A nurse is caring for a middle adult female client who reports that her menstrual periods have become irregular and she has been having hot flashes. The nurse should expect the client to have which of the following manifestations associated with early menopause?

Choice A reason: Vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen is a common symptom of early menopause and can cause discomfort during intercourse. Choice B reason: Blood pressure may increase during menopause due to hormonal changes, not decrease. Choice C reason: Urinary retention is not a typical symptom of menopause; urinary frequency or urgency is more common. Choice D reason: Hot flashes do not cause sustained elevation in core body temperature above 37.8°C; they are transient sensations of heat.