbDQxw_rflDfeCMafK6HBYVCS6DjqaGALtoxTgaRWsZ42jU5aUKcb68A6XI3I4O8IFt4B0H9QAsu93Vr7yB1aB61sf96z27sCX3c5Fi19QMTJLxhyycQxWIfBV7Y2abt9kNIjPprW8AAnWmHHGY9iEo57ozUsNJscKACD2hYcvpQmvi45yuSBujeHS0gF_tPnprjRK1Ggi7TeFAJ05_ZT1ixga-KFYma55ipkePBq4tCY7d2G1xqDRhMTXA4Iev9Ga6SP5YSLshpb1UKgZ6ReTBFVwc4d8PU0XV21cD7MugSh8g4U0panO-jxB-LHC73BZ0uoD7vozsrybSCRMvbwASLv4Po5wHgBAGgBi6AB_fUxXmoB9XJG6gH8NkbqAfy2RuoB5SYsQKoB6XfG6gHjs4bqAeT2BuoB7oGqAfulrECqAemvhuoB-zVG6gH89EbqAfs1RuoB5bYG9gHANIIBwiAYRABGB2xCXhdAwhLHNqugAoDmAsByAsBgAwBuAwB2BMM&ae=1&num=1&cid=CAASEuRo89Is_QUi2WVaI1f0h37nQA&sig=AOD64_3W7lhnirJMVshmTb10l43dLxyscw&client=ca-pub-4737397056022073&nb=7&adurl=https://www.arthrozene.com/dynlp_ga.php%3Fh%3D9%26img%3D126%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIoujbwKiN7gIV1wJoCB1liwkoEAEYASAAEgK5LvD_BwEhttps://adssettings.google.com/whythisad?reasons=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1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 2/18
One of the most common and well-known side effects of menopause is hot �ashes, as noted by Healthline. In a
nutshell, a hot �ash is when there's a sudden spike in your temperature, which can make you feel �ushed, as well as
red in the face. So why exactly is that happening to your body? "The fall in estrogen and menopause triggers a
response with your blood vessels that contribute to the hot �ashes," OB/GYN Dr. Tara Scott told The List. "They
could also manifest as night sweats or just noticing you feel hot all the time and can't wear a turtleneck anymore."
It's not just the shift in hormones that provokes hot �ashes; rather, it's the change in your hormone levels and their
ratio to one another, says Scott. "Estradiol, produced when you are ovulating, must be in balance with
progesterone," she continued.
Depending on the severity of your hot �ashes, there are several treatments available, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One is to take estrogen, and another is to take an antidepressant, which can lessen symptoms. But we won't judge
you for hugging a fan, either.
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Intercourse may become more painful
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/hrt-effects-on-bodyhttps://drtarascott.com/about-tara/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795https://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click?xai=AKAOjsvjg6sZcoMAFppuRP-824UdNjq_eGfnOstr_P5Ep03uZ3jCIYjyVffX3DOWwAvjjbZLJkzY87WdGyso2NUazJ-vtea6z0OftdHNIVASVmOFabpwC5qBbFF84DENLDrKhj9DGrwSGuzSBfdcrN5qVMlm--J-E5m1I-SDKQ9r66pL9RaFavBO_8O12OufsNJnahdkwvb_RAMRNhlopB6zZn8jG5tbg1DUZ1STC2-i5ZnVQl7REBfcFOIFq1eGmrUAwoANqDe_Oca1sEqgYBt9XDgGRJWqdM6LkxM4BYBvRFvsWVaBKjEy04ivbvaYEUk_iP8U_sbC7dCj_lhOYZsivE2F6NWxUGR3vTOhqKxqUabOKLCeEpQ5T9Kef8HY0aUzV9nnH4lbxXbGCVTeVyxL4TxDKDI7qwzmktvmYElQutUtik-PaiGRKC-Kv-iRBIRf2R9AGVNFxMLGSBL4BDMtQ7sqesabhNKezeJxUBPuTZxfxyGcGXOSlzIWl7r0BqU9X2yt_8q5OVUmxX1_207XKuGE4RLwwfvdokxm7b4IysVssqGFksyNHBkGisPIfEFk_u3DTkm7CvL7ZnJThhAPa81iuPdzl4hJeKHTMH1-TmoJpa0zEvMQsKwiShzU07DUA7HKYFDSkhAlDY4iwSdpSoToYSq0xpx0zcpnaTh7QtPj3dyMNE-VRpcQK2sBqCZTZfYRncW0hOVi1g1ZV1I6hXYjzox-8-OY6XBhsb4nDFei7PhNbb7ByFNDc-9lNh_Z0g-qPZY4aYIIxmVRyFQP-kW0Zx_H2fri_h8-fp7MGLfTl51rLPEHaY3ItlPEL0toJMIqhBtVOknKTf3F8GUJg7l5MrNjlm4yPYb5ZrHt_s0ey9KxaNI7C2ouCT7VLnCuTBa21Zzwg3EZhsQ7P1f1iN8fTJKOu_xWaF-Wn1bISIQBDoWVQLyp