In women, what is a common symptom of menopause?

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause due to the hormonal changes that occur during this transition. As estrogen levels fluctuate and ultimately decrease, the body experiences a range of physiological responses. One of these is the sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the body, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, and sometimes chills. This symptom can occur at any time, often during the night, leading to sleep disturbances and further contributing to discomfort during menopause.

The other symptoms presented do not typically characterize menopause. For instance, increased energy levels and enhanced fertility are not associated with this stage, as women often experience a decline in energy and fertility as they approach menopause. Frequent headaches might occur in some women during menopause, but they are not as universally acknowledged or specific as hot flashes are. Therefore, hot flashes stand out as a hallmark symptom of the menopausal experience.