Menopause can be elating or depressing, depending on how you look at it. The signs of menopause vary from one woman to the other, but these are generally the signs to look for. If you exhibit any of these signs and it worries you, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor about it.

#1 – Irregular periods. This is more pronounced in healthy women who have experienced regular periods in their youth. Some periods are much heavier than usual while others are nonexistent. The duration of periods may also experience some irregularity – while a period usually lasts around five days in healthy women, the onset of menopause may cause periods to last as short as one day or as long as ten.

Remember that menopause doesn’t happen all at once – the first stage of menopause, called “per-menopause,” usually occurs at least a few years before the full onset of menopause. During per-menopause, you’ll only be experiencing the symptoms little by little. The symptoms don’t come full force until much later.

#2 – Hot flashes. Everyone knows the feeling of blushing – it’s like all the warm blood in the body goes up to the face and neck area. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, and can last for as short as less than a minute to a full half-hour.

#3 – Depression and anxiety. The drop in estrogen levels that accompany menopause may cause some women to feel sad or anxious for no apparent reason. This can be one of menopause’s more serious symptoms, as it may lead to more serious psychological or emotional problems if left untreated. With this symptom, it’s good to have friends, family, or a support group nearby.

#4 – Decreased libido, or pain during sex. Menopause’s hormonal changes can cause the vagina to be more sensitive and less lubricated, which can make sex painful. This is obviously another problem that can be dangerous if left untreated!

These are only some of the more common symptoms of menopause. There are other symptoms that are less common but are still experienced by many women, and they can be quite depressing.

But as previously mentioned, you can choose to think of menopause as a blessing instead of a curse. For instance, if you were careful about sex in the past because you wanted to avoid pregnancy, menopause can open the doors to more enjoyable, worry-free sex life. Even if hormonal changes can make the act a little more painful, but they are solutions that can be bought over the counter.

Overall, however, it’s always best to check with your doctor when your menopausal symptoms worry you. Menopause affects different women in different ways, so your own special case might require some special care.