There are symptoms that are associated with menopause, such as period changes, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble falling asleep at night, mood swings, hair loss, and facial hair growth.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Knowing how to talk to your doctor or other members of your health care team can help you get the information you need about menopause. Your doctor will tell you, as you near menopause, that you may have symptoms from the changes your body is making. For some women, their menopause symptoms will go away over time without treatment. Other women will choose treatment for their symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about how to best manage menopause. Talk about your symptoms and whether they bother you. Make sure the doctor knows your medical history and your family medical history. This includes whether you are at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Remember that your decision is never final. You can, and should review it with your doctor during a checkup. Your needs may change, and so might what we know about menopause.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

* Changes in your period. The time between periods and the flow from month to month may be different.
* Abnormal bleeding or “spotting.” This is common as you near menopause. But if your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row, and you still have “spotting,” you should talk to your doctor to rule out serious causes, like cancer.
* Night sweats. Hot flashes that occur while a woman is sleeping and cause her to perspire. They can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
* Sleeping problems. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, health, and ability to cope with everyday stress.
* Vaginal changes. The vagina may become dry and thin, and sex and vaginal exams may be painful. You also might get more vaginal infections.
* Thinning of your bones. This may lead to loss of height and bone breaks (osteoporosis).
* Emotional changes. May include mood swings, sadness, tearfulness, and irritability. Although menopause does not cause depression, women are at a higher risk of depression in the years leading up to menopause. Some researchers think that the decrease in estrogen levels plays a role in the onset of depression in some women. Also, lack of sleep can strain a woman’s emotional health.
* Urinary problems. You may have leaking, burning or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
* Problems with memory and staying focused. You may notice you are more forgetful or have trouble concentrating.
* Sex drive decreases. You may have less interest in sex and changes in sexual response.
* Weight fluctuation. Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist.
* Hair loss or thinning. Hair thinning or loss is a problem for some women.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

* Hot flashes. Some women report that eating or drinking hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine, feeling stressed, or being in a hot place can bring on hot flashes. Try to avoid any triggers that bring on your hot flashes. Dress in layers, and keep a fan in your home or workplace. If you are bothered by hot flashes or night sweats, ask your doctor about MHT. MHT works best at treating hot flashes and night sweats. If MHT is not an option for you, ask your doctor about trying antidepressant or epilepsy medicine. There is proof that these can relieve hot flashes for some women.
* Vaginal dryness. A water-based, over-the-counter vaginal lubricant (like K-Y® Jelly) can be helpful if sex is painful. A vaginal moisturizer (also over-the-counter) can provide lubrication and help keep needed moisture in vaginal tissues. Really bad vaginal dryness may need MHT. If vaginal dryness is the only reason for considering MHT, an estrogen product for the vagina is the best choice. Vaginal estrogen products (creams, tablet, ring) treat only the vagina.
* Problems sleeping. One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is to be physically active. But, don’t exercise close to bedtime. Also avoid large meals, smoking, and working right before bedtime. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided after noon. Drinking something warm before bedtime, such as herbal tea (no caffeine) or warm milk, might help you to feel sleepy. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and use your bedroom only for sleeping and sex. Avoid napping during the day, and try to go to bed and get up at the same times every day. If you wake during the night and can’t get back to sleep, get up and read until you’re sleepy. Don’t just lie there. If hot flashes are the cause of sleep problems, treating the hot flashes will usually improve sleep.
* Mood swings. Some women report mood swings or “feeling blue” during the menopause transition. Women who had mood swings (PMS) before their periods or postpartum depression after giving birth may have more mood swings around the time of menopause. These are women who are sensitive to hormone changes. Often the mood swings will go away with time. If a woman is using MHT for hot flashes or another menopause symptom, sometimes her mood swings will get better, too. Also, getting enough sleep and staying physically active will help you to feel your best. Mood swings are not the same as depression.
* Trouble focusing, “fuzzy thinking,” forgetfulness. Some women complain of these symptoms in midlife. But studies suggest that natural menopause has little effect on memory or other “brain” functions. Also, recent studies suggest that women should not use MHT to protect against memory loss or brain diseases, including dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Getting enough sleep and keeping physically active might help improve symptoms. But if memory problems are really bad, talk to your doctor right away.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Change in pattern of periods (They can be shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, or there may be more or less time between periods.)
• Hot flashes (sometimes called hot flushes), night sweats (sometimes followed by a chill)
• Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings, feeling crabby, or crying spells
• Trouble focusing, “fuzzy thinking,” or forgetfulness
• Hair loss or thinning on your head or more hair growth on your face

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.