What are the early signs of menopause?

Early signs of the menopause transition often show up gradually and can be easy to dismiss as stress or aging. Common early indicators include:

• Irregular periods, heavier or lighter than usual
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Trouble sleeping through the night
• Mood swings, irritability, or low mood
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy

Not every woman experiences all of these, and symptoms can range from mild to disruptive. Tracking changes over a few cycles can help your doctor understand your pattern.