It is important for you to recognize that you are still at risk of becoming pregnant even if you are experiencing signs of menopause. A number of symptoms are associated with menopause. Hot flushes are often accompanied by reddening of the skin and perspiration. They generally last 30 seconds or a little longer and may be mild or strong enough to awaken you from sleep. Some women may experience several a day.
Hot flushes occur for several months in some women, for a few years in others.
Additionally, some women find it takes longer to fall asleep. Sleep deprivation can make you tired, irritable and nervous. As estrogen levels decline, the walls of the vagina may become thin and dry. These changes make the vagina more susceptible to infections and could cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. Dryness and irritation may also occur in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.