subject: What Are The Early Signs Of Menopause? [print this page] When women reach the end of their childbearing years, usually in their early 40s they will start to notice changes in the way they look and feel and may start to have early signs of menopause. These signs may happen suddenly or slowly over time. It helps to know what to look for to be prepared for the stages of menopause.
The 3 stage of menopause are perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. The perimenopause stage can begin 8-10 years prior to menopause and this is when the early symptoms begin. Menopause is defined as going without a period for 12 continuous months.
There are over 30 signs of menopause and thankfully, we won't experience all of them. There are however some that occur in the majority of menopausal women. These are hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, irregular periods, changes to skin, lack of sexual desire and vaginal dryness.
You may have heard that a woman can predict how her menopause experience will be by looking at her mother's symptoms. This may not be totally correct because in decades past, women didn't speak openly about their menopause symptom. Most women just accepted the symptoms and acted as though nothing was wrong. It's helpful to write down your symptoms in a journal. Keep track of what symptoms you have and how often they occur. Take this information with you to your doctor's appointments to help you discuss your symptoms. Your doctor may want to rule out any other possible causes for such as low thyroid function.
Menopause is just another part of a woman's journey through life. It doesn't have to be a negative event. Keeping a positive attitude and recognizing the early signs and symptoms of menopause will enable you to transition into this chapter in your life much easier.
