Many people say they're going through menopause when what they're really experiencing between the ages of 35 and 50 is peri-menopause. This is the time when you will notice changes occurring. It happens because an important hormone (estrogen) which is vital to the reproductive process isn't being produced in the amounts it was previously.. The first menopause symptoms you may experience include an irregular menstruation cycle, vaginal pain, and dry skin; these changes may start your lookout for menopause treatment.

The first changes start slowly, but may become irritating! Irregular periods might be your first sign as they come and go on a different schedule than before. This is caused by the lower estrogen in the body, which controls the monthly cycle. After you have not had a period for a full year, you will be in full menopause; however, these menopause symptoms may not last for the full pre-menopause phase - if you're lucky!

Hot flashes and night sweats are two more very common but annoying early menopause symptoms. Hot flashes can come about unexpectedly and you may just start to sweat. Hot flashes do not last long, but can be quite embarrassing when they occur during unexpected times of the day. You will suddenly feel hot and start to sweat as your body increases it's temperature, but just as suddenly, the hot flash is over. Unfortunately, hot flashes and excessive sweating go together because sweating is the body's normal reaction to being hot and trying to cool down. This symptom can be so annoying that it immediately sends some women searching for menopause treatment.

Night sweats are actually hot flashes that happen at night. But since they occur at night, the body may continue to sweat because you are not helping it cool down. After the night flash ends, your sweat may cool down before you notice and you will wake up wet and freezing cold! This is where the term cold sweat comes from.

Another common early menopause symptom is mood swings; you need to be careful with these as they could harm your relationship.While the woman may not be fully aware that they are having mood swings, some are all too much aware and experience a feeling of doom and depression. Confidence may be lost and because you are worrying more, you may suffer from insomnia.

Insomnia may cause further mood changes, which doesn't help at all! These things will pass in time, but you need to keep in control of them if you are to have your life back after you get through pre-menopause. Your best defense here is awareness, and to think twice before going off on a rampage. Hormones (or decreasing amounts) can cause havoc with both your mind and body so be careful during this time.

We have only listed the top menopause symptoms that almost every woman will experience. There are actually many, many more. Men and women should each be aware of these symptoms as the support of family cannot be undermined at this time. You'll find more information on Menopause Treatment and what to expect at http://www.911Menopause.com.