One of the first signs of menopause for some women is irregular periods. These are the lucky ones who won't have been suffering from hot flashes, emotional turmoil and insomnia, and who won't have been experiencing a decline in their sex drive or weight gain. There are just so many possible manifestations of menopause that it's very difficult to list them all.

Some women notice all of these symptoms and more long before they get to the part where they're experiencing irregular periods. In fact, for some, the part where they start missing a period here and there only comes after years of serious health problems all connected with menopause. If this is you then, no! You are not alone.

In Addition to Irregular Periods

Often, the onset of irregular periods includes periods where women get "phantom periods." These are like regular periods in every way, in that women may experience cramps, PMS, headaches and bloating, but the actual period itself never comes. Other changes in a woman's cycle may occur that can indicate the onset of menopause too.

For example, periods may become shorter, heavier, lighter, and even include periods of flooding. If the flooding applies to you, get it checked out anyway. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for it, other times it can signal the existence of fibroids or some other problem. In addition, the cycle may become shorter or longer. In short, it's not unusual to have irregular periods along with a complete change in the nature of your cycle.