First Symptoms of Menopause: The Signals of a New Phase

Menopause Symptoms: Mild Worry or Major Wipeout?

The first symptoms of menopause can be the beginning of a roiling sea of change in a woman's health and fitness state--or some mild signals that a slow shift in hormones is moving toward the end of your child-bearing years.

Menopause Signs and Symptoms

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• breast tenderness
• irregular periods
• vaginal dryness and irritation
• thinning hair and hair loss
• decreased libido (sex drive)
• poor sleep
• migraines and other headaches
• mood swings and depression
• fuzzy thinking

A New Normal
If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, they may not be signs that you have entered the climacteric, or the period of time from the beginning of the "change" to 12 months past your last period. Many of these menopause signs and symptoms are discomforts women experience throughout adult life as hormone levels shift in our bodies.

Curious About Menopause?
If you are curious about the signs and symptoms of menopause you may have questions like:

• What age does menopause start?
• How long does menopause last?
• Is there sex after menopause?
• What are signs of early menopause, or pre-mature menopause symtoms?
• Are there male menopause symptoms?