What are some of the signs and symptoms?
Menopause affects every woman differently. Your only symptom may be your period stopping. You may have other symptoms, too. Many symptoms at this time of life are because of just getting older. But some are due to approaching menopause. Menopause-related symptoms you might have during perimenopause include: • Changes in pattern of periods (can be shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, more or less time between periods) • Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat in upper body) • Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep), often followed by a chill • Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats) • Vaginal dryness • Mood changes, feeling crabby (probably because of lack of sleep) • Trouble focusing, feeling mixed-up or confused • Hair loss or thinning on your head, more hair growth on your face When you visit your doctor, take along a diary about what’s happening with your period. For a few months before your visit, record when your period starts and stops each day
