The major symptoms of menopause are:
- missed periods
- sleep disturbances
- hot flashes
- vaginal dryness
- changes in mood
- lack of sex drive
Each of these symptoms are a result of hormonal changes.
Hot flashes are caused by an increase of blood flow in the blood vessels of the face, neck, chest and back.
Vaginal dryness is caused by thinning of the tissues of the vaginal wall, are the two side effects most frequently complained about.
The mood changes and lack of sex drive may result partially from the hormone decrease, but may also result from having to deal with hot flashes and vaginal dryness.