Irregular Periods: Periods may become irregular in the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), with cycles becoming shorter or longer.

Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by flushing and sweating, particularly in the upper body and face.

Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue.

Vaginal Dryness: Decreased lubrication and thinning of the vaginal tissues, which can lead to discomfort during intercourse.

Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, and increased risk of anxiety and depression.

Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often due to night sweats or hormonal fluctuations.

Physical Changes: Changes in skin elasticity, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and changes in hair texture.

Health Considerations During Menopause:

• Bone Health: Decreased estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
• Heart Health: Estrogen helps protect against heart disease, so the decline in estrogen levels during menopause may increase cardiovascular risk.
• Urinary Health: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to urinary incontinence or increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections.