Physical and emotional changes to your body when you enter menopause

A woman sits with a doctor.
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — If you are in menopause or entering menopause, sleeping can be a problem. 

You may notice that you have trouble falling asleep, that you wake up very early or you may find that you can't get back to sleep if you wake up at night. 

Some women find that nighttime hot flashes make it hard to get a good night's sleep. 

But not all menopause symptoms are physical in nature — a dip in hormone levels during menopause can also cause emotional changes. 

You may feel more irritable, nervous or moody, and all of these things are normal but it doesn't mean you have to tolerate it. Some things are easier to control than others and lifestyle changes can make a big difference, so don't hesitate to talk with your physician about it.