Menopause and PMS symptoms

Hormone levels fluctuate during the menopause transition, so mood changes, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, tiredness, sleep problems, and irritability may appear familiar. PMS usually follows a recurring pattern before a period and eases after bleeding starts. Menopause-related symptoms may occur at less predictable times as periods become irregular, lighter, heavier, or stop. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and persistent changes in desire can point toward menopause, although symptoms can have other causes.

Keep a daily record of bleeding, mood, pain, sleep, hot flushes, bowel symptoms, and medicines for several weeks. Note whether symptoms occur before bleeding, after it, or independently of a period. Regular meals, movement suited to your health, a consistent sleep routine, and reducing triggers for hot flushes may help some symptoms. A clinician can review your age, cycle changes, health history, and medicines rather than relying on one symptom alone.

Book an appointment if symptoms disrupt work, relationships, sleep, or daily activities, or if mood changes feel difficult to manage. Seek prompt care for new severe headaches, chest pain, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or thoughts of self-harm. Bleeding that is unusually heavy, prolonged, or occurs after periods have stopped also needs medical review.

Does my symptom pattern fit the menopause transition, PMS, or another cause? Which treatments could help mood, sleep, pain, or flushes? What bleeding changes should I report?