What Are the Common Symptoms of Menopause and How Can They Be Treated?

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but for many women, it comes with symptoms that can quietly disrupt sleep, mood, work, and family life. In Kuwait and across the GCC, these symptoms are often under-discussed due to cultural stigma leaving many women to suffer in silence.

At DAWI, a leading telehealth platform in Kuwait and the GCC, we see this reality every day. Drawing from 50,000+ annual women’s health consultations and insights from gynecologists and clinicians with 10+ years of experience, this guide explains the most common menopause symptoms and the effective, evidence-based treatments available today including discreet online care.

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and typically occurs between ages 45–55, often preceded by perimenopause, when hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably. These hormonal shifts, especially declining estrogen, affect multiple systems in the body, which is why symptoms can feel both physical and emotional.

According to DAWI platform data, menopause-related online consultations increased by 40% since 2024, reflecting a growing awareness that these symptoms are medical, treatable, and real.

Based on anonymized consultation trends across Kuwait and the GCC, these are the symptoms women most frequently report:

1. Hot Flashes (65% of Consults)

Sudden waves of heat, sweating, and facial flushing often disrupt daily activities and confidence.

2. Night Sweats & Insomnia (55%)

Many women report waking multiple times at night, leading to chronic fatigue, brain fog, and irritability.

3. Mood Swings & Emotional Changes (50%)

Hormonal shifts can affect neurotransmitters, causing anxiety, low mood, irritability, or emotional sensitivity often misunderstood as “stress.”

4. Weight Gain & Slower Metabolism (40%)

Especially around the abdomen, even without changes in diet a common frustration among midlife women.

5. Joint Pain & Body Aches (35%)

Declining estrogen affects joint lubrication and muscle recovery, often misattributed to aging or overwork.

The good news: menopause symptoms are highly manageable with the right care plan. At DAWI, clinicians emphasize integrative, personalized treatment, combining medical and lifestyle approaches.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For many women, HRT is safe and effective when prescribed correctly.

Case Insight:
A 48-year-old Kuwaiti teacher experiencing severe hot flashes and insomnia booked a virtual gynecology consult via DAWI. After evaluation, she started HRT and reported significantly improved sleep and reduced symptoms within 4 weeks.

Myth busted: HRT is not “always unsafe.” Modern, evidence-based protocols make it suitable for many women under medical supervision.

2. Lifestyle Changes (Diet, Movement & Sleep)

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Balanced nutrition to support metabolism
• Gentle exercise like walking or yoga
• Sleep hygiene to reduce night disruptions
  
  

Case Insight:
A 45-year-old professional delayed care for joint pain, assuming it was work-related. A DAWI second opinion identified menopause-related changes. With supplements and simple lifestyle adjustments, she experienced noticeable improvement within weeks.

3. Supplements & Non-Hormonal Support

Some women benefit from supplements such as:

• Black cohosh
• Vitamin D & calcium
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  
  

These are often recommended alongside lifestyle changes, depending on symptoms and medical history.

4. Mental Health & Emotional Support

Mood changes are biological, not imagined.

Case Insight:
A 52-year-old homemaker’s mood swings were initially dismissed as stress. Through DAWI’s integrated telehealth care, she accessed both gynecological and mental health support leading to improved emotional stability and quality of life.

Many women delay care due to common misconceptions:

• “Menopause symptoms are just psychological”
• “HRT always causes harm”
• “Menopause means rapid aging”
  
  

At DAWI, clinicians emphasize that menopause is a medical transition, not a decline and proactive care can preserve energy, confidence, and well-being.

In the GCC, cultural norms and privacy concerns can make in-person visits uncomfortable. DAWI bridges this gap by offering:

• Discreet online consultations
• Access to experienced gynecologists & therapists
• Second opinions without judgment
• Flexible scheduling for working women
  
  

This model empowers women to seek care earlier, not after symptoms become overwhelming.

When Should You Seek Help?

You should consider consulting a doctor if menopause symptoms:

• Affect sleep, work, or relationships
• Persist for several months
• Are dismissed or misunderstood elsewhere
  
  

Early intervention often leads to faster relief and better outcomes.