Signs of menopause at 43

The years before the final menstrual period are called perimenopause. Ovarian hormone levels can fluctuate, so symptoms may come and go and cycles may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. One month without bleeding does not confirm menopause. Menopause is diagnosed after a full year without a period when no other explanation applies, although surgery or hormonal contraception can make bleeding patterns harder to interpret.

Hot flushes and night sweats are common clues, but thyroid disorders, medication effects, stress, pregnancy, and other conditions can overlap. A clinician considers your symptoms, health history, and bleeding pattern together.

Keep a simple record of cycle timing, flow, flush triggers, sweating, sleep, mood, headaches, vaginal symptoms, and treatments tried. Cooling the bedroom, wearing light layers, reducing personal triggers, and keeping regular sleep and movement routines may help. Vaginal moisturisers can ease dryness; persistent pain deserves review.

Discuss contraception if pregnancy is possible, because ovulation can continue during perimenopause. A doctor can explain hormonal and non-hormonal treatment choices in light of migraines, clotting history, breast health, and other conditions.

Book a review for bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, unusually heavy flow, or symptoms that interfere with work, sleep, or relationships. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fainting, chest pain, or breathlessness. Get prompt mental-health support for hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.

Ask whether your cycle and symptoms fit perimenopause, whether another condition should be checked, and which treatments match your health history. Ask how long to continue contraception and how to manage vaginal or sleep symptoms.