Recognizing early signs of menopause
Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life – but when exactly does it begin, and what signs indicate that your body is changing?
Many women experience early symptoms but are unsure whether they are truly entering menopause or if other factors are at play. This article explains which signs may point to the onset of menopause, how to better understand changes in your body, and what options are available for testing your hormone levels. This will give you greater clarity about this phase of life and help you respond more confidently to the changes.
Table of Contents
- What is menopause and when does it begin?
- Overview: the phases of menopause
- The first signs of menopause
- Are irregular periods a sign of menopause?
- Can menopause begin early?
- Can you test for menopause?
- Summary
What is menopause and when does it begin?
Menopause (climacteric) is a natural phase in every woman’s life during which hormone levels shift and fertility gradually ends. During this time, production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases, which can cause various physical and emotional changes.
The onset of menopause varies individually. Many women begin to notice changes around age 45, while others develop symptoms later. Menopause – defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months – is one phase of the menopause process and typically occurs around the age of 50. Genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions can influence when menopause begins and how intense it is (WHO, 2024).
Overview: the phases of menopause
If you're wondering whether you're entering menopause, it helps to understand the different stages of this transition. Menopause does not occur suddenly but unfolds over several years. Depending on the phase, symptoms may vary. The following overview shows the different stages, their approximate timing, and common symptoms, helping you identify whether your complaints may be menopause-related.
| Phase | Approximate age | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Premenopause | From approx. 35–40 | – Hormonal fluctuations (often without noticeable symptoms) – Slight changes in menstrual cycle – Initial changes in skin and hair |
| Perimenopause | From approx. 40–50 | – Irregular periods – Hot flashes & night sweats – Sleep disturbances & mood swings |
| Menopause | Around 50 | – Final menstrual period – Increased dryness of skin and mucous membranes – Metabolic changes (weight gain, fat distribution) |
| Postmenopause | From approx. 50–55 | – Decline in acute symptoms – Increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease – Possible ongoing symptoms such as vaginal dryness or joint pain |
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2024
Every woman experiences these stages differently. If you notice changes in your body, reviewing these phases can help you determine whether you may be in menopause.
The first signs of menopause
The first signs of menopause usually appear during perimenopause, a period that begins a few years before the final menstrual period. These symptoms are caused by increasing hormonal fluctuations and the gradual drop in estrogen levels. Symptoms vary from woman to woman – some hardly notice changes, while others experience them more intensely. Typical early signs of menopause include:
- Irregular periods: Cycles may become shorter or longer, and bleeding may be heavier or lighter. Some women experience spotting or completely unpredictable cycles.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by intense sweating (especially at night), are among the most common symptoms.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is common. This can be related to night sweats or hormone shifts.
- Mood swings: Irritability, nervousness, or increased emotional sensitivity are frequent. Some women also report depressive moods or anxiety.
- Cognitive changes and forgetfulness: Hormonal changes may affect mental sharpness, leading to concentration difficulties or occasional forgetfulness (“brain fog”).
- Dry skin and mucous membranes: Estrogen affects the body’s moisture regulation. As a result, skin can become dry, and vaginal dryness may lead to discomfort during intercourse.
- Metabolic changes: Many women notice weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and a shift in body fat distribution.
These early symptoms can appear several years before actual menopause and may vary in intensity (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Are irregular periods a sign of menopause?
Yes, irregular periods can be a sign of menopause. Especially during perimenopause—the transition period before menopause—menstrual cycles change due to hormonal fluctuations. During this phase, cycles become increasingly irregular:
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Cycle length changes – Periods may occur more or less frequently (e.g., every 21 or 40 days).
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Variability in flow – Periods may be unusually heavy or very light.
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Skipped periods & spotting – It is possible to skip one or more months, followed by unexpected bleeding.
Source: Harvard Health, 2022
Can menopause begin early?
Yes, menopause can begin early—before the age of 40. This is known as premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). It occurs in about 1% of women and may have genetic, medical, or external causes (Yale Medicine, 2024).
Possible causes of early menopause
- Genetic predisposition – If your mother or grandmother experienced early menopause, your risk may be higher.
- Autoimmune diseases – Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect ovarian function.
- Surgical procedures or cancer treatments – Removal of the ovaries or chemotherapy can trigger early menopause.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors – Smoking, chronic stress, or being underweight can affect hormone production.
How can early menopause be recognized?
The symptoms are similar to those of regular menopause, including irregular or missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. If you suspect that you may be entering menopause early, a hormone test (e.g., FSH level) can provide clarity. In this case, seeing a doctor is especially important to detect potential health risks such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease early on.
Can menopause be tested?
Yes, there are various ways to determine whether you are going through menopause. In addition to the typical symptoms, a hormone test can provide further insight.
What tests are available?
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FSH test (follicle-stimulating hormone): FSH levels rise during menopause as the body tries to compensate for the declining estrogen production. FSH normally stimulates egg development in the ovaries. A persistently elevated FSH level may indicate menopause.
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Estrogen test: Estrogen—especially estradiol—drops during menopause. A low level can be a sign, though it should always be interpreted in context with other hormones.
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LH test (luteinizing hormone): Like FSH, LH may also be elevated during menopause, although it plays a smaller role in diagnosis.
Since hormone levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, a single test is often not enough. The best assessment of hormone status combines multiple measurements with an evaluation of symptoms (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
How can you test for menopause at home?
A hormone self-test can help detect hormonal changes. The menopause blood test from Homed-IQ measures FSH and LH levels to determine whether menopause has begun. The sample is collected easily at home via finger prick and is analyzed in a certified laboratory.
Summary
Menopause is a natural phase of life during which hormone levels change and fertility gradually ends. Early signs such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances usually appear during perimenopause. Since symptoms vary from woman to woman, a hormone test can help determine your current hormonal status. In particular, FSH and LH levels can provide insight into whether your body is entering menopause.
