For people who are born female, menopause is a natural stage of life. It happens when the ovaries stop producing the hormones that control the menstrual cycle.
The transition leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate and can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Every person experiences menopause differently. Some people have only mild symptoms, while others notice symptoms that affect sleep, mood or daily life. Understanding the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can help you recognize changes in your body and know when to talk with your health care provider.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause when hormone levels begin to change. Estrogen levels rise and fall unpredictably, which can lead to changes in menstrual cycles and other symptoms.
Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s, though it can start earlier for some people. This stage may last several years.
Perimenopause ends when you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period, which marks the start of menopause.
Important: You can still become pregnant during perimenopause. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should continue using birth control until your provider confirms menopause.
For many people, the earliest sign of perimenopause is a change in menstrual cycles. Periods may become irregular, heavier or lighter than usual.
Other early symptoms may include:
These symptoms can begin several years before menopause.
Hormone changes can affect many systems in the body. Physical symptoms vary from person to person.
Your menstrual cycles may become shorter or longer than usual. You may skip periods, have heavier or lighter bleeding or experience two periods close together.
If you experience abnormal bleeding, such as spotting between periods or prolonged bleeding, contact your health care provider.
Hot flashes are one of the most common menopause symptoms. You may suddenly feel intense heat in your upper body, often with sweating and flushed skin.
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep. They can wake you up and may require changing clothing or bedding.
Your breasts may feel sore or sensitive during hormonal fluctuations.
Hormone changes can cause vaginal dryness, which may make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
Some people notice a lower interest in sex during perimenopause or menopause.
Some women gain weight during menopause. Fat distribution may shift from the hips and thighs to the abdomen.
Hormonal changes and sleep disruptions may leave you feeling more tired than usual.
Hormone fluctuations can contribute to headaches or body aches.
You may notice increased hair shedding or changes in skin texture and moisture.
Some people experience leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Hormone changes can lead to thinner, weaker bones over time. Your provider may recommend bone density testing to monitor bone health.
Hormone changes can also affect mood, sleep and concentration.
Emotional and mental symptoms may include:
These changes can be challenging, especially since menopause often happens during other major life transitions such as career changes, raising children or caring for aging parents.
Perimenopause and menopause share many symptoms, but they occur at different stages.
These symptoms happen while hormone levels fluctuate and periods are still occurring.
Menopause officially begins when you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period.
Menopause symptoms usually begin during perimenopause, which often starts in a person’s 40s.
However, timing can vary.
You may notice subtle changes such as irregular periods, sleep problems or mood changes.
Symptoms often become more noticeable and may include hot flashes, night sweats and heavier or irregular periods.
Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a menstrual period. Symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems may continue for several years.
If symptoms begin before age 40, this may be considered early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency. You should talk with your provider if you notice symptoms at a younger age.
You should talk to your health care provider if menopause symptoms are affecting your sleep, mood or daily activities.
You should also seek medical care if you experience:
Your provider can help determine whether your symptoms are related to menopause or another medical condition. They can also discuss treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications or hormone therapy.
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, help is available. Your provider can work with you to find ways to manage symptoms and support your health during this stage of life.
Learn more about treatment options for perimenopause and menopause and the support available to help you feel your best.
Perimenopause can last several years. For many people, symptoms begin in their 40s and continue until menopause, which occurs after 12 months without a period.
Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause. They can cause sudden warmth, sweating and flushing in the upper body.
Yes. Hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, so symptoms such as hot flashes or mood changes may appear, improve and return again.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others may have symptoms that become more noticeable during the transition to menopause.
Sign in to Patient Account