6OV-3_jt4hxdJPbey20A_aKAus5-27pBFMq0FhdXcd_Tkpr5p15Q7ayz3GIhkfd-a-s_6GzWqp1uI-MGYSHIv8C29-Odpxp0oF0Om_6do_w7VBJZZB1xvsK2bqHJi-krVYcnu3s8pmxPBeCREUakep_9-9rx86eNqoNMrrYt0rssw8Gp9K1Cd0VKn-vrzkcRerTPcsNRgmHuyWNuzCJh1e4Ep6S2jk4dA2g6qntBDHWJHP31moYf7T0TMS46qnr6yw&sai=AMfl-YSnluyePUoxwZmavjQaZJqbQbFLfc_y3j0pQV-LTtuvixL-he4DYw-etMOQMNe7AAdfnud7WZ62fq-l3WNME3Yw-7y4oSZFZMRyPfN-2KqWxWdaWJERFKlqlLMN2RO4YdQNxSc8xRFmV7Rmz8-eu7pIDyg3zs4ywrrw7hzXgDHy5bYDI5DNcB3hn58rQkc&sig=Cg0ArKJSzLtIKv5rhxnf&urlfix=1&adurl=http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go428/%3Fsoa%3D88757%26zip%3D%26dclid%3D%25edclid!https://www.thelist.com/
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 3/18
One of the most important things you need to know about menopause is that there are sexual side effects. That's a
reality that just might happen to your body, as noted by clinical sexologist Dr. Ditza Katz. "You are entering a new
phase when your physical, emotional, and sexual health changes," she explained to The List. "Your vagina becomes
less elastic and more prone to cha�ng irritation, making intercourse painful." You may also experience vaginal
dryness, according to the Mayo Clinic, one of the menopause symptoms that no one prepares you for. That...
doesn't sound pleasant, especially if you have an active intimate life.
Fortunately, Katz says that you're not necessarily resigned to a fate of celibacy if you don't want to be. "Don't let it
go," she continued. "Sexual intimacy is important, and there are solutions." And those solutions include moisturizers,
lubricant, suppositories, and estrogen pills or creams. Additionally, regular intimate activity — with someone else or
even by yourself — can keep your vagina happy and healthy as well.
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Your libido may increase or decrease when you go through menopause
https://www.womentc.com/about/team/ditza-katz/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397https://www.thelist.com/60927/menopause-symptoms-one-prepared/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/vaginal-dryness/faq-20115086https://www.thelist.com/
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 4/18
As you're probably already aware, the hormones in your body are responsible for how much or how little you crave
intimacy, as noted by Medical News Today. It's not surprising, then, that going through menopause will have an
impact on your libido, according to OB/GYN Dr. Alyssa Dweck, INTIMINA's Sexual and Reproductive Health
expert. "Hormones including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are variable during the peri-menopausal
years and plummet with menopause," she shared with The List. "Although libido is complicated for women, these
hormones are incredibly in�uential."
While this hormonal �ux can result in a decreased libido in later stages of menopause, Dweck says that in earlier
stages, you might �nd yourself especially randy. "While this is not universal, many women experience heightened
sexual drive during the peri-menopausal years, the four to eight years prior to menopause which is by de�nition, 12
consecutive months of no menses," she continued. "During this time, reproductive potential is winding down." And
that's also when the baby fever might set in, so be aware of that and plan accordingly.
