“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”

~~Unknown

Something feels ever so slightly off. You’re noticing changes in your skin. Your period is late…wait, you’re never late. And you’re sweating in the middle of an ice storm. What the heck is going on? Could it be…?

Yes, it could. If you’re a woman in her late 30’s or early 40’s, it’s a good chance your body is beginning the journey towards menopause. 

Menopause doesn’t just show up one day and BAM! No more period. The process leading up to actual menopause – the cessation of menstruation – actually starts several years before. This is the period of time known as perimenopause. Your body is starting the process of shutting down its child-bearing functions. Hormones start to fluctuate. And the changes start becoming noticeable. 

So what does perimenopause look like? Here are the five most common signs that you’re starting menopause.

Hot Flashes and Its Twin, Night Sweats

The number one symptom complaint, hot flashes are sudden, intense sensations of heat. You may sweat profusely, become flushed or feel your heart beating rapidly. They usually last a few minutes and are often followed by chills as the body struggles to cool itself. When hot flashes happen at night, they’re called night sweats. They can be mild or severe and, in some cases, can occur multiple times a day. About 75-80% of women will experience hot flashes to some degree.

Changes in Your Period

As your hormone levels change, you will start to notice changes in your period. You may start to miss periods. The length of your cycle may become shorter or longer. Shorter cycles are more common early in perimenopause. Longer cycles tend to be more common later in the process. You may experience spotting or a heavier than normal flow. You may even notice some changes in the color or texture of your flow. If you have concerns about your period, have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. What you’re experiencing may be perfectly normal. There may also be things you can do to alleviate some of the discomfort. Your healthcare provider can guide you. 

Trouble Sleeping

One of the most common complaints among menopausal women is difficulty sleeping. With the night sweats, your period, feeling restless and just generally uncomfortable, it’s no wonder that as much as 61% of menopausal women report trouble sleeping. Hormone fluctuations can disrupt your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Some medications can also affect your sleep. An occasional sleepless night is normal. We all have them. But when sleep becomes elusive and you’re struggling to get through your day, it might be time to have a chat with your healthcare provider. You might also consider practicing good pre-sleep routines (also known as sleep hygiene) so that you can unwind and help your body prepare for sleep. 

Changes Down There

You know we can’t talk about menopause without talking about the changes that happen down there. One of the most common and frustrating symptoms is vaginal dryness and atrophy. As hormone levels drop, vaginal tissues lose their moisture and elasticity. The result can be itching, painful sex and atrophy of tissues. You may also experience a decrease in your sex drive. What’s a girl to do? There are a number of hormonal treatments including topical estrogen, over-the-counter remedies and lubricants. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what is right for you. 

Brain Fog

No it’s not a formal diagnosis but mention brain fog and your healthcare provider knows exactly what you’re talking about. You’re not losing it. That brain fog is the real deal. Memory lapses, forgetfulness, poor concentration and just not thinking clearly are some of the most common complaints. In fact, about 60% of women going through menopause complain of brain fog. Interestingly, once complete menopause has occurred, symptoms seem to improve. Researchers don’t know exactly why brain fog happens but they suspect that the loss of estrogen affects the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory processing. So what can you do? Interestingly, exercise seems to help alleviate symptoms of bran fog. You can also try using lists, reminders and enlisting help from friends. All indications are that it does get better over time.  

There are many symptoms of menopause. Not every woman will experience every symptom. Not every woman will experience symptoms in the same way. The most important thing is to understand what’s happening and have a plan to cope. The more prepared you are, the more in control of your changing body you will feel.