04/27/2024
The most common menopause symptoms include:
1. Irregular periods
A hallmark of oncoming menopause is irregular periods. This is because the natural decline in estrogen means that your ovaries may not release an egg every month or may not release an egg at around the same time each month. Other changes to your period may include:
- Heavier or lighter bleeding
- Skipped periods
- Getting periods at irregular intervals (even if your period used to arrive every 28 days like clockwork).
2. Hot flashes
More than 80% of women will experience hot flashes brought on by menopause. These are sudden sensations of warmth, heat, sweating, flushing, anxiety, and chills lasting around 1-5 minutes (though much longer for some people).
3. Night sweats
Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night, also known as 'sleep hyperhidrosis,' typically benign but can affect sleep quality.
4. Insomnia
Insomnia means trouble falling or staying asleep long enough to have a restful night, affecting over 50% of perimenopausal and menopausal women.
5. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of changing hormones during menopause, affecting s*xual health.
6. Mood swings
Sudden changes in emotions, akin to those experienced with premenstrual syndrome, can occur during menopause due to hormonal changes or fatigue from insomnia.
7. Weight gain
Typical age-related weight gain is compounded by hormonal changes during menopause, affecting metabolism due to a drop in muscle mass.
8. Memory lapses
Memory lapses are common during menopause, potentially influenced by reduced levels of estrogen affecting brain function.
9. Depression
Menopause can increase the risk of depression and clinical depressive disorders, often influenced by hormonal fluctuations and life stress.
10. Anxiety
Feelings of fear, dread, or nervous anticipation, driven by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.
11. Panic disorder
Extreme anxiety levels during menopause can manifest as panic attacks, with symptoms including chest pain, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
12. Irritability
Increased irritability can occur during menopause, often linked with insomnia and mood changes.
13. Fatigue
Fatigue during menopause can result from hormonal changes and affect both physical and mental energy levels.
14. Brain Fog
Often described as a "spaced out" feeling, brain fog during menopause can make it hard to concentrate or maintain a train of thought.
15. Decreased libido
A reduced desire for s*x is common during menopause, caused by lower hormonal levels and other menopausal symptoms.
16. Paresthesia
An unusual tingling or prickling sensation, known as 'pins and needles,' often felt in the extremities.
17. Burning mouth
This condition involves a persistent burning sensation in the mouth, similar to the feeling after consuming a very hot beverage.
18. Electric shock sensations
These can occur during menopause, believed to be linked to hormonal changes affecting the nervous system.
19. Itchiness
Itchy skin, or pruritus, is often caused by reduced estrogen levels affecting the skin's natural moisturizing capabilities.
20. Joint pain
Achy or stiff joints are common in menopause, exacerbated by a decrease in estrogen which helps reduce inflammation.
21. Muscle tension and aches
Increased muscle soreness or tension can be a symptom of menopause, influenced by sleep issues and hormonal changes.
22. Breast tenderness
Changes in breast sensation, including pain or tenderness, may occur during menopause, distinct from premenopausal breast pain.
23. Headaches
Headaches or migraines during menopause can be linked to hormonal fluctuations affecting brain chemicals.
24. Food sensitivities/IBS
Menopause may trigger new food sensitivities or exacerbate existing irritable bowel syndrome due to hormonal changes.
25. Food Cravings
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to cravings, particularly for refined carbs or sugars.
26. Changes in taste
Altered taste perception, especially for sugar, can occur in menopause, possibly due to decreased saliva production.
27. Bloating
Menopausal bloating may result from fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels increasing fluid retention.
28. Thinning hair
Hair may thin or become less dense during menopause, linked to hormonal changes.
29. Brittle Nails: nails may also become brittle during menopause, potentially related
to hormonal shifts and nutrient deficiencies.
30. Bladder incontinence
Bladder control issues, including involuntary urine release when coughing or laughing, are common due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles and changes in the urethral lining.
31. Dizzy spells
Dizziness during menopause can be linked to hormonal effects on blood sugar levels and other factors like anxiety and fatigue.
32. Allergies
New or worsened allergies can appear during menopause, potentially due to changes in hormone levels affecting histamine production.
33. Osteoporosis
Reduced bone density, making bones more prone to fractures, is often linked to the drop in estrogen levels during menopause.
34. Irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations, experienced as a fluttering or racing heart, can occur and are generally not considered dangerous but can be unsettling.
These symptoms represent a broad range of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that can occur during menopause. Each woman's experience can vary significantly, making it important to discuss any new or troubling symptoms with a healthcare provider.