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Your skin may change when you go through menopause
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324887https://www.intimina.com/blog/medical-advisory-board/https://www.healthdigest.com/235940/how-to-tell-if-youre-in-perimenopause/https://us-east-1.event.prod.bidr.io/log/clk/ie?ai=ChII_-_6uQwQihYY3LHagqmN7gISEgoJc2NoaXJlc29uEAIYHiDGAhoCaWU4ggFABkgBUgJpZWAAeh4SBAgCEAESBAgDEAESBAgEEAESBAgFEAESBAgBEAE=&audit_flag_wp=0.33&dest=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mskcc.org%2fcare-update%3futm_source%3dprogrammatic%26utm_medium%3dcpm%26utm_content%3d130%26utm_campaign%3d326%26pn_mapping%3dpn_1https://www.thelist.com/
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 5/18
The hormonal changes that happen in your body when you go through menopause don't just have an impact on
your libido. Rather, they can also have signi�cant impacts on your skin, according to OB/GYN Dr. Kim Langdon, a
medical advisor for Medzino. You may develop "skin wrinkles due to loss of estrogen — that leads to loss of
collagen," she told The List. And that "loss of collagen and blood vessels can cause the skin to thin out, which leads
to irritation." This can also cause your breasts to sag, so make sure you have good bras in your drawer to cope with
that.
That's not the end of the story when it comes to your skin, unfortunately, as Langdon says you may want to keep
the lotion nearby. That's because going through menopause can cause "dry skin, again due to lack of estrogen and
loss of collagen and oil production," she continued. Plus, you might also �nd "hair growth in unwanted places like
the upper lip, chin, and lateral cheeks." Okay, we're really not excited about these changes!
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You may feel more tired
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-langdon-m-d-41847610/https://www.medzino.com/us/https://www.thelist.com/
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
https://www.thelist.com/303509/when-you-go-through-menopause-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ 6/18
According to CNBC, working mothers are still doing most of the chores at home, so it's no wonder so many of us
are so exhausted. But if you're already feeling tired, when you go through menopause you may feel even more so, as
noted by OB/GYN Dr. Tara Scott. "First, the fall in estrogen does cause a decrease in energy," she explained to The
List. "Next, the fall in androgens — DHEA and testosterone — also in�uence your energy." And that alone can cause
you to drag during the day.
There's another factor at play when it comes to menopause and exhaustion, as noted by Scott. "Also, estrogen and
progesterone have an affect on your thyroid, so that could also contribute," she added. That's all the more reason to
take a nap, as that might help you feel more energetic (via the Mayo Clinic). Of course, talk to your doctor if you're
really struggling.
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When you go through menopause, you may suffer from insomnia
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1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
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Speaking of feeling tired, according to the CDC, one in three American adults aren't getting enough sleep at night,
which is seven or more hours a night. Unfortunately, your beauty sleep might get interrupted more when you go
through menopause, says immunologist Dr. Lina Velikova. "Women in menopause might experience sleeping
problems due to hormonal changes that happen during these times," she revealed to The List. "Hot �ashes and night
sweats are frequently impossible to manage during night time, and they can cause disturbed sleep, which can
further down spiral into every aspect of a woman's life."
While reaching for an extra cup of coffee might help you �ght the Zs during the day, it's still important try to get as
best of a night's rest as possible. According to Healthline, some ways you can do just that are tinkering with your
light exposure, managing your caffeine consumption, taking a melatonin supplement, and being mindful of what
you eat and drink.
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When you go through menopause, your restroom habits may change
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1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
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If you've never been pregnant, you might not think about your pelvic �oor very often. But this hammock of muscles
inside of your pelvis supports some important organs, such as your uterus, your bladder, and your colon, as noted
by Healthline. For this reason, having a healthy pelvic �oor is super important.
However, when you go through menopause, that can impact your restroom habits, according Dr. Rachel Gelman,
INTIMINA's Pelvic Floor Health Expert. "Hormonal changes during menopause can impact pelvic �oor muscles
leading to things like urinary/fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse," she explained to The List.
So in order to keep your pelvic �oor strong and healthy, Gelman recommends getting regular exercise. "Since these
muscles are supporting the pelvic organs, and providing core stability, any type of exercise will engage the pelvic
�oor in some way," she continued. "So low impact cardio can be a good start." She also recommends not straining
when you have a bowel movement and using a Squatty Potty if needed. That can help you out a lot in the long run.
