The most common signs that you may be entering menopause include changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep difficulties, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and thinning hair.
Menstrual cycle changes
As you near menopause, your periods may become irregular. You may experience lighter or heavier bleeding during your period. The time between periods may be shorter or longer. Eventually your periods will stop completely, marking the end of menopause. Common menstrual changes include:
- Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles become less frequent and don't occur monthly
- Heavy/light bleeding: You may have lighter or heavier periods than normal
- Spotting: Light bleeding between periods
Hot flashes
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, including the face, neck, and chest. They may also cause red blotches on the skin. Hot flashes can come on quickly and intensely. They may be mild or severe. They tend to last from 30 seconds to several minutes. Hot flashes are likely caused by decreasing
estrogen levels.
Night sweats
Menopause may also cause excessive sweating at night. You may wake up damp, drenched in sweat, or have to change your nightclothes or bedsheets. Like hot flashes, night sweats seem related to changing estrogen levels.
Sleep difficulties
Many women in
perimenopause and menopause have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Sleep troubles may be related to hot flashes and night sweats waking you up. But hormone changes during menopause can also affect sleep directly.
Mood changes
Women transitioning into menopause often report
mood swings,
anxiety,
irritability, or depression. The hormones estrogen and
progesterone influence neurotransmitters that regulate mood. As estrogen declines, this can affect mood. Stress, sleep troubles, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to mood issues.
Vaginal dryness
Lower estrogen after menopause reduces blood flow and moisture to vaginal tissues. This can cause the tissues to become thinner, drier, or inflamed. You may feel discomfort during sex. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections may also become more common due to changes in vaginal bacteria levels.
Thinning hair
Some women in perimenopause or menopause notice hair thinning or loss. Estrogen impacts hair growth cycles. With less estrogen, hair stays in the resting phase longer before naturally shedding and being replaced by new growth. Hair may also become drier or more brittle.
If you are experiencing some of these common menopausal symptoms,
specialized hormone testing from
Hormone Harmony Clinic can provide insights about your hormone levels and menopausal status. Knowing your hormone levels allows our physicians to develop personalized treatment plans to relieve symptoms and help you feel your best during this transition.
Contact Hormone Harmony Clinic today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We provide compassionate care and the latest medical therapies to address changes related to perimenopause and menopause.
