Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods end and levels of estrogen and other hormones begin to lower. According to the North American Menopause Society, a diagnosis of menopause is made after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Prior to the final diagnosis, however, there are a number of changes that indicate the onset of menopause. The early signs of menopause vary from woman to woman and depend on her general health condition, genetic composition, ability to cope with stress and lifestyle choices.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most obvious signs of the beginning of menopause. The Mayo Clinic reports that three out of four women will undergo some level of hot flashes as they go through the early stages of menopause. The hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, is affected by changing hormones, especially the withdrawal of estrogen in the system. Hot flashes and night sweats, which occur during sleep, can occur for women between the ages of 40 and 58 as well as in younger women undergoing temporary menopause due to a number of reasons, from illnesses to poor lifestyle choices.
Vaginal Dryness
While inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur in women at any age, the condition is prevalent among women as they begin to experience menopause. Changing ovarian hormone levels can be erratic, affecting fluid levels that keep vaginal tissues healthy and elastic. As the hormone levels shift, the early signs of menopause begin to appear and can affect sexual relations and put a woman at a higher risk for urinary tract infections.
Mood Swings
Women going through early menopause, also called perimenopause, often undergo mood shifts that are characterized by irritability and depression. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that mood shifts in women going through the beginning of menopause are more likely due to disrupted sleep from hot flashes and interrupted sexual activity because of the discomfort caused by vaginal dryness.
Missed Menstrual Cycles
Some women feel the changes of menopause rapidly, while others glimpse the changes occasionally. For many women between the ages of 40 and 58, menstrual cycles just stop with no warning signs. Technically, this is called spontaneous menopause. Others experience sporadic menstrual cycles that range from spotty to heavy. Women under 40 years old may abruptly lose their cycles and undergo early menopause.
