Signs You May Be in Menopause (and What to Do About It)

Feeling “off” and not quite yourself? You’re not alone.

If you’ve been wondering why your body feels different lately, or why your mood doesn’t match your circumstances, menopause might be the missing piece. Many women enter this season with confusion, frustration, and even a little fear. The truth is—you’re not broken, you’re not losing yourself, and you’re definitely not alone.

This is a natural transition, and with the right awareness and support, you can feel balanced, confident, and more like yourself again. Let’s walk through some of the most common signs of menopause, so you can begin to connect the dots and take simple steps forward.

What Is Menopause, Really?

Menopause isn’t a disease—it’s a milestone. It’s the point in time when your menstrual cycle has officially stopped for 12 consecutive months. But the years leading up to that (called perimenopause) can bring a rollercoaster of symptoms as your hormones shift.

Some women notice changes in their 40s, others earlier, and some much later. The key is understanding your body’s signals and giving yourself the compassion to move through them with grace.

Common Signs You May Be in Menopause

Here are the most common ways your body may be telling you it’s time to pay attention:

1. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

That sudden rush of heat (often followed by chills) is one of the hallmark signs of hormonal shifts. Night sweats can leave you tossing, turning, and losing sleep.

What to try: Keep your bedroom cool, wear breathable sleepwear, and avoid late-night caffeine or alcohol that can trigger hot flashes.

2. Irregular Periods

Your cycle may come closer together, further apart, heavier, or lighter. This unpredictability can be confusing and even frustrating.

What to try: Track your cycle in a simple app or journal. This helps you notice patterns, even in the chaos, and gives you useful information to share with your provider.

3. Mood Changes

One day you’re fine, the next you feel irritable, anxious, or down without knowing why. Hormones play a big role in mood regulation.

What to try: Gentle movement (like walking or yoga), daily gratitude journaling, and mindful breathing can help calm emotional waves.

4. Sleep Disruptions

Many women find they can’t fall asleep, wake up in the middle of the night, or feel unrested in the morning.

What to try: Create a wind-down routine—dim lights, sip a calming herbal tea, or use an essential oil blend to signal your body it’s time to rest.

5. Brain Fog

Forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or feeling mentally “off” are common complaints.

What to try: Stay hydrated, move your body daily to boost circulation, and reduce multitasking when possible. Write things down—it’s not weakness, it’s smart support.

6. Weight Shifts

Even if your habits haven’t changed, you may notice weight settling around your midsection. This is tied to changing estrogen levels.

What to try: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, add strength training to protect muscle mass, and give yourself grace—your worth is not measured on a scale.

7. Vaginal & Bladder Changes

Dryness, discomfort, or increased urgency with urination can all show up during this time.

What to try: Drink plenty of water, use natural lubricants or moisturizers, and don’t be embarrassed to ask your provider for options.

8. Decreased Libido

A shift in hormone balance often affects desire, but intimacy is still possible and enjoyable with a little support.

What to try: Open communication with your partner, stress reduction, and focusing on emotional connection can help reignite closeness.

Practical First Steps to Feeling Better

Menopause may feel overwhelming, but the good news is that small, consistent actions make a big difference. Here are a few places to start:

Prioritize sleep—healing happens when you rest.
Fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods that stabilize blood sugar and support hormones.
Move daily—not to punish your body, but to support it.
Lean on community—you’re not meant to do this alone.
Use natural support tools—whether that’s herbal teas, essential oils, or relaxation techniques.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you’re reading this and nodding your head, please hear this: there’s nothing “wrong” with you. Menopause is not an ending—it’s a powerful transition into a new season of wisdom, freedom, and self-discovery.

You don’t have to figure it all out today. Just take one step—track a symptom, add a walk, light a candle, breathe deeply. Each small choice is a seed that grows into strength and balance.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The more you learn, the more confident you’ll feel about listening to your body and making choices that support it. That’s why I created my Weekly Wellness Tips—a gentle, encouraging resource sent straight to your inbox to keep you supported, inspired, and empowered on this journey.

You deserve to feel normal again—because normal is simply your unique rhythm, honored and supported.