Test I: Menopause Indicators
Menopause is unique to each woman. Historically, menopausal symptoms were thought to be associated solely with fluctuating hormone levels. Neurotransmitter imbalances may also contribute to the symptoms some women experience.
These imbalances may explain why some women have few symptoms at menopause, while others are more seriously affected. During perimenopause and menopause, hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances may cause any of the following complaints.
Check any complaints below that you are experiencing.
| Changes in menstrual flow (heavier, lighter, clots) | |
| Changes in menstrual frequency (longer, shorter, or irregular cycles) | |
| Weight gain | |
| Hot flashes (flushes) and/or night sweats | |
| Sleep disturbances (awakening at night, trouble falling asleep) | |
| Mood swings, tearfulness | |
| Nervousness | |
| Panic attacks, anxiety | |
| Irritability | |
| Headaches | |
| Changes in the skin (itchiness, thinning, dryness) | |
| Fatigue | |
| PMS-type symptoms | |
| Breast tenderness | |
| Foggy thinking | |
| Dizziness | |
| Hair loss or thinning | |
| Problems with memory | |
| Difficulty concentrating | |
| Achy joints or muscles | |
| Vaginal dryness | |
| Loss of bone density | |
| Worsening allergies | |
| Changes in sense of taste or smell | |
| Changes in breath and body odor | |
| Gastrointestinal complaints (gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation) | |
| Urinary incontinence (especially with laughing or sneezing) | |
| Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat Tinnitus (ringing or other sounds in the ears) | |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | |
| Weakening of fingernails |
If you checked any of the above, discuss these concerns with your health care provider. Since there are a broad host of complaints women may experience around menopause, your healthcare provider may want to rule out other contributing health factors.
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