Menopause or something else? How to recognize your body's signals

Menopause is a natural change in a woman's body, accompanied by a variety of sensations and symptoms. Some of these may feel familiar and commonplace, but sometimes it can be difficult to tell if the symptoms are really due to menopause or something else. In this article, we will go through what causes menopause, what typical symptoms can occur in connection with it, and when it might be worth considering other reasons for the sensations.

What exactly is menopause?

Menopause refers to the stage when ovarian hormone production, especially estrogen, decreases and eventually ceases. This transitional phase is often also referred to as perimenopause or premenopause before menstruation stops completely. Menopause typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but individual differences are significant.

Initial symptoms can appear years before the final period, and often the first sign is that periods become irregular and less predictable.

Common menopausal symptoms

During menopause, the body undergoes many changes as estrogen production decreases. Here are some of the most common symptoms that can raise the question: Is it menopause or something else?

• Irregular periods or cessation of menstruation
• Hot flashes or sweating spells
• Fatigue and impaired recovery
• Sleep disturbances or waking during the night
• Mood swings, irritability or low mood
• Challenges with memory or concentration
• Vaginal dryness or painful intercourse
• Joint and muscle pain
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Hair thinning and hair loss

It is good to remember that not everyone experiences all symptoms, and the intensity of symptoms varies individually.

Fatigue – a sign of menopause or something else?

Persistent fatigue is one of the most common sensations during menopause, and it can be caused by both hormonal changes and poor sleep or stress. Fatigue can manifest as daily exhaustion, impaired concentration, or lack of motivation.

If fatigue persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms not typically associated with menopause, such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency, or depression, it may be advisable to investigate the situation more broadly with a healthcare professional.

Periods change – when is it menopause?

Many recognize menopause by the fact that periods become irregular or less frequent. Initially, they may recur for shorter or longer periods than before, and eventually the breaks between periods can stretch to several months. The definitive sign of the onset of menopause is when there have been no periods for a year.

When to consider other causes?

Since many menopausal symptoms are vague and can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, it is important to also consider the following situations:

• Symptoms begin at a very young age
• Symptoms are clearly abnormal or sudden
• There are other health problems, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction
• Symptoms significantly disrupt daily life

In these situations, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional and, if necessary, investigate the situation more thoroughly.

Want certainty about your situation?

If you are wondering whether your symptoms are due to menopause, one option is to check hormone levels with a test. In particular, changes in estrogen and other menopause-related hormones can indicate whether it is perimenopause or a more advanced stage.

A home menopause test can provide additional information when:

• periods have become irregular
• you experience typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or sweating
• you suffer from prolonged menopausal fatigue
• you want to better understand your body's changes

The test does not replace a doctor's assessment, but it can provide guidance and facilitate the decision of whether to seek further examinations. For many, information also brings peace of mind and helps to clarify their own situation. Read more about the home test here.