Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Health

Health changes you can expect from menopause

What to expect when you’re expecting ‘the change’ - by Laura Barry
  • 17 Jul 2019
 Health changes you can expect from menopause

The joys of being a woman are endless. We experience childbirth and motherhood and special relationships with our daughters. However, women tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to bodily functions.

As teenagers and young women we suffer from period pain, then we endure nine months of pregnancy and all the complications that follow it. Then, once we think we’re free, we are encumbered by menopause. Does it never end?

There’s nothing worse than not knowing what to expect from your own body. So we’ve put together a little list of things you can expect in the lead up to menopause in your 40, 50s and 60s.

Hot flushes

This one is a sure sign that menopause is beginning. Hot flushes and night sweats are frustrating and some women find them to be quite severe.

Abnormal bleeding

Unfortunately, periods can get heavier and more painful as you get older, and may become more irregular. If your period begins to impact your lifestyle, it’s time to see a GP. Wear White Again is also an excellent source of information on heavy periods.

Sleeping problems

Changing hormones can affect your natural body clock negatively. However, getting adequate sleep is imperitive to a healthy lifestyle, so if you find yourself struggling to catch some Z’s, see a medical professional.

woman seeing doctor
Getty

Mood swings

Experiencing mood swings, irritability and other unpredictable emotions can be a common side-effect of getting older. However, it’s important that you are able to identify between a hormonally-charged mood swing and genuinely out-of-the-ordinary emotional issues. Visit your GP if you suspect your mood is impacting your life negatively.

Joint Pain

Studies have shown that the hormonal changes of menopause can cause some women to feel pain in their joints or make them feel more tired than usual.

Decreased libido

As you get older the medicine cabinet tends to get fuller. It’s important to take note of any dramatic drops in libido as this can be a sign of your meds having a negative effect on you and your state of mind.

Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

5 reasons why some women grow facial hair

5 reasons why some women grow facial hair

Study finds women work better in a warm environment

Study finds women work better in a warm environment

Taking a girls trip is the best thing for your health, study says

Taking a girls trip is the best thing for your health, study says

How much water should you drink per day?

How much water should you drink per day?

{headline}

{headline}

5 reasons why you're feeling completely exhausted

5 reasons why you're feeling completely exhausted

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

Dr Harry learns about farm therapy

Dr Harry learns about farm therapy

{headline}

{headline}

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

What to do if chocolate is truly your weakness

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

The one mistake all Australians are making with sunscreen

The ultimate Christmas health plan

The ultimate Christmas health plan

How to build your own home gym

How to build your own home gym

The best massage guns for your post-workout muscles

The best massage guns to use post-workout

A beginner's guide to boxing

A beginner's guide to boxing

Sam Wood's guide to suspension training for beginners

Sam Wood's guide to suspension training for beginners

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription