Menopause affects every woman in this world and yet, there is little awareness about its symptoms and effects. Moreover, there is much misinformation about perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. A survey conducted in 2021, that included over 800 postmenopausal participants in the UK found that over 90% of them never learnt anything in school about menopause. When asked how they experienced menopause, many replied that it was a "nightmare."What Is Menopause?Health experts describe menopause as the stage of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant. For many women, it is a time of relief as they no longer have to worry about constant bleeding or getting pregnant. However, for many others, it could result in period of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, pain during sex, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of these. Women who are concerned by menopausal symptoms should talk with a doctor about lifestyle changes or medications that might help.Here Are Things That All Menopausal Women Should KnowMenopause is a life stage that affects women differently. The symptoms range from vaginal dryness and discomfort to various more serious symptoms. Many women experience perimenopause in their 40s, even before they discover that their menstrual cycle has changed. During this time, fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety. All these changes can occur as the body prepares for menopause, where follicles gradually decrease in number, signaling the end of reproductive years.Many women may experience symptoms like vaginal dryness and atrophy may appear unexpectedly and disrupt everyday activities, such as biking or exercise.It also has a significant impact on a women's mental health as anxiety and depression can arise due to hormonal shifts. It’s important for women to recognize that symptoms can vary significantly—some may find that hormonal contraception, while suppressing periods, can mimic or mask perimenopausal symptoms like dryness and libido changes.Another lesser-known symptom of perimenopause is the experience of flooding, where periods become heavier than usual. This can lead to sudden, intense periods, sometimes leading to unexpected accidents, such as staining clothing. In addition, sleep disruptions, including night sweats, further affect mood and daily functionality. Though often dismissed, hot flashes and night sweats are debilitating for many, especially when they disrupt sleep patterns.In some cases, perimenopause can lead to conditions like ADHD. For women experiencing significant mood changes or depressive symptoms, hormonal treatments are recommended. Many women opt for Hormone Replacement Therapy to counter the effects of menopause.