Menopause is a really big step in a woman’s life and it can be hard to cope with it, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and stressful and in some women can begin occurring as early as your thirties. It is important to know if you have the beginning symptoms of menopause or if the symptoms mean you have another health issue. There are some medications that can help with the more severe life altering symptoms such as depression or anxiety but most women go through menopuase without the need for medications.

Women can often feel “weird” and behave in ways that are not typical for them. If any of this sounds familiar, you may be in the early stages of menopause. This may be a comfort if you were wondering why you were so moody all of a sudden, there may be a legitimate reason for your sadness or anger.

Keep track of your period. Though you will not fully lose your period until menopause is complete, irratic periods are a sign of impending changes. Women in their thirties think stress makes them have irregular, long, short, or skipped periods. And maybe stress is sometimes to blame. But to find out for sure, see a doctor. Going a full year without a single period is the sign that menopause has taken its full effect on you.

If you have hot flashes, you are probably in menopause. Women find this to be the worst symptom. As the name says, a sudden flash of warmth comes over a woman, making her sweaty and extremely uncomfortable. After it passes, the woman may feels cold and get the chills. The other symptoms are subtler and you have to keep an eye out for them. Depression and poor sleep quality are two of the most common. Some women find their sexual drive has changed. It is important to know your body well and manage your health as you go through this change.