Trevor Price

Addressing the Early Manifestations of Menopause

The first signs of menopause can make you think you're going crazy. Certain parts of the house are hotter, you're waking up in sweats, forgetting things, and your vision is changing.

The first signs of menopause can leave you thinking you're going blind, someone has turned up the heat and you've completely lost your memory. However, chances are that if you're a woman between 40 and 58, you're not going crazy, but simply experiencing the initial stages of menopause.

You don't need a doctor or expensive estrogen treatments to deal with many of the early signs of menopause. In fact, you can handle most of them yourself. For help identifying several of the stages and symptoms of menopause along with advice on how to cope with them, keep reading.

Discomfort with Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause, and they can happen anywhere and at any time, though they're often brought on by stress or even a reaction to spicy foods.

To combat hot flashes, always carry a small fan or even some wet naps with you in your purse. You may also want to invest in sweat wicking undergarments and work on exercising more, which can improve circulation and help control hot flashes.

Forgetfulness

If you're having trouble focusing or remembering just exactly what it is you're doing at the grocery store, don't worry - it's a common symptom of menopause. Fight this problem by carrying a small notepad with you so you can jot down helpful reminders or list and place them in visible places.

If you're a little bit more high-tech, then consider writing yourself reminders on your Blackberry or other portable device. You can keep track of more than just your meetings and contacts.

Increased or Abnormal Hair Growth

Many menopausal women experience hair growth in unlikely places. To avoid looking in the rear view mirror and spotting a massive chin hair that you can't do anything about it, carry a pair of tweezers with you in case of emergency.

Night Sweats

Night sweats are a nighttime manifestation of hot flashes, causing you to wake up soaking wet and often disturbed or anxious. To fight night sweats, keep your bedroom cool (below 70 degrees) and try relaxing before bed. You may also want to spend the money on a high-quality pair of sweat-wicking pajamas.

Bone and Joint Problems

Bone and joint stiffness or pain is a common occurrence in menopausal or post-menopausal women. To protect your bones and your joints, watch your calcium intake and always carry a few calcium candies with you in your purse.

Dry Eyes

Because of the hormone therapies and changes in hormone levels, dry eyes are one of the most common first signs of menopause. To nip this problem in the bud, carry around an over-the-counter artificial tears product in your purse.

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