We all  know that things change at menopause, and we do our best to prepare for them, but some of these you may not be aware of.

1. The shape of your eyes may change

The change is likely small, but it may be noticeable to you. You also may find that your contacts don’t feel right anymore or your vision isn’t what it used to be.

Some women have problems with dry or scratchy eyes after menopause.

2. An increase in weight

Because you make less oestrogen, your body might change how and where it stores fat.  A little extra weight may show up, 2-5 lbs or more, and sticks around in your lower tummy area.

It won’t cause any major health problems, but you’ll probably need to work a little harder to lose it.

3. Your bra may not fit well anymore

It’s normal for your breasts to change shape, lose their firmness, or shrink after menopause. It’s not unusual to lose a cup size or more as you get older.

4. You start losing bone about a year before your last period

Around the age of 35, women’s bones start to get thinner and weaker, and this process speeds up during and after menopause.

Weaker bones are more likely to break, so take preventive action if you have any history of osteopenia or osteoporosis in your family.

Weight bearing exercise, not being overweight, and having hormone balance so that you have sufficient progesterone  are all important.

Progesterone is the essential hormone to build old new bone and a good, specifically designed, supplement for osteoporosis can also help.

5. Menopause can change the shape of your body

Before menopause, many women have a pear-shaped body with wide hips and thighs and more weight below the waist.

During midlife, that can change to more of an apple shape as your weight shifts to your waist and belly.

6. You may pee more often

The lining of your urethra — the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body when you pee — gets drier, thinner, and less elastic. That can make you feel like you need to pee more.

You also may leak urine when you cough, laugh, or lift heavy things. Your doctor can recommend exercises to train and strengthen the muscles in that area and you may also need to have some oestrogen if you are low in that hormone, and not oestrogen dominant.

7. Your libido and sex life may change

It’s common to have vaginal dryness during and after menopause, and the lowering levels of oestrogen can make your vagina less stretchy.

But vaginal moisturizers and regular sex boosts blood flow and keeps your vaginal muscles toned.

Libido is certainly helped by progesterone, which is the hormone behind sex drive in women. If you are also suffering from vaginal dryness a combination cream with some oestrogen in it can be helpful.

However if you are suffering from vaginal atrophy, that will need a separate oestrogen source from your doctor.

8. Your risk of heart disease  may be higher

Your chances of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related problems may go up and is often related to increase in weight and oestrogen dominance.

That’s especially true if you had your ovaries removed or you went through menopause at a young age.

9. Menopause can affect your mood

The change in hormones after menopause can bring about changes in your mood. So, too, can the idea of growing older and watching your body change.

Although many women are offered antidepressants as a replacement for HRT, or to deal with low moods, it may well first be beneficial to try a combination cream of both progesterone and oestrogen as these two hormones together have been shown to help in these cases.

10. You may need to change your skin care routine

Your skin is your largest and most visible organ — and menopause can make it dry and itchy. You can help your skin by using sunscreen and moisturizer.

Also, drink plenty of water, and if you smoke, do consider giving up as it is not only it bad for the complexion but it certainly does increase the amount of wrinkles that you have.