Menopause is seen as the final phase of menstruation. You are said to be in your menopausal phase when you go 12 months without a menstrual cycle due to the loss of ovarian function in your 40s and 50s. Despite the fact that it is a natural ageing process just like puberty, each woman impacted by this will have a unique experience. It is because this process causes a lot of changes in your hormonal activities, which may eventually result in both physical and mental health issues. Menopause could tougher for some and easier for others. But awareness about it is necessary. So, let us find out some signs of perimenopause and menopause.

Common signs of perimenopause

Your menstrual cycle becomes irregular and starts to taper off around the age of about 45. This transition time period is called perimenopause. Your estrogen levels fluctuate and progressively start to decline throughout this time. This continues until your ovaries stop generating eggs, at which point you will stop getting your period and won’t be able to get pregnant.

To understand the signs and symptoms of perimenopause, Health Shots spoke to Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai.

Dr Siddhartha says, “When you’re in perimenopause, it’s difficult to estimate when or whether your next period will arrive. It’s also more challenging to forecast whether or not your flow will be strong or mild, or how long your period will last. All you can do at this point is keep an eye on your emotions and look for changes.”

Changes could start to show up months or years before menopause. In addition to irregular menstrual cycles, there are many other symptoms as well.

Here 7 signs that you might notice if you’re approaching menopause:

1. Your menstrual cycles become irregular

This is a classic symptom that you are approaching menopause. Your periods may be more frequent or less frequent, heavier or lighter, or last longer or shorter than usual.

2. You’re mostly in a bad mood

A variety of factors might influence your mood, including hormonal changes associated with menopause. If you’ve already had anxiety or sadness, your symptoms may intensify throughout menopause.

3. You have a tendency to forget things

During middle age, both men and women might experience small memory lapses, such as being unable to recall a word or misplacing their vehicle keys. It’s usually not a huge deal, but it could be one of the signs of perimenopause.

4. Urinary urgency

A drop in estrogen levels can make pelvic organs weak. A woman may experience a sudden need to urinate as well as more frequent urination as a result of this. Not only this, vaginal dryness is one of the perimenopause symptoms that most women experience.

5. You will see changes in your body

Your hair and skin may also grow drier and thinner. During menopause, some women gain weight. Your physique may also shift, resulting in more fat around the waist and more fat and less muscle overall.

Also read: Say goodbye to belly fat after menopause with these 7 effective exercises

6. Hot flashes

Hot flashes can also be a symptom of any medical condition. However, it is also the most common symptom of menopause. They occur less frequently in the perimenopause phase and then increase in the menopausal phase.

7. You have diverse feelings about sex

Some women report that they are less interested in sex or have difficulty becoming aroused throughout menopause. Other women say they enjoy sex more and feel more liberated now that they don’t have to worry about getting pregnant.

Also read: Orgasms after menopause: Yes, it’s possible!

Word of caution: After menopause, any bleeding, including spotting, is not typical. You should consult your doctor.