The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Often the first noticeable change is in your cycle: periods becoming closer together or further apart, lighter or heavier, or less predictable. Many people also experience hot flushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, mood swings or low mood, brain fog, joint aches, and vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex.
Menopause itself is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopausal symptoms can begin years before that point and vary widely in how strong they are.
See a doctor if symptoms are affecting your quality of life, if you have very heavy or unpredictable bleeding, or if symptoms start before age 40, which needs assessment. Effective treatments exist, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal options, and a clinician can help you weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.