What Are the First Signs of Menopause?

Over 1 billion women worldwide are currently experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, but according to a recent study, only 31% of Australians feel confident in recognising menopause symptoms.

If we’re lucky enough to age, women will inevitably face menopause, and the oestrogen decline symptoms which come with it. At a certain stage of life, you may find yourself overly aware of your body—looking out for common menopause early signs like hot flushes, irregular periods, and fluctuating moods.

If you’re struggling, menopause treatments are available. From hormonal treatments to lifestyle changes, your healthcare practitioner can help you manage this new era. If you suspect you’re in the early stages of perimenopause, or you’re experiencing life-impacting symptoms, Clinic 66 can help. As a leading women’s health clinic, we prioritise our patients by providing limited wait times and telehealth appointments, so you can access quality healthcare wherever you are.

For now, let’s look at what are the 1^st signs of menopause. With the right information, you can better identify perimenopause first symptoms, and take control of your health.

Understanding the stages of menopause:

Many people think of menopause as one long stage, but there are three distinct phases, including:

Perimenopause, the early transitional phase, which sees hormonal levels begin to fluctuate. This stage can last from four to ten years and often starts in the mid to late forties. This is often the most challenging period, with a number of early menopause symptoms in women appearing, including hot flushes and night sweats.

Menopause is officially reached once a period is no longer present for at least 12 months. Hormonal changes in menopause mean that mood dips, hot flushes, and night sweats can continue.

Postmenopause encompasses the years after menopause. The menopause transition brings on lifelong changes that will persist for the rest of a woman’s life. Some symptoms, like vaginal dryness, bone loss, and increased risk of heart disease, will continue to have an impact, while hot flushes may become less intrusive.

When do the first signs of menopause start?

Every woman is different, but on average, perimenopause will begin between 45-47 years of age. That being said, perimenopause can begin as early as late 30s.

Menopause will likely begin between 50-52 years of age. Remember that menopause commences once a period has been absent for twelve months, which follows 4-10 years of symptomatic perimenopause.

Common early symptoms of menopause:

In both menopause and perimenopause, there are a number of symptoms to look out for.

Here is your early menopause symptoms checklist:

·       Irregular periods: Changes in cycle length, flow, or missed periods.

·       Hot flushes: Sudden feelings of heat, especially at night.

·       Night sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.

·       Sleep problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

·       Mood swings: Irritability, anxiety, or depression.

·       Vaginal dryness and decreased libido: Discomfort or dryness during sex.

·       Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or low energy.

·       Memory issues: Trouble concentrating or forgetfulness.

·       Joint and muscle aches: Unexplained aches or stiffness.

How to identify signs you’re starting menopause:

Understanding the signs of menopause before periods stop can help you feel more prepared and better understand what’s happening to your body.

Let’s look at what happens first in menopause.

1.      Irregular periods: Of course, one of the first perimenopause symptoms is a change in your menstrual cycle. Periods may become irregular, shorter, or heavier. You might miss a period here and there, or your cycle length could start shifting. This is your body’s way of winding down the reproductive years.

2.      Hot flushes and night sweats: These sudden feelings of intense heat (often followed by sweating) are one of the most talked about menopause symptoms, but many women say they are surprised by the intensity. They can hit at any time, especially at night, leading to night sweats.

3.      Sleep struggles: Is fatigue a first sign of menopause? It definitely can be. If you're suddenly finding it hard to sleep, or you're waking up in the middle of the night, it could be due to hormonal changes. Night sweats can disrupt your sleep, but even without them, some women find that menopause affects their ability to get restful sleep.

4.      Mood swings: You might notice that you feel more irritable, anxious, or down. This is due to fluctuating hormone levels, especially oestrogen. These mood changes can also lead to feelings of stress or anxiety.

5.      Vaginal dryness: Hormonal changes can affect your body in ways you might not expect, and vaginal dryness is one of them. This can cause discomfort during sex, which can be disappointing, but there are plenty of treatments and solutions to make this more tolerable.

6.      Memory issues: If you find yourself being a little forgetful or struggling to focus, you're not imagining it. Some women experience what’s sometimes called "menopause brain," where it feels like your memory or concentration isn't as sharp as it used to be. This is temporary, and with time, will usually settle.

7.      Changes in libido: For some, menopause can bring a dip in sexual desire, while others might not notice any change. Your body’s hormonal shifts affect many aspects of your health, and your libido can be one of them.

When to see a doctor about menopause symptoms:

If the early signs of menopause—like hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, or changes in sleep—are interfering with your daily life, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor. A healthcare professional can help you understand what’s happening, rule out other possible causes, and suggest treatments or lifestyle changes to make things more manageable.

Menopause can feel lonely, but you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out—support and relief are available at Clinic 66.

When it comes to women's health issues, there's not much Clinic 66 doesn’t cover—from contraception to menopause and everything in between. Improving and supporting women’s long-term health is vital, and it’s work we’re proud to do.

If you need support in this season of life, you’re not alone.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you manage your menopause symptoms.