Every woman’s experience of menopause can be different. Learn the first signs, symptoms and bust some myths about menopause. The best person to detect menopause as it approaches is probably you. And by being on the lookout for symptoms, you'll be able to gradually relieve them as they appear.
Every woman’s experience of menopause can be different, so recognising the early signs isn’t always so straightforward. Plus you’re sure to come across lots of myths and misconceptions around menopause, so it can be a confusing time.
Nonetheless, some signs and symptoms are very common early on. In addition to your periods becoming irregular, you’re likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Even so, there’s no simple test that can tell you with certainty whether you’ve started the transition to menopause, because it involves a little bit of homonal chaos But if a woman suspects she’s experiencing perimenopause, it is recommended to have a complete medical review with a health professional to help with diagnosis.
Changes to your periods can happen for many reasons, but some changes are more likely to be signs that menopause approaching – meaning that you’re in the ‘before’ phase known as ‘perimenopause’.
If you’re in perimenopause, your periods may become shorter or longer in duration, the bleeding can get lighter or heavier, and the amount of time between your periods could lengthen or shorten. These kinds of changes are considered normal during perimenopause.
But, other reasons can result in changes to your periods so it is important you talk to your health professional to rule out other causes.If you notice any of the following, its best to speak with your doctor to find out whether there is another cause for the change:
Predicting exactly when you’ll go through menopause isn’t possible, but there are some factors that can provide clues. On the flipside, there are some things that don’t come into play even though you might expect them to.
You know your body better than anyone else, and what’s previously been your normal. So if you listen carefully to your body, you can be more likely to notice the changes.
When you do notice changes, it’s a good idea to talk about them with a trusted healthcare professional. While you might not feel ready for what’s likely to be your biggest hormonal shift since puberty, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Plus there’s good news – there are strategies for managing or improving most menopausal symptoms, which is all the more reason to discuss them as they begin. This way you can make gradual adjustments as your hormones re-adjust.
The bottom line is that some women have more bothersome menopausal symptoms than others, so don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling. Strategies to overcome the hormonal chaos are available!
References available upon request.
Lifestyle insight
Explore the more sensitive questions about menopause, plus some surprising symptoms, and get the straight-up answers you need. It’s not so daunting when you know your options.