If you notice any of these menstrual changes in yourself, you will know that you are entering the menopause:
1. Periods become irregular.
2. Menstrual flow becomes lighter.
3. Gap between periods is longer
The following symptoms may appear during the menopause, but they are not common to all women, nor is it likely that one woman will be unlucky enough to experience them all:
1. Hot flushes. A sudden sensation of feeling very hot and flushed, creeping up from chest to neck, shoulders, and face, which happens without warning at any time and causes great embarrassment to women.
2. Itching in the genitals and other parts of the body.
3. Weight gain.
4. Sagging breasts, tired-looking skin, wrinkles, lank hair.
5. Dizziness, palpitations, headaches.
6. Nausea, flatulence, constipation.
7. Anxiety, nervousness, irritability, depression, lack of energy, lack of concentration.
8. Vaginal atrophy can occur two or three years after the menopause. The lining of the vagina becomes thin and dry and may shrink, making intercourse very painful.