Depression may be common in the years leading up to menopause. However, it is not conclusive whether depression can be linked to low levels of estrogen or to the many mid-life changes that women face.

Bladder Control problems can result due to the lowering levels of estrogen. In turn, this causes the pelvic muscles responsible for bladder control to weaken, resulting in urinary incontinence.

Muscle and Joint Aches are commonly associated with menopause, however their association to menopause is not clear. This symptom is more commonly associated with arthritis and osteoporosis, both of which can be a result of aging.

Women in perimenopause often report episodes of Heart Palpitations — an irregular heatbeat or pounding pulse that may make you feel as though your heart is going to jump right out of your chest. Sometimes heart palpitations can be accompanied by hot flashes or anxiety, but often not.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance, affecting more than half of women in perimenopause and menopause.

Irregular Bleeding usually occurs during the time leading up to menopause. Changes, such as shorter or longer periods, heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding and varying lengths of time between periods could be a sign that menopause is near.

Headaches among women experiencing menopause seem to be common, however, the connection between menopause and headaches is not really known. It is suggested that headaches are related to having a progesterone deficiency.

Changes in Libido can occur naturally as a result of the depleting levels of estrogen following menopause. Some women notice that they are not as easily aroused and may be less sensitive. This can result in decreased interest in sex.

Vaginal Dryness is due to hormonal changes that result in less lubrication to the vaginal area. Sometimes vaginal dryness can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, burning and irritation.

Many women also complain of Dry Skin or changes in their skin during perimenopause or menopause. Dry Skin can be attributed to the decrease in the reproductive hormones and collagen production. As the hormones diminish, so does their ability to stimulate the oil
glands in the skin, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles.

Thinning Hair or Hair Loss in women at this age is often due to a drop in estrogen in comparison to testosterone, which may not decrease at the same rate. The result is a net excess of testosterone, contributing to hair loss on the head and hair growth in unwanted areas.

Nocturia is the need to get out of bed to urinate several times a night.

A Hot Flash is a sudden temporary onset of body warmth, flushing, and sweating. It can be accompanied by an increased pulse rate, palpitations and sometimes followed by chills.

Night Sweats are Hot Flashes with drenching perspiration that can occur
at night. May cause interrupted sleep and/or fatigue. This is a very common symptom of menopause.

Irritability and feelings of sadness are the most common emotional symptoms of menopause. Often, they can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as learning ways to relax and reduce stress.

Some women who go through menopause often experience Insomnia; the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. This is a normal symptom of menopause and is usually brought on by other symptoms of menopause, such as Hot Flashes.

Nervousness or Anxiety may result as a reaction to fluctuating hormones or sleep deprivation attributed to Hot Flashes or Stress.

Stress Incontinence. Pressure from coughing, sneezing, or lifting can push urine through the weakened muscle. This kind of leakage is called stress incontinence. It is one of the most common kinds of bladder control problems in older women.

Urge Incontinence is another very common bladder control problem. With this condition, the bladder muscles squeeze at the wrong time -- or all the time -- and cause leaks.

Increased Growth of Hair on the face of women just before and just after menopause is quite a common occurrence. It is primarily because of decreased estrogen.

Fingernails can become Brittle and Cracked during menopause due to the decreased level of estrogen production.