Other women experience a number of signs that let them know they're moving toward this midlife change. A woman officially reaches menopause when she goes one year without a menstrual period. But menopause can occur earlier or later.
Smokers tend to experience the event earlier than nonsmokers.
Three to eight years before menopause, a woman's hormone levels will begin to fluctuate. This can cause hot flashes and other symptoms. This period is known as perimenopause. It's time to keep a calendar so you don't miss work or social engagements. Whatever a woman's age, she should report changes in her cycle to her doctor.