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 happen because you are getting older. But some are due to menopause. It’s not always possible to tell if symptoms are related to aging, menopause, or both. Some changes you might notice as you near menopause include:
- 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.