With menopause, you expect hot flashes and night sweats. But falling hormone levels and other age-related changes can also lead to a range of more unusual symptoms.
Menopause can cause surprising symptoms, including dry, itchy skin and a metallic taste in your mouth. Most women experience some physical or emotional symptoms when they reach menopause, which usually occurs in their early 50s, but can occur anywhere between 35 and 59. Hot flashes are the most common symptom, affecting up to 75% of women going through menopause, but there are many other signs of discomfort to watch out for.
The most noticeable signs and symptoms of menopause may include:
A body odor
breast tenderness
burning mouth syndrome
Chills
Dry mouth and dental problems
Dry skin
Fatigue
Hair loss or thinning hair
Inability to concentrate
Irregular rules
Itching
Loss of breast fullness
mood swings
Metallic taste in the mouth
Night sweats
skipped rules
Sleep problems or insomnia
Vaginal dryness and itching
Weight gain and slow metabolism
The symptoms of menopause, including missed or delayed periods, are different for every woman. Most women have irregular periods before they stop menstruating altogether.
Although almost all women going through menopause experience hot flashes or itching, many do not notice the more serious menopausal problems that can increase the risk of heart disease and require the attention of a doctor. doctor, including the following increases:
blood pressure
blood clotting proteins
glucose intolerance
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
total cholesterol.
Menopause is defined as the start of a period of 12 months without periods. Although menopause can occur in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s, the average age is around 52.
After menopause, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for regular physical exams and check-ups because your risk of potentially serious health problems may increase with the loss or decline of estrogen and other natural changes related to your body. ‘age. These health issues include:
cardiovascular diseases (heart and blood vessels)
Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
Sexual dysfunction (vaginal dryness and low libido)
Urinary incontinence (vaginal and urinary changes related to menopause)
Weight gain (due to slow metabolism and inactivity).
Some doctors prescribe hormone therapy (HT) to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, but this treatment isn’t right for everyone. Prescription medications and self-care strategies to manage uncomfortable symptoms can also help, including:
Alternative and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture.
Exercise regimens like yoga and low impact aerobics.
herbal preparations such as black cohosh
lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and improving sleep.
Phytoestrogens (chemicals derived from plants that have estrogenic action, such as soy).
Relaxation techniques, such as meditation
11 Lesser Known Symptoms of Menopause
In addition to the most common symptoms of menopause, here are some of the lesser-known signs and symptoms.
1. Loss of breast fullness
After menopause, some women notice that their breasts aren’t as full as they used to be or that their bras seem a little looser. This is because estrogen levels change, but few women worry about it.
2. Insomnia
Insomnia can be a significant symptom of menopause. Many women going through menopause have trouble sleeping, because their estrogen levels drop and temperature control in their brains struggles. You may wake up and have a hot flash, then be unable to go back to sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, avoid screens before bed, and get up at the same time every morning. Also make sure your room is cool, and limit your fluid intake in the evening.
3. Dry and itchy skin
Another sign of menopause is dry skin. Blame it on your ovaries producing less estrogen. You need estrogen for elasticity. Without them, the skin can feel tight and itchy, especially at night while sleeping. Combat this problem by applying moisturizer every day. The thicker and oilier the moisturizer, the more it will help soothe your dry menopausal skin.
4. Metallic taste in the mouth
It’s a very rare symptom, but some women going through menopause may feel pain or a burning sensation on their tongue, lips, gums, or other places in their mouth. You may also find that certain foods taste different during or after menopause, with fluctuating estrogen levels leaving a metallic taste in your mouth. Again, the culprit is a hormonal imbalance, which can affect your taste buds and make you more sensitive to pain.
5. Thinning Hair
You may notice that during menopause your hair becomes thinner. Once again, it’s estrogen or lack thereof. It’s all about lowering your estrogen levels. Also, as your skin is drier, your scalp may be too. Try using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and look for brands specifically made for thinning hair.
6. Memory Issues and Troubleshooting
Menopause also influences language skills and other memory-related functions. When your estrogen levels drop, you may have difficulty remembering new information or retrieving what’s already in your head. You might think you are going crazy. Another reason for memory problems is the insomnia that often accompanies menopause. It is more difficult to concentrate when you are tired. Taking hormone therapy and regulating sleep patterns can help keep your brain sharp.
Some women also report brain fog and other “executive function” problems, such as the inability to pay attention, make decisions, solve problems, or engage in abstract thinking. The good news: After menopause, women experienced a return to their abilities.
7. Dry mouth and dental problems
Menopause can also cause problems with your teeth and gums. When your estrogen levels drop, your whole body, including your mouth, becomes drier. And when your mouth is dry, bacteria can grow, causing tooth decay and causing your gums to bleed or recede. The solution is to practice good dental hygiene and drink plenty of fluids.
8. Body odor
When your estrogen levels drop, your hypothalamus is tricked into thinking you’re too hot and causes you to sweat excessively, like during a hot flash, which can lead to unpleasant body odor. To avoid overheating, eat a healthy diet and practice stress reduction techniques. Any other ways to avoid potential odors? Wear breathable clothes, take baths more often, and use a stronger deodorant with an antiperspirant.
9. Dry and brittle nails
During menopause, you may notice that your nails seem drier and more brittle than usual. Any new changes in your nails may be caused by declining estrogen levels, which can make it harder for your skin to retain moisture. Like your skin, your nails need to be moisturized. Again, a balanced diet and plenty of fluids can help. You can also try to reduce stress with exercise, yoga, and meditation, or use natural remedies to replace lost hormones (but check with your doctor first).
10. Dizziness or vertigo
Although not a well-known symptom of menopause, dizziness can be caused by a drop in hormone levels. Signs, such as lightheadedness, lightheadedness, nausea, and spinning, can come and go at any time. Treatment depends on the cause but can include lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise.
11. Vaginal pain
You’ve probably heard that menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, but you might not know that vaginal pain is also a symptom. During menopause, the reduction in estrogen can cause the vaginal and vulvar tissues to thin and make them more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, which can lead to tearing and bleeding during intercourse and increase the risk of infection. .
