When hormone (estrogen and progesterone) levels begin to decrease, you may begin to feel the effects. Different women experience different symptoms and different levels of discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleeping problems, fatigue, vaginal dryness, loss of sexual desire, irregular periods, bladder problems, and mood swings.

EstroGel is FDA approved to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes and treat moderate to severe dryness, itching, and burning in and around the vagina.1

Hot flashes
A hot flash is the sudden sensation of heat in the upper part or all of your body. Parts of your body, usually the face and neck, become flush and may appear red. Red blotches may also occur on the chest, back, and arms. This sudden feeling of heat can also be followed by heavy sweating and cold shivering. Hot flashes can last between 30 seconds and 10 minutes.

Night sweats
Night sweats are when you experience a hot flash while sleeping. Sometimes they are severe enough to wake you out of a sound sleep.

Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Some women experience problems sleeping during menopause. They may be having difficulty falling asleep or waking too early. Night sweats may also contribute to poor sleep quality.

Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of menopause and can be a result of some of the other menopause symptoms, particularly sleeping problems.

Vaginal dryness
As hormone levels continually change, the vagina may become irritated as a result of dryness and thinning in surrounding tissues. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable and increase the risk of vaginal infections.

Loss of sexual desire
Around the time of menopause, many women lose interest in sex. The reasons are not exactly known.

Irregular periods
You may notice that your periods are no longer regular. The amount that you bleed may fluctuate. The length of your period may change. These may be the first symptoms of menopause you experience. Irregularities in your period can also be signs of other conditions. Discuss any irregularities with your doctor.

Bladder problems
Changing estrogen levels might also lead to bladder problems that make it difficult to hold in urine long enough to reach a toilet. Some women may also find it difficult to hold their urine while exercising, sneezing, coughing, laughing, or running.

Mood swings
Some women experience moodiness, irritability, or depression around the time of menopause. While experts aren’t entirely sure why this occurs, there may be a connection with the change in hormone levels. Other things that may contribute include stress, changes in the body, and fatigue.

Menopause is an adjustment, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still live an exciting and active life. Many women see menopause as an opportunity to renew their commitment to health.

Prepare yourself through education. Know what to expect from menopause. The perfect partner to help guide you through the educational process is your doctor.

If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms, don’t worry. Most menopause symptoms can be managed effectively with an estrogen replacement therapy like EstroGel—the first FDA-approved transdermal gel estrogen therapy in the U.S. EstroGel is a convenient, bio-identical estrogen replacement therapy that is an ideal choice for women with an active lifestyle.1,2 EstroGel is a modern option for managing menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness and itching.1

While your doctor can provide guidance, continue learning on your own. The internet provides numerous sources of practical information that can help you learn more.
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