These are the most common and earliest symptoms of menopause. They can happen at any time, even during sleep. A hot flash can last a few moments or 30 minutes or longer. A woman may experience hot flashes for a year or two, although in some women they last longer. Although you can't control hot flashes, it can be helpful to dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to your body's temperature.
Some women also find it helpful to drink a glass of cold water at the very start of a hot flash.
As a woman gets older, the walls of the vagina become thinner, dryer, less elastic and more vulnerable to infection. These changes can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful. A gynecologist can suggest lubricating ointments that can help. Changes in the urinary tract can also cause the involuntary loss of urine or incontinence. Although many women are uncomfortable talking about this, there are treatments including bladder training and pelvic exercises.