Menopause: Frequently Asked Questions
by Marilyn B. Green, MS, APRN, BC
Marilyn is certified by the North American Menopause Society as a Menopause Practitioner.
November 19, 2003
What do women experience during the menopause transition?
- Changes in the woman's menstrual cycle are experienced by approximately 90% of women. This is one of the hallmarks of the menopause transition.
- The "hot flash" (in varying degrees of intensity) is experienced by approximately 85% of women. This is the second most frequent perimenopausal symptom.
What do you mean by changes in the menstrual cycle?
It must be noted that there is no universal definition of irregular periods. Most women have 4 to 8 years of cycle changes.
Some of the changes in the menstrual cycle may include:
- Changes in the menstrual flow (either heavier or lighter periods)
- Shorter or longer cycles
- Skipped periods
Not all changes in menstrual patterns or flow are considered normal. Ask your health care provider about any changes experienced to help determine if it is a normal change.
Some abnormal patterns of bleeding may include:
- Heavier than usual bleeding especially if it contains clots
- Frequent menstrual cycles less than 21 days in length
- Bleeding or spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse
What are night sweats?
Night sweats are hot flashes, which occur during sleep. They are associated with drenching sweats.
Do all women experience severe hot flashes?
No, only about 15% of women experience severe hot flashes.