Which symptom may signal the onset of menopause in women?

Hot flashes are a common symptom that may signal the onset of menopause in women. This key symptom is characterized by sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and sometimes followed by chills. The experience of hot flashes is largely attributed to hormonal changes during the transition to menopause, particularly the fluctuations in estrogen levels. These fluctuations can disrupt the body's temperature regulation, leading to the discomfort associated with hot flashes.

In contrast, increased menstrual flow and regularity of cycles are generally associated with the premenopausal phase rather than the onset of menopause. During perimenopause, women might experience irregular periods and changes in flow rather than stable menstrual patterns. Additionally, a stable mood might indicate a balance in hormonal levels or other factors, whereas mood swings can be a more common symptom during menopause as hormonal changes can lead to emotional fluctuations. Thus, hot flashes stand out as a hallmark sign signaling the transition into menopause.