What are the symptoms of menopause at age 38?
Nov 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
A 38-year-old woman entering menopause may experience symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and urogenital discomfort. Some individuals may also develop joint and bone pain. The severity of symptoms is related to the rate of hormonal changes. If severe menstrual abnormalities, emotional instability, or persistent pain occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
Women entering menopause at the age of 38 may experience symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and discomfort in the genitourinary system. Some may also develop joint and bone pain. The severity of these symptoms is related to the rate of hormonal changes. If severe menstrual abnormalities, emotional instability, or persistent pain occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
1. Menstrual irregularities: These are characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, including prolonged or shortened cycle length, increased or decreased menstrual flow, and even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). These changes result from ovarian function decline, causing fluctuations in estrogen secretion and affecting normal endometrial shedding.
2. Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden feelings of heat in the face and neck, often accompanied by sweating, are common, particularly at night. These symptoms are primarily caused by declining estrogen levels leading to abnormal vasomotor regulation and disrupted body temperature control.
3. Mood swings: Women may become anxious, depressed, irritable, or easily angered, or experience low mood and difficulty concentrating. These emotional changes are associated with hormonal fluctuations affecting neurotransmitter secretion and disrupting the brain's emotional regulation centers.
4. Sleep disturbances: Common issues include difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and waking easily during the night. Nighttime hot flashes and sweating can further worsen sleep quality. Long-term sleep disruption may lead to fatigue and poor mental state.
5. Genitourinary discomfort: Reduced estrogen causes thinning and decreased elasticity of the vaginal mucosa, resulting in dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse. Symptoms may also include frequent urination and urgency due to atrophy of the genitourinary tract mucosa.
In daily life, it is beneficial to consume more foods rich in soy isoflavones, such as tofu and soy milk, and to engage in moderate exercise like yoga or brisk walking. Maintaining emotional stability and communicating regularly with family members is important. Soaking feet in warm water before bedtime can also help improve sleep quality.
