5 Signs You May Be Entering Menopause

Experiencing changes in your body, mood, or sex life? It could mean that you’re entering menopause, a natural part of the aging process for women, marked by 12 months without a menstrual period.

At ThriveOB and Women’s Wellness in Barrington, Illinois, we support you through every stage of life. Jennifer Moreira, MD, FACOG and her team offer personalized care and effective treatments to help you manage the challenges associated with perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, can be different for every woman. Here are five signs that you may be beginning this new chapter that marks the end of your reproductive years.

1. Changes in your period

During perimenopause, many women notice changes in their menstrual cycle. You may experience shorter cycles, with your period arriving sooner than usual, or have more time between periods. The flow itself may also become heavier, lighter, or you may skip some periods entirely.

It can be helpful to track your cycle and note any changes to discuss with our team. For instance, if you go 60 days or more without a menstrual period, it may indicate you’re in the later stages of perimenopause.

2. Intimate symptoms

As you approach menopause, things might feel a little different in your intimate life. Fluctuating hormone levels often lead to vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable or even painful.

Even before menopause, 17% of women experience vaginal dryness. After menopause, that number rises to more than 50%. You may also notice that your libido, or desire for sex, isn’t quite what it used to be.

3. Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes can come on suddenly, making you feel as though you’re stepping into a sauna even when you’re in a cool room. These episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may be accompanied by sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and a flushed face.

Hot flashes while you’re sleeping, called night sweats, can be so intense that they soak your bedding, leaving you chilled and disrupting your rest. While these personal temperature changes are common before, during, and after menopause, their frequency and intensity varies from woman to woman.

4. Trouble sleeping

While night sweats can certainly disrupt your sleep, they’re not the only menopausal culprit. The hormonal shifts happening in your body can affect how you sleep and how much you sleep.

You may find it more difficult to fall asleep, or you might wake up more frequently in the night. Some women experience changes in their sleep cycles, feeling tired during the day but wide awake when it’s time to go to bed.

5. Emotional changes

The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause can have a big impact on your mental and emotional well-being. You may experience a range of emotions that you may not be used to feeling, from irritability and anxiety to sadness and difficulty concentrating.

For many women, these changes can be intense and feel overwhelming. Remember that you’re not alone in your feelings, and help is available. Taking care of your mental health during this time is just as important as addressing any physical symptoms.

If period irregularities, restless nights, intimate discomfort, or emotional ups and downs are getting in the way of your daily life, Dr. Moreira and our team provide both compassionate support and effective solutions. This may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or innovative procedures like MonaLisa Touch® laser vaginal rejuvenation.

We’re committed to helping you find relief from menopause symptoms and feel like yourself again. Call ThriveOB and Women’s Wellness to schedule an appointment today.