Oh dear, is this the menopause already? Understanding the first signs can help you to cope with this transition. Although every woman’s experience is different, there are some common symptoms that herald the onset of the menopause, which usually begins in your mid-40s. We’ll take a closer look at these signs below, to help you feel informed and empowered.

1. Menstrual irregularities: The first sign of change
One of the clearest signs that menopause is approaching is a change in your menstrual cycle. If you notice that your period is becoming irregular, this is often the first sign that your body is entering menopause. This can mean:

irregular periods: Your period may come more often or with longer gaps between them.
shorter or longer cycles: For some women, their cycles are either unusually short or longer.
missing periods: You may experience a period missing altogether, which can be confusing but is a natural part of this stage.

These changes occur because the ovaries produce less estrogen, the hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle. It’s important to observe your cycle during this time, because understanding the pattern can help you anticipate what’s coming.

2. Hormonal symptoms: hot flashes and mood swings
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms that often catch women off guard. Some of the most common hormone-related symptoms include:

· Hot flashes and sweating: You may experience sudden waves of heat, often followed by heavy sweating. These can occur during the day or at night, leading to night sweats.
· Mood swings and irritability: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially estrogen, can affect your mood. You may feel more irritable, anxious, or even sad for no apparent reason.

These hormonal symptoms are among the most troublesome, but knowing that they are a normal part of the process can help you find strategies to deal with them.

3. Sleep disorders: night sweats and insomnia
In the early stages of menopause, sleep patterns can change dramatically. Many women report having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. The most common sleep problems are:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep: Insomnia is a common problem, where even small disturbances can cause you to lie awake for hours.
Frequent nighttime awakenings: You may wake up several times during the night, often due to hot flashes or night sweats.

Getting good quality sleep is important for your body and mind. Resolving these disturbances early can help prevent more long-term sleep problems.

4. Changes in mucous membranes: vaginal dryness and more
The estrogen deficiency associated with menopause can cause changes in mucous membranes, especially in the vaginal area. Many women find this uncomfortable. These changes may include, for example:

· Vaginal dryness: You may notice a lack of moisture, which can cause discomfort during intercourse or everyday activities.
· Dryness in other areas: Some women also experience dryness in their eyes, mouth, throat, or even nails.

If vaginal dryness becomes bothersome, there are a variety of treatments available, from over-the-counter moisturizers to prescription medications, that can help you feel more comfortable.

5. Physical changes: weight gain and water retention
When estrogen levels drop, your metabolism can slow down, causing changes to your body that you can feel. The most common changes include:

Slight weight gain: Many women gain weight during the menopause, especially around the middle. This is often due to hormonal changes and a slower metabolism.
Water retention: You may experience swelling due to water retention, especially in your hands, feet or legs.

These changes can be frustrating. But don’t worry, with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, you can get the symptoms under control.

6. Psychological symptoms: mood swings and mental exhaustion
Menopause can have not only physical but also emotional effects. You may feel more emotional than usual and develop psychological symptoms, such as:

mood swings: you may experience mood swings during the menopause – from irritability to sadness.
increased irritability: sometimes it’s the little things that didn’t bother you before, but suddenly seem quite overwhelming.
Difficulty concentrating: Hormonal changes can cause you to feel mentally foggy or have trouble focusing. This can be a little frustrating at first.

If you recognize the symptoms early, you can do something about them. Some women find that lifestyle changes, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, help them. Others turn to their doctor.

7. Other common signs: increased urination and changes in libido
There are a few other signs of menopause that have nothing to do with the hormones in your body. These include, for example:

Frequent urination: You may notice that you have to urinate more, even though you are drinking the same amount as usual.
Fatigue or lack of motivation: Feeling tired or having no energy is common and can also lead to emotional problems.
Changes in sex drive: It’s normal to experience a decrease in sexual desire. This is just part of going through the menopause.

There are a number of things you can do to manage these symptoms. These include lifestyle adjustments, medical treatments and self-care strategies.

8. The individual nature of menopause symptoms
It is important to remember that menopause is different for every woman. Some women start experiencing symptoms in their mid-40s, while others start later. In addition, the symptoms vary in severity from woman to woman and also occur in very different combinations.

Every woman reacts differently to this phase of life. What you experience may be different from what others go through. It’s a good idea to write down your symptoms using our Menopause Symptom Checker and talk to your doctor. This will help you to understand what is happening to you personally during the menopause.

If you notice these signs, take the time to listen to your body and get the support you need. Your menopause journey is personal, but with the right tools, you can face it with confidence.