What is the most common symptom of menopause that women may report?

Hot flashes are widely recognized as the most common symptom experienced during menopause. This phenomenon occurs due to hormonal changes in the body, primarily the decrease in estrogen levels, which affects the hypothalamus—the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. As estrogen levels fluctuate and subsequently decrease, women may experience sudden feelings of warmth, usually in the upper body, which can be accompanied by sweating and sometimes followed by chills when the body starts to cool down.

Although irregular periods, weight gain, and night sweats can also occur during menopause, hot flashes are typically the defining and most frequently reported symptom that signifies the transition towards the end of a woman's reproductive years. Many women describe hot flashes as distressing and disruptive to their daily lives, making them a significant focus of attention when managing menopause symptoms.