Early physical symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats and sleeplessness. Those infamous hot flashes usually last between three and six minutes and may occur up to several times a day.

Hot flashes can be disabling and physically draining. They can be associated with profuse sweating and can be quite embarrassing. They can also cause insomnia.

Hot flashes generally begin suddenly on the chest, neck and face. Associated symptoms such as headache or pressure, nausea, and difficulty with concentration are common. Those classic signs of menopause have only recently become the focus of scientific study.