The Early Signs Of Menopause

If you’re in your 40s or 50s menopause may be just round the corner or it may have already started. If you’re someone who has been dreading this phase of your life, it is important to understand the menopause symptoms so you can know if you’re going through it and so that you can get the most appropriate treatment. If you’ve noticed your body changing but you’re not quite sure if it’s the menopause, then keep reading. If you’re wondering what are early signs of menopause; in this article from Menopause Care Online we dive into exactly what to look out for. Let’s get into it.

What Is The Menopause?

The menopause is the official and natural end to a woman’s reproductive years. It’s at the point once your periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. Your ovaries will stop producing reproductive hormones (especially oestrogen and progesterone) which can lead to uncomfortable menopause symptoms. The average age that women typically go through the menopause is between 45 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later. However you can experience menopause symptoms such as changes to your menstrual cycle leading up to this point, which is called the perimenopause.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition between a woman’s reproductive years and the menopause. You may have noticed changes in your menstrual cycle; you will also  find that hormone levels such as oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can cause certain perimenopause symptoms. Typically the perimenopause starts in your mid 40s, but can begin in your 30s and last for several years to a decade. This begins when the ovaries start producing less eggs, and ends when periods have stopped for 12 months in a row.

What Are Early Signs Of Menopause?

If you’re wondering, “what are early signs of menopause?” Below are some menopause and perimenopause symptoms that you could be dealing with. Although menopause symptoms do vary from person to person; if you have any of the following it could be the first signs of perimenopause:

Changes in menstrual cycle

Before your periods stop altogether, you may notice changes in your normal menstrual cycle.  Your periods can become irregular, infrequent or change from what’s ‘normal’ for you. This could look like your periods becoming heavier or lighter than usual, this will be different for everyone, but you will know your cycle more than anyone and changes to it can be a perimenopause symptom. If your periods have stopped all together for 12 months in a row then that indicates you’re in the menopause.

Hot flushes

A flush is a fast surge of heat that spreads through the chest, neck and face. You might feel prickly skin, a visible blush, or a sudden need to cool down. Early on, episodes can be brief and random; later they may follow a looser rhythm. Simple steps like dressing in layers and keeping rooms cool help some people; if flushes interrupt work or sleep, ask about treatment options (including HRT where appropriate).

Night sweats

Night sweats can soak sleepwear or sheets and leave you chilled afterwards. They often arrive alongside hot flushes but can occur on their own. If you’re waking to change clothes or bedding, that fits the picture of what are some of the first signs of menopause. Breathable bedding, limiting your alcohol intake in the late evening, and keeping your bedroom as cool as possible  are practical first moves; taking these steps keeps persistent sweats very manageable.

Tiredness

Broken sleep, hot flushes and hormone shifts can leave you wiped out by mid-afternoon. Fatigue also feeds into brain fog and low mood, so it’s worth tackling early. Keep a steady wake-up time, limit your caffeine intake and make sure you’re consuming it mainly earlier on in the day, and try to always make time for a short wind-down before bed. If you’re exhausted most days, speak to Dr Vema today  – sustained tiredness is a key menopause symptom we can address in a number of different ways.

Depression and anxiety

Mood can drop without much warning, you could be dealing with a shorter fuse, background worry, or a low mood that doesn’t normally feel like you. This is common during the menopause and doesn’t mean you “should be coping better.” Talking therapies help; so does changing your routine by getting more daylight and movement as well as eating regular meals. For many, stabilising hormones reduces the intensity of both anxiety and low mood. If you’re struggling, seeking help from your GP or a menopause constant can help you get the treatment and support you need.

Aches and pains

You may also experience aching joints, typically in the hips, knees, hands and lower back. This could make walking feel stiff and then you may feel a nagging pain in your joints. Strength work twice a week plus regular walking can ease these symptoms, and getting a good sleep helps recovery. If pain limits activity or wakes you up, bring this up in your next appointment with your menopause consultant.

