Menopause is a specific, well-defined point in time -- one year after a woman's final menstrual period. Women typically reach menopause between age 40 and 59, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians. Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, during which women begin noticing the signs and symptoms of the onset of menopause. While every woman's experience with perimenopause and menopause is unique, there are many common signs of the onset of menopause.
Hot Flashes
Three in four women experience hot flashes as a sign of the onset of menopause, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, making them the most common indication. Hot flashes are warm sensations that usually pass over the whole or upper body in waves. They may be accompanied by perspiration, headaches, flushed skin, nausea, dizziness, a pounding heart or shivering. The frequency, severity and duration of hot flashes varies widely, but they typically last a few seconds to a few minutes, states the ACOG.
Irregular Menstruation
Women generally notice changes to their familiar menstrual cycle characteristics as one of the earliest signs of the approach of menopause. The duration of periods may change, as may the time between them and/or the heaviness of the menstrual flow, notes the National Women's Health Information Center -- NWHIC.
Vaginal and Urinary Tract Symptoms
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can trigger vaginal and urinary tract symptoms. Vaginal dryness and a thinning vaginal lining are fairly standard, and can contribute to pain during sexual intercourse and diminished interest in sex, another telling sign. Increased urination, dryness and irritation of the urethra and increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections, may also signal the onset of menopause, according to the NWHIC.
Emotional and Sleep Disturbances
Mood swings and feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression can accompany the approach of menopause, explains the AAFP. Increased crying, nervousness or irritability are other possibilities. These emotional signs often stem directly from changing hormone levels. However, they can also be caused by or contributed to by inadequate sleep, as sleep disturbances are another typical sign of perimenopause. Difficulty falling or staying asleep and night sweats are often problems as menopause draws nearer.
Other Signs
Headaches may indicate the onset of menopause in women for whom they are uncommon. Most women also gain weight at this time, states the AAFP. Diminishing muscle tone, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, body aches, stiffness and broken bones due to loss of bone density are other standard signs and symptoms of the approach of menopause.
