Does menopause cause fever?

Ah, menopause. That wonderful time in a woman’s life where her hormonal levels shift like tectonic plates and cause all sorts of delightful symptoms. Hot flashes? Check! Mood swings? Absolutely! Insomnia? Sign me up!

But what about fever? Is that yet another lovely byproduct of this aging process or is there something more serious going on here? Let’s dive into the data and find out.

What is Menopause?

Before we start talking about fevers, let’s first define what menopause actually is. Menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation in women and usually occurs between the ages of 45-55 (although it can happen earlier or later). It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is caused by changes in hormone production, specifically a decrease in estrogen.

Common Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, menopause brings with it a whole host of symptoms that can vary from woman to woman. Some common ones include:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Irritability/mood swings
Sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness/atrophy
Decreased libido
Weight gain

Basically, your body turns against you for a little while until it figures itself out again.

The Connection Between Menopause and Fevers

So where does fever fit into all this mess? Well, as it turns out…

…

There isn’t really much connection at all.

Fever, defined as a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C), isn’t considered one of the standard symptoms associated with menopause. While some women may experience mild increases in body temperature during hot flashes, this rise typically only lasts for a few minutes at most before returning back to normal levels.

Bottom line: if you’re experiencing prolonged periods of high fever during menopause, something else might be going on and you should definitely consult with your healthcare provider.

Potential Causes of Fever during Menopause

Alright, so if it’s not menopause itself causing the fever, what could be the culprit? Here are a few possibilities:

Infections

The immune system can take a hit during menopause as estrogen levels drop. This means that women may be more susceptible to infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and even COVID-19 (although that last one is just bad luck in timing).

Medications

Some medications used to manage symptoms related to menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy or antidepressants, can cause fevers as a side effect.

Treating Fevers During Menopause

Ok ok ok – we know now that fevers aren’t typically seen as part of normal menopausal changes. But let’s say you do develop an infection or illness associated with fevers… what then?

As always: hydrate! Drink all-the-water to help flush out toxins from your body.
To make yourself extra-comfy while recovering; this is where soft blankets come into play!
All-of-the-rest options will probably depend on what exactly is going on but these simple tips apply across the board:
– Rest frequently
– Use over-the-counter pain relievers/fever reducers
– Stay away from triggers like spicy foods/alcohol/large meals

Remember: taking care of yourself doesn’t have an age limit!

Shine On Through The Change

While menopause can be a difficult time for many women, it’s comforting to know that fevers aren’t typically part of the package. That being said, don’t let your guard down when it comes to your health; stay vigilant and always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Have faith in yourself. You’ve got this!