Migraines

Fluctuating oestrogen can trigger new migraines or make a previous pattern more unpredictable. Migraines can be unbearable and get in the way of your daily life. Keep a short diary for a few weeks noting; timing, severity and potential triggers. Treatment may combine standard migraine care with menopause-specific support to smooth hormonal swings where appropriate.

Lack of concentration and focus

If you’re wondering: what are some of the first signs of menopause? “Brain fog” is an early sign many people don’t expect. Words slip, names vanish, tasks take longer. It often eases when sleep is regulated and other symptoms of the menopause are being managed well. Until then, reduce needless task-switching, block time for one harder task when your energy is best, and write more down than you used to. If work confidence is taking a hit, mention it during your consultation – it should shape your treatment plan.

Loss of libido

Sexual desire can dip during perimenopause for several reasons: hormone levels dip, you have low energy, your mood changes, you may suffer with vaginal dryness, and of course there is a level of stress that comes with the menopause. Addressing comfort first can be a good start (we touch on this next) and often helps sexual desire to follow. If low libido matters to you and isn’t improving, we’ll look at medical and non-medical options that fit your situation.

Painful sex 

Dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues can make intercourse sore or “sandpapery.” This is common and very treatable. Regular vaginal moisturisers plus lubricant for sex help; local vaginal oestrogen is highly effective for many and can be used long-term for comfort. Don’t wait until pain leads to avoidance as early treatment protects both comfort and confidence.

Bladder changes

You may pee more frequently or have had a few urinary infections recently. Urgency, getting up at night, or small leaks with coughing or exercise also crop up. Lower oestrogen affects the urethra and surrounding tissues; pelvic-floor strength may need attention too. Pelvic-floor exercises, bladder training strategies, hydration habits, and (where suitable) local vaginal oestrogen often improve symptoms. Recurrent UTIs deserve a proper review so you’re not stuck in a cycle of antibiotics.

What Is Early Menopause?

Now that we’ve touched on what are the first signs of menopause, what about when the menopause arrives sooner than expected? Early menopause is when your period stops altogether before the age of 45. Not to be confused with perimenopause which is that transitional phase before the menopause, your periods will still continue during this phase although may be irregular; early menopause is when your periods have stopped for 12 months consecutively when you’re under 45.

What Are Signs Of Early Menopause?

So, what are signs of early menopause? Early menopause symptoms are similar to the perimenopause and menopause, it’s just that you experience these at a younger age than usual. If you’re experiencing changes in your cycle, hot flushes or your periods have stopped and you’re younger than 45, book an appointment with a menopause consultant or your GP.

Book With A Menopause Specialist Today

Going through the change is uncomfortable enough as it is, but going through it alone can be difficult as the symptoms can get in the way of your life. However, seeking help from a menopause consultant gets you on the right path to receiving a treatment plan that’s right for you. I’m Dr. Kavita Verma and I’m a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology with more than 30 years of experience. Whether we prescribe you HRT or you require alternative treatment, we will assess and understand your situation to get you the help that you need. Book a consultation with Menopause Care Online today.

Menopause Symptoms FAQs

What is the first sign of menopause?

For many, period changes are the first sign of the menopause: shorter cycles, then longer gaps in between each period. Others notice heat symptoms or broken sleep first.

What are the first signs of perimenopause if my periods are still regular?

You can still be perimenopausal even if you still have regular periods. You could experience night sweats, mood shifts, brain fog, or vaginal dryness that doesn’t match your past experience.

How long does perimenopause last?

It varies. Some people move through perimenopause in several years to a decade. Symptom intensity can come in waves. If symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or quality of life, tailored treatment can help you through the perimenopause.

How does an online appointment work?

You’ll complete a short pre-appointment form, then meet Miss Verma by video. You’ll talk through symptoms, medical and family history, and any worries. Together, you’ll agree on a personalised treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, prescriptions can be sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home; we can also liaise with your GP.