Menopause rarely announces itself—it creeps in with changes that are easy to miss. As the article puts it, “menopause doesn’t arrive all at once—it sneaks in with small changes that are easy to brush off.” Here are the signs to watch for and ways to take control.

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most noticeable. “Suddenly sweating while you’re sitting still?” or waking up soaked at night can point to shifting hormones. Sleep often suffers, too—insomnia fueled by night sweats and anxiety creates “the perfect storm.”

Emotional and cognitive changes are common. Hormones can send moods swinging from laughter to tears, while “brain fog is real,” leaving you forgetful or unfocused. Irregular or skipped periods signal the body’s transition, while a drop in libido, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex are also linked to declining estrogen and testosterone.

Weight gain, especially around the belly, often appears despite no lifestyle changes. As the article notes, “your metabolism is changing.”

The good news: menopause isn’t a disease—it’s a natural stage of life. Managing symptoms with a balanced diet, exercise, good sleep, stress control, and medical guidance can help. “Knowledge is power,” and recognizing the signs allows you to move through this phase with confidence.