Many women ask themselves during menopause: Am I actually getting better, or is this just a good day? When symptoms change from one week to the next, it's hard to know whether you're truly improving or just catching a break. 

Getting better doesn't happen overnight. It happens so gradually that you might miss it if you're waiting for a big change. Understanding real improvement means learning to spot the small but important signs that your body is finding its new balance, not just having a temporary good spell. 

The Challenge of Spotting Progress 

During postmenopause many women find relief from their worst symptoms. Although your body won't feel exactly like it did before menopause, research shows that uncomfortable symptoms like hot flushes, sweating, and mood swings often get much better or disappear completely (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). 

Several things make it hard to know when you're getting better: 

• Symptoms change daily: Menopause symptoms naturally vary in how bad they are from day to day, making it hard to tell the difference between a good day and real progress 

• Changes happen slowly: Improvements often happen so gradually that you don't notice them until you think back to how you felt months ago 

• Your new normal: Your body is settling into a new state, which may feel different from before menopause even when you're "better" 

• Other factors: Stress, sleep, and what's happening in your life can hide or worsen hormonal symptoms, making the picture unclear 

Physical Signs You're Getting Better 

Hot Flushes and Night Sweats 

Hot flushes and night sweats are often the first symptoms to improve (Freedman, 2014; Bansal et al., 2015). Signs of progress include: 

• They happen less often: You're having fewer episodes per day or week 

• Better sleep: Fewer night sweats mean you wake up less during the night and feel more rested 

Energy and Sleep 

As your hormones settle, you may notice: 

• Steadier energy: Rather than big ups and downs, your energy levels become more predictable throughout the day 

• Better sleep: You fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, even if it's not perfect yet 

Other Physical Improvements 

Beyond hot flushes, other improvements include: 

• Less joint pain: Morning stiffness and general aches may gradually ease 

• Weight stabilises: The tendency to gain weight despite eating the same may level off or reverse 

Emotional and Mental Improvements 

More Stable Moods 

One of the biggest signs of improvement is how you manage your emotions. Research shows that over half of women going through perimenopause have mood-related symptoms, but these typically get better as hormones settle (Davis et al., 2023). 

Watch for these signs: 

• More predictable emotions: You have fewer unexpected mood swings or times when you feel irritable 

• Less anxiety: The feeling of being constantly overwhelmed or worried is lifting 

Clearer Thinking 

"Brain fog" is common during menopause, but improvement shows up as: 

• Better focus: You can concentrate on tasks for longer without getting mentally tired 

• Better memory: You're not constantly searching for words or forgetting why you walked into a room 

When to Expect Lasting Relief 

Short-Term Improvements (2-6 Weeks) 

If you're using menopausal hormone therapy or other treatments: 

• Hot flushes typically happen less often 

• Hot flushes may be less severe 

• Sleep problems often improve as night sweats decrease 

Medium-Term Improvements (3-6 Months) 

• Moods become more stable as hormone levels settle (The Menopause Charity, 2025) 

• Energy levels become more consistent 

• Thinking improves noticeably 

• Many women say they feel "like themselves again" 

Long-Term Pattern (1-2 Years) 

• Most hot flushes and night sweats continue to get better 

• Your body fully adjusts to its new hormonal state 

• While some mild symptoms may continue, they're typically manageable and don't significantly affect your daily life 

Tracking Your Progress 

Practical Ways to Track 

Rather than judging how you feel each day, use these methods to spot real improvement: 

• Keep a symptom diary: Note how often hot flushes happen, sleep quality, and mood patterns weekly rather than daily 

• Monthly check-ins: At the end of each month, think about whether symptoms were better, worse, or the same as the previous month 

• Track concrete things: Note how many times you woke at night, whether you exercised, or how you handled stressful situations 

• Look back every three months: Review every three months to see larger patterns rather than weekly ups and downs 

Conclusion 

The journey from active menopause symptoms to feeling "normal" again is rarely straightforward, but improvement does come for most women. By understanding what real improvement looks like, you can spot and celebrate real progress. 

The key is tracking patterns over weeks and months rather than judging each day on its own. With patience and the right support, you'll find that the confusing in-between time eventually gives way to a new balance where you feel capable, energetic, and like yourself again. 

How Emsee Can Help 

Want support on your menopause journey? Book a consultation with one of our experienced healthcare providers today. The first consultation with a doctor is gap-free and bulk-billed, which means no out of pocket cost to you. Choose a time that suits you via our booking portal here or call 1300 412 422 to speak to a member of our team.  

Alternatively, answer a few questions about your health and lifestyle to get a free assessment report on your situation and discover if Emsee is the perfect match for you. 

References 

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Postmenopause: Signs, symptoms & what to expect.  
2. Davis, S. R., Pinkerton, J., Santoro, N., (2023). Menopause—Biology, consequences, supportive care, and therapeutic options. Cell, 186(19), 4038–4058.  
3. Freedman, R. R. (2014). Menopausal hot flushes: Mechanisms, endocrinology, treatment. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 142, 115-120.  
4. Santoro, N., Roeca, C., Peters, B. A., & Neal-Perry, G. (2021). The menopause transition: Signs, symptoms, and management options. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 106(1), 1–15.  
5. The Menopause Charity. (2025). Menopause and mental health.  
6. Woods, N. F., Mitchell, E. S., & Smith-DiJulio, K. (2016). Menopausal symptoms and their management. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, 45(3), 625–641.  
7. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.  

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.