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You may gain weight during menopause
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/pelvic-floor-exerciseshttps://www.intimina.com/blog/medical-advisory-board/https://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click?xai=AKAOjstg9bVKC-b-LZvdQDyWf8e2r4ch6ru66ouR5qZ3p6yXoK8xqvdo0rM3D-HuEEl2ElL6t_qFBkEgpfZyHRSm5FsQZiJ_HUD4rdGp1_GODN-uHCTjopwRmurOlXR9lwqzLzOj9RAnUxclxiS6qKMrgaVpjpl3DmNncTQRxyRpYOY4yBeYELqD3nhOJBTLSioh1U4Hs4nwMklhPIzS86xWU11ACzkAbCfEiNsJExJwtvICKhMEesdWn6_L8eoxX5L3KRAaKfOwB1aQpx_Xx6GJmXIJsPUuD8MgutjMqIf-sXjpydr7kL7nY4P_OUYMjaRcThrTSAJHwAIohdI2zB7xUtsY8VnBvQRPhtSlh9JVK7OmjlI2_IkjoUbINjwm_ciJR3VvnAdQFLOb4VmmF5IgdjbqP60Yd1SJMzw4hEIZ4cfVgYS4PRggqQOYF_UTXNk8MFyLCJoVJDXE8VEocgtcT_E0C2RzllGIXJOrQiYLOIV4y4ELws0l1bCb453SI83Hr5iYvMsqXFYHWtezJHy9nYv0HsAm6F2-DrZYv_750Mf4tNqCux9EfJgrZQvnO0mC6VMsXp_6ssMoSOxm36iH0U-m4YYfD5pnnbGEPZS60FVcHk3BXBgt2nvmGEas6hFF_IIFG7fJPk0XO0OnVpX6Sa93THvR7RWIJi6z4PemsqiR7zdQjcfGO86WjD6TAkBK0xrAfixDmSFJOvj16zd-kZQqjvNzt8CE1LYLebDaw8TaT5Nx5U1zPHb3or7CAUGgkl5DliUSy5sfsl3-_lRbbf5hlDGQ_SJHVv366RkXG9-Ray9R6FBkNzR3StST5-OIzpiJb6Z2SLiH4ivRozxOWfnLBBOCxPznMmltdTe0FQ7bRaqtPPvDUoB_WsgRW-JgxiR84vHaRnGawx58ozp_w1NvAlBIBKf8C3K6SOTQuakBSFNvZ3DVf9EC2vKwsUVnjBpKONQRFrMazaR_f7R-2J6zixcmZjamPzro-SUYF0Xs3XUp2SMokUfFyHm7VS85xgAgBCebot9aPezZ-u0uO3m6TXFmqrTkOSqw-vkvZeDilhyVbzF-_uZlZfqVKOUGj9ef8OPUWhFSwO-iGV7xpA7WBbDWqum3v9-_mSJiI47tLw&sai=AMfl-YTXuIZmeezqvqf_kV7lKrfEWltfVwrdA1NHs4lcz56c9SBxBGLPtEAeo--NEgMl_NMgblgG0fqQyR4RbmcMxsQkE01KfR59ChaaqZjQuNe0-sNTxfjTZmn74SNzQgXXv65aHQ2Dzurtyj9zihzEDX1ue-n2JXzAgAx1M8ki&sig=Cg0ArKJSzGIkwFaajsgG&urlfix=1&adurl=https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/platinum/%3Feep%3D40513%26extlink%3DCH-dm-CU-us-BU-ccsg-REF-4776408_289312307_141806316https://www.thelist.com/
1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
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Some of us are lucky enough to eat anything that we want and never gain unwanted pounds. Those unicorns aside,
the rest of us de�nitely notice when we've put on a little weight simply by looking at food. Well, no matter which
group you belong to, you may �nd your metabolism changing as you go through menopause, according to
immunologist Dr. Lina Velikova. "Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to hormone changes
and as a consequence of aging," she revealed to The List. Yep, even on top of everything else, gaining weight will be
easier than ever.
Fortunately, Velikova says that you might not have to buy a bigger pair of jeans after all. "However, weight gain is
avoidable even in this period," she continued. "You'll have to put some extra effort into keeping it in check." That, of
course, means you'll have to adjust your diet and exercise regimen in order to stave off the pounds.
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You may feel more anxious or depressed
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Mental illness is on the rise in the United States, as noted by the CDC. In June of 2020, 31 percent of American
adults reported feeling of anxiety and depression, which is a pretty staggering number. And unfortunately, if you're
going through menopause, that could be one of the causes. "Life circumstances and stress during the menopause
years and general aging might contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression," OB/GYN Dr. Alyssa Dweck shared
with The List. "Heart palpitations are a common complaint associated with both hot �ashes and of anxiety." So even
if you've never struggled with these conditions, menopause may make you more likely to.
