For most women in the US, menopause occurs in your 40s or 50s (the average age is 51), but you can start feeling its effects during perimenopause, which can last for months or years. The top four signs you’re entering menopause include:
Irregular Periods
Almost all women entering menopause will miss a few periods before having her last one. Your period might also become longer or shorter or come further and further apart. Many women celebrate this freedom from their periods, tampons and bulky pads.
But remember, pregnancy is still possible until you have gone a full year without a period. If you are unsure if you missed your period because of the menopause transition or pregnancy, you should take a pregnancy test.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the more common and irritating symptoms of menopause. While it’s unclear what causes hot flashes, it’s likely related to a drop in hormones affecting your body’s ability to regulate your temperature.
During a hot flash, you feel hot and flushed, sometimes all over your body. You might become red, get blotches on your chest and arms and sweat heavily. This sensation can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and can be strong enough to wake you up from sleep (called a night sweat).
Unfortunately, you can experience hot flashes for years leading up to menopause and even after menopause begins. To help control them, try to determine what triggers your hot flashes. You might experience them after drinking a hot beverage, consuming caffeine or alcohol or eating spicy foods. Even hot weather or warm rooms can trigger hot flashes, so turning down your thermostat could help.
Mood Changes
Like any hormone change, menopause can cause mood swings. You could feel sad for no reason or be more irritable throughout the day. You might even feel like you have less energy, which can contribute to moodiness. While you normally associate these feelings with your menstrual cycle, during perimenopause you have mood swings without having a period.
Exercise and relaxation techniques can help you improve your mood. Some women have found success with yoga, meditation or other calming methods.
Body Appearance Changes
Hormone changes affect all parts of your body in different ways. You might notice your metabolism has slowed, leading to weight gain. You could even experience thinning hair and dry skin. These changes happen slowly and might be related more to aging than menopause itself.
You will likely have to eat less and exercise more than you did when you were younger to maintain the same weight. The good news is these habits have many positive benefits, helping you maintain bone density and fight off heart disease.
During perimenopause and menopause, you might experience all or none of these symptoms. Every woman is different. Fortunately, symptoms of menopause are temporary and, if your symptoms bother you, your doctor can help you find relief.