Which symptom is typically NOT associated with menopause?

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, characterized by the cessation of menstruation and various physiological changes due to declining hormone levels, particularly estrogen. The symptoms commonly associated with menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods, all of which reflect changes in the hormonal balance and reproductive system.

Severe weight gain, while it can occur around the time of menopause, is not typically characterized as a direct symptom of menopause itself. Weight changes during this period can be attributed to various factors, including lifestyle changes, aging, and metabolic alterations rather than menopause being an isolated cause. Therefore, while some women may experience weight gain during menopause, it is not considered a symptom directly associated with this transition like the other symptoms mentioned. This distinction highlights the multifactorial nature of weight changes in middle age, distinguishing it from more direct menopausal symptoms.