If you already have a mental health diagnosis, going through menopause is something to be concerned about, says
Dweck. "In addition, those with underlying depression might note a worsening of symptoms during menopause,"
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she added. If you're concerned you may be experiencing this, talk to your doctor.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-
273-TALK (8255) .
You may experience mood swings when you go through menopause
It's not just anxiety and/or depression that you may have to contend with during menopause when it comes to your
mental health, according to immunologist Dr. Lina Velikova. "Mood swings are a pretty common and pretty normal
side effect of menopause," she explained to The List. "During menopause, women's bodies experience a decrease in
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estrogen levels and more serotonin which should increase mood." Hey, having a little extra serotonin sounds like a
pretty nice bene�t! After all, serotonin can make you happier and help with your concentration and anxiety, as
noted by Healthline.
Still, there are other factors at play that can take your emotions on a bit of a rollercoaster ride during menopause,
says Velikova. "However, other side effects of menopause such as fatigue, irritability, and depression make it harder
to be upbeat every day and make mood swings a regular part of the day," she continued. It is what it is, fam.
When you go through menopause, you may feel ill
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1/8/2021 When You Go Through Menopause, This Is What Happens
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The hits keep coming. Yet another thing you may have to deal with when you go through menopause is feeling ill.
And while you're not likely to contend with anything too severe, as you may have in the past with morning sickness,
thanks to shifting hormone levels, things could get unpleasant. "Your energy is related to the amount of hormones
you have," OB/GYN Dr. Tara Scott told The List. "With the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, and also
testosterone at menopause, you may experience joint and muscle aches, fatigue, and brain fog."
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep these symptoms in check, as noted by Healthline. For muscle
aches, you can take NSAIDs to mute the pain, as well as ice the area to help any swelling go down. You can also do
some gentle stretches like yoga, which can bring you relief as well. Your mileage may vary.
Your vision may change
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Another thing that's connected to the hormone levels in your body is your eyesight. In fact, according to the The
North American Menopause Society, that's why you experience changes to your eye health during parts of your
menstrual cycle as well as when you're pregnant.
Given that fact, it's not surprising that you may �nd yourself having ocular issues when you're going through
menopause. According to OB/GYN Dr. Kim Langdon, "eye and/or vision changes, including dry eyes" are possible
during menopause, as she explained to The List. That can also include "dif�culty reading, but generally maintaining
the ability to see at a distance." Even the shape of your eyes might change a bit, which can make contact lenses less
comfortable.
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It order to make sure your baby blues stay healthy as you age, talk to your doctor. She can tell you about the various
eye drops that are available, as well as surgical procedures to treat dry eye. And if you �nd your vision changing, it
may be time to hit up the drug store for some reading glasses.
When you go through menopause, your bones may become more fragile
The importance of bone health can't be overstated. That's probably why your parents told you to drink your milk so
much when you were younger, as the calcium found in milk helps your bones grow strong, as noted by Harvard
University.
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Additionally, when you go through menopause, it's as important as ever to prioritize your bone health, says
immunologist Dr. Lina Velikova. "Women during and after menopause are at risk of osteoporosis since low estrogen
levels coupled with the consequences of aging decrease the bone mass, making them break down faster," she told
The List. And that can make bone injuries much easier to sustain.
In order to preserve your bone health in menopause and beyond, The North American Menopause Society
recommends that you get enough calcium and vitamin D, as well as avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
Additionally, regular exercise at least a few days per week is also encouraged.
You'll eventually stop menstruating
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The reason that people have a menstrual cycle to begin with is to prepare the body for pregnancy, as noted by
Healthline. When you bleed once per month, that's the body expelling the lining of the uterus if no egg is implanted
inside of it.
To that end, when you go through menopause, your body stops preparing for pregnancy, according to OB/GYN Dr.
Alyssa Dweck. "Eventually ovulation ceases for all women, and thus estrogen levels decline and no longer produce a
thick, lush lining of tissue in the uterus to prepare for pregnancy," she shared with The List. "Menstruation will
naturally stop ... for this reason."
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While menopause may be a dif�cult time for some, for many people it can be a relief, as you no longer need to buy
menstrual products and won't struggle with menstrual-related problems. And while there's a lot about menopause
that's dif�cult, OB/GYN Dr. Christiane Northrup says it has its perks. "You become far more intuitive, you are no
longer satis�ed with the status quo, and you �nd your voice in a different way," she wrote in The Secret Pleasures of
Menopause (via WebMD). We're here for it!
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