Early Signs of Menopause: When to Talk to Your Doctor

More than one million women in the United States transition into menopause each year, but for most of them, signs show up several years before official menopause. In fact, perimenopause (also called pre-menopause) is often the most symptomatic time, and it can be easy to dismiss the signs simply as aging. 

Led by OB-GYN, Alan B. Patterson, MD, our Coral Springs, Florida, practice helps women navigate every stage of life, including perimenopause transition and menopause. 

Known for our attentive and personalized approach to care, Dr. Patterson and the rest of our team work closely with patients to develop strategies that support health, and well-being — through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. 

Irregular periods

As the ovaries gradually reduce their estrogen production, and ovulation occurs with less regularity, periods tend to change. They may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual. You may also start skipping cycles altogether. 

While irregular periods are common during perimenopause, many women continue to have regular periods along with other signs of perimenopause. 

Trouble sleeping

Many women who previously had no trouble sleeping often find themselves struggling to get a good night’s rest once estrogen levels start fluctuating unpredictably. In fact, close to 70% of perimenopausal women report sleep problems, according to a recent survey.

Hormonal changes can disrupt your body’s natural sleep regulation, making restful sleep harder to achieve. You may experience trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, getting adequate total sleep, or all the above.

Even if you do sleep through the night, you may find that you don’t feel refreshed after a night’s sleep. Over time, poor sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress during the day.

Memory and cognitive changes

Some women begin to notice subtle cognitive changes during early menopause. This may include forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, or what many people describe as “brain fog.”

Fluctuating estrogen levels may affect how the brain processes information, which is why some women experience lapses in memory or concentration during this stage of life.

Mood changes

Fluctuating hormone levels can influence mood and emotional well-being. Some women notice increased irritability, anxiety, or mood swings during perimenopause.

While these emotional shifts are common, they shouldn’t be dismissed. If mood changes are affecting your quality of life, discussing them with our team can help identify strategies to manage your symptoms effectively.

Changes in skin and hair

Hormonal shifts can also affect the appearance and texture of your skin and hair. Estrogen plays a role in collagen production and moisture retention, so declining levels may lead to drier, thinner skin or reduced elasticity. Menopausal vaginal dryness is related to this change. 

Some women also notice their hair becoming thinner, drier, or more brittle. These changes are a natural part of hormonal aging, but lifestyle adjustments and certain treatments can help support healthy skin and hair.

When to speak with your doctor

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some symptoms are mild, while others can significantly disrupt sleep, cognition, mood, relationships, or daily activities.

You may want to talk with your doctor if you notice:

• Significant changes in your menstrual cycle
• Frequent hot flashes or night sweats
• Sleep difficulties or persistent fatigue
• Mood changes that interfere with daily life
• Vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort

A medical evaluation can confirm whether your symptoms are related to perimenopause and help rule out other health concerns.

Personalized perimenopause care

With the right guidance and treatment options, a majority of women are able to manage symptoms and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, and thrive during perimenopause.

At the practice of Alan B. Patterson, MD, our team provides individualized care designed to address your unique concerns. By taking the time to listen and focus fully on his patients, Dr. Patterson helps women understand their changing bodies and choose solutions that support long-term wellness. Dr Patterson is totally in tune with women who have decreased quality of life due to symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause and offers his patients different treatment options to alleviate and stop these symptoms!

Are you noticing early signs of menopause? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patterson at our Coral Springs, Florida, office today to start receiving expert guidance and personalized care.