The menopause is not something which happens overnight. The production of female hormones gradually winds down in the years leading up to it, a time called the perimenopause. Here are some signs that the menopause is probably on its way:

Period changes: Periods become shorter, longer, lighter, heavier, or more irregular than before. Keeping a menstrual diary can help you keep track of the changes. Just mark each day you have bleeding with an L, N, or H for light, normal, heavy and S for spotting.

Hot flushes: These occur when the blood vessels in your skin enlarge and bring large amounts of blood to the surface. The increased blood flow may raise skin temperature (not body temperature) by up to 7 degrees. This can cause you to go red in the face, and is all because the temperature regulator in your brain is thrown temporarily off kilter by lower levels of oestrogen

Mood swings: Women in the perimenopause often find themselves responding to situations in ways that are completely out-of-character. Hormone fluctuations can bring edginess, tear bursts and a sudden lack of confidence, and these moods can come and go when you least expect it, rather than be concentrated at one time of the month, like PMS. It can help to talk to your family and others close to you and ask them to be understanding, and not to confront you with anything too stressful when one of these moods is upon you.

Memory loss: You thinking may go fuzzy at times, or your short-term memory has gaps, so perhaps, you can't remember what you've gone into a room for. Searching for the right word is often met with that 'tip of the tongue' feeling. Studies show that aerobic exercise can help memory, especially if the activity involves complex movement, such as dancing or swimming. And eat smaller meals at regular intervals, as this keeps a steadier flow of nutrients to your brain.

Leakages: Urinary incontinence when you laugh, cough or exercise is common, thanks to falling oestrogen levels. Doing regular pelvic floor exercises will help to strengthen and tone the urinary sphincter muscles and can be a huge help.