9 Signs You’re Actually Going Through Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the changes leading up to it can sometimes feel confusing. You might suddenly wake up sweating, notice your periods becoming irregular, struggle to sleep, or feel different emotionally without understanding why.

For many women, these changes begin during perimenopause, the transition that happens before menopause. Symptoms can develop gradually and vary considerably from person to person.

But how can you tell whether your body is going through this transition?

Here are nine common signs of menopause, what they may mean, and when you should consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

1. Your Periods Become Irregular

One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle.

Your periods may become:

• More frequent or less frequent
• Lighter or heavier than usual
• Shorter or longer
• Unpredictable from month to month

These changes occur as hormone levels fluctuate and ovulation becomes less regular.

However, irregular bleeding can also have other causes, including pregnancy, thyroid conditions, fibroids, and other gynecological problems.

Important: Very heavy bleed