How do menopause symptoms affect women?

Menopause can significantly impact women's quality of life through a variety of symptoms. Some of the primary disruptive symptoms include:

1. Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot flashes and night sweats are common and vary in severity among women. These symptoms can cause significant discomfort and disrupt sleep 1.

2. Cognitive and Sleep Disturbances: Many women experience brain fog and sleep disturbances. While night sweats contribute to poor sleep, there might be additional factors causing these issues 1.

3. Sexual Health Changes: Women often face vaginal atrophy, dryness, and reduced libido due to decreased estrogen levels. This can result in pain during intercourse and further impact libido 1.

4. Bone Density Loss: Post-menopause, there's a significant decline in bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures and related mortality and morbidity as women age 1.

5. Hormonal Changes: The levels of important hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone drop dramatically, leading to various short-term and long-term health issues. These hormonal changes contribute to the rapid aging often referred to as the "cliff" women fall off after menopause 2.

Tracking hormone levels, particularly FSH and estradiol, can help anticipate and manage menopause symptoms effectively. Monitoring these levels allows for better-timed interventions to alleviate symptoms and maintain bone health 3.