BALTIMORE -- Some women who suffer from monthly symptoms of premenstrual syndrome might think that menopause will bring relief.

PMS & MENOPAUSE NIH MedlinePlus: PMS Menopause

But research shows PMS sufferers may also have more intense menopausal symptoms, including irritability, trouble sleeping and hot flashes.

Dr. Karen Perkins, a gynecologist at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, said that may help doctors spot trouble coming.

"Knowing if a patient has PMS may help us focus in on that patient around menopause and educate her before the onset so that her calcium intake [and diet] may help circumvent some of those symptoms," Perkins said.

Women who have had trouble with PMS may be more likely candidates for hormone replacement therapy to help deal with menopausal symptoms, doctors said.