The 5 Most Common Symptoms Of Menopause ( PLUS 5 you've never heard of!)

Continuing with the menopasue series, this weeks blog is going to highlight just some of the symptoms of menopause. Most sources will say there are 34 symptoms of menopause, but some list as many as 52. The truth is that we don’t really, as every single woman will experience the menopause differrntly. I’m going to list the most common ones, as well as a few less common but equally important. 

• Hot flashes

As your estrogen levels start to drop, your glands release higher amounts of other hormones, which messes with your brains ‘thermostat’, which in turn causes your body temperature to fluctuate, resulting in hot flashes!

• Chills

Same as above, as your hormone levels start to change, your body's ability to regulate your body temperature is strained, resulting in you experiencing both ends of the temperature spectrum.

• Vaginal dryness

As estrogen levels drop, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more easily irritated, resulting in vaginal dryness, or vaginal atrophy. Often presents as irritation, burning sensations, or pain during vaginal intercourse.

• Irregular periods

Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period, but during the perimenopause years, your periods may start to become irregular as your hormone levels start to change. For those that use hormonal contraceptives or other medications that affect hormone levels, this might not be as obvious, so a blood test may bee needed to determine if you are menopausal. 

• Reduced sex drive

The drops in testosterone and estrogen levels often leads to low libido during menopause, and many women may become less sesnsitive to touch and less easilt arroused, reducing the desire to engage in sexual activity. 

• Urinary Tract Infections

As estrogen levels drop, the vaginal wall thins, which can make it more prone to infection. Some women also find it harder to fully empty their bladder, which increases the chance for infection. 

• Headaches or migraines

Hormonal changes are a big trigger for migraines in lots of women, which is why headaches and migraines are very common during menstruation. However, estrogen withdrawal during menopause can increase the severyity of them. 

• Metallic taste in mouth

Very rare, but some women experience changes such as pain or burning on their tongue, lips, gums, or mouth in general. Taste buds may also change and you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This is due to estrogen levels dropping, which can make you more sensitive to pain.

• Dry and itchy skin

Estrogen is needed for elasticity in the skin, so as estrogen levels drop, the skin starts to change. It may start to feel dry and itchy, and break and crack more easily too, especially at night. The skin of you scalp can also be affected, and the dry skin can cause your hair to fall out or start to thin.

• Brain fog

Menopause can influence you memory and language skills. The drop in estrogen levels causes many women to struggle remembering new information, or recalling old information too. It can also present as an inability to pay attention, unable to make decisions, poor focus and concentration, and less capacity for abstract thinking.

As mentioned at the start, every woman will experience the menopause differentl. These are just some of the many symptoms reported during menopause, and you may expericence, all of them, none of them, or any number in between. If you think you’re going through menopause, or are perimenopausal and want to find out ways to help manage the symptoms, get yourself booked in with one of the team!