However, the whole process of change is usually a gradual process that takes months or years to complete. An early sign menopause is about to begin is a change in the menstrual cycle. There are several other physical changes that can happen at this time. The most well-known of these are hot flashes. Sixty to seventy-five percent of all women going through menopause have hot flashes which are sudden feelings of intense heat lasting for two to three minutes.
Hot flashes occur more frequently in the evenings.
In addition, vaginal dryness and shrinking may occur. This is caused by decreasing estrogen levels in the body. The thinning and shrinking of female genital and urinary tissues may also lead to more urinary tract infections. Some women experience a decrease of sexual interest during this time. This may be due to thinning of the vaginal lining that makes intercourse uncomfortable or painful, or because of hormonal and emotional changes that are part of menopause.