Symptoms of Menopause

Some women may have frustrating symptoms that start during perimenopause and continue once they have reached menopause. Hot flashes have become the hallmark symptom of menopause. Hot flashes are a feeling of sudden flush or warmth, often followed by sweating. They can cause serious discomfort and sleepless nights for some women.

Other symptoms that can start in perimenopause, but also might continue once you reach menopause include:

• night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)

• sleep problems

• mood changes (mood swings, depression, irritability)

• vaginal problems, including vaginal dryness and irritation that can cause pain during sex and pelvic exams, and frequent vaginal infections

• urinary problems, including burning or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing

• problems with concentration or memory

• less interest in sex and changes in sexual response

• weight gain

• hair thinning or loss

• "spotting" and abnormal bleeding (although this is common in perimenopause, once you've reached menopause you should report any uterine bleeding to your HCP to rule out serious causes, such as cancer)