Symptoms that generally improve with time include:
* Menstrual period changes.
* Hot flashes.
* Emotional changes, such as mood swings or a change in sexual interest or response.
* Sleep disturbances (insomnia).
* Rapid, irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations).
* Generalized itching.
* Joint pain.
* Headaches.
Problems with concentration and memory.
Symptoms of menopause that can be long-term and get worse with time include:
* Vaginal changes, such as:
* Vaginal dryness and itching.
* An increased risk of vaginal infections.
* Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Urinary tract problems, such as:
* An inability to control the leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).
* Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
* Changes in appearance.
Symptoms often end soon after menstrual periods stop. However, some women continue to have menopausal symptoms for several years after periods end. Many women report an increase in symptoms, such as hot flashes, following menopause caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, and these symptoms also seem to be more severe.1 Some conditions, such as depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability, may be made worse by menopause.
Although menopause can cause a wide variety of symptoms in some women, other women do not experience any symptoms other than the end of menstrual periods. Many women feel positive about the changes that occur with menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and the risk of pregnancy.
