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Symptoms during menopause: a new life chapter full of changes

Menopause is a phase of transition that begins for most women between the ages of 45 and 55. Many women experience a range of symptoms during this time that can greatly impact daily life. However you're feeling – you’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate these changes.

Menopause symptoms: What to expect and how to handle them

Menopause brings various symptoms for many women, affecting daily life and well-being. Some symptoms are well-known, while others are less obvious but still common. Here’s an overview of the most frequent symptoms, along with some that might not immediately seem linked to menopause but are typical nonetheless.

The most common menopause symptoms

Hot flushes: where do they come from?

Hot flushes are a classic companion of menopause. They strike suddenly, often starting in the upper body, bringing intense heat and often heavy sweating. The challenge? Hot flushes don’t keep regular hours. They can happen anytime – day or night.

“I was teaching my class when a hot flush hit. My face turned bright red, and sweat was pouring down my forehead. It was so embarrassing.”

– Lena, 52, teacher

Sleep disruption: unexpected wakefulness at night

Sleep issues are another frequent symptom. Many women wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, feeling wide awake and unable to go back to sleep. These disruptions are often triggered by night sweats or hormonal fluctuations that disturb natural sleep rhythms.

Brain fog: when the mind slows down

A lesser-known but equally frustrating symptom is “brain fog,” where it feels like your mind is in a haze. Many women report concentration issues, memory gaps, and difficulty finding the right words.

“I was in an important meeting, and suddenly, I couldn’t remember the right word. It was a real struggle and horribly embarrassing.”

– Claire, 50, manager

Mood swings: an emotional roller coaster

Mood swings, irritability, and emotional highs and lows are par for the course during menopause. Some women find themselves dealing with unexplained anger or feeling unexpectedly low. This is due to hormonal shifts, which affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, causing the emotional ride.

Weight gain: body changes

Many women notice their bodies changing, particularly around the belly. The drop in estrogen affects how fat is distributed. Plus, a relative increase in testosterone may lead to more visceral fat. Welcome to the “happy belly” club – but don’t worry, it’s manageable!

Vaginal dryness: a taboo topic

Vaginal dryness is another common but less talked-about symptom. The decrease in estrogen causes the mucous membranes to become thinner and drier, which can make intercourse painful and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Waking up suddenly in the middle of the night, even with a history of good sleep – it’s a classic menopause sign. About 60% of women experience these sleep disruptions.

The lesser-known (but still pesky) menopause symptoms

Alongside the main symptoms, some lesser-known issues may also appear.

Frozen shoulder: stiff shoulders

A rarer but very bothersome symptom of menopause is “frozen shoulder,” where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, often due to hormonal changes. Women in menopause are at a higher risk for this inflammatory shoulder condition. If shoulder mobility remains limited, it’s wise to consult a doctor for potential treatment options.

Dry eyes: more than a “beauty issue”

Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the eyes. Many women experience dry, burning, and irritated eyes, which can be particularly bothersome if they spend a lot of time on screens. This is more than just a cosmetic issue, as it can cause sensitivity and fatigue.

Heart palpitations: sudden fast heartbeat

Heart palpitations are a symptom that often surprises women. Suddenly, the heart starts beating quickly for no apparent reason. While palpitations are usually harmless, they can be unsettling. If they’re frequent or intense, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.

Paresthesia: tingling and numbness

This lesser-known symptom involves tingling or numbness in the limbs, known as paresthesia, often due to hormonal fluctuations. But be careful: sudden numbness, sensory changes, or even paralysis should always be taken seriously and checked by a doctor.

Burning tongue or mouth: unusual, but real

Another rare but genuine symptom during menopause is known as burning mouth syndrome. It causes a burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. Although typically harmless, it can affect daily life – exploring possible relief options can be beneficial.

Menopause isn’t always obvious: joint pain, heart palpitations, dry eyes, or even a burning tongue could all be part of it. Many doctors don't immediately consider menopause as the cause—awareness makes a difference.

For those who want the full scoop

Here’s the complete – but certainly not final – list of possible menopause symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, brain fog, depression, anxiety, weight gain, vaginal dryness, joint and muscle pain, headaches, hair loss, heart palpitations, dry eyes, frequent urination, digestive issues, joint stiffness, osteoporosis, sore breasts, increased facial hair, tingling or numbness, dizziness, irritable bowel, and – let’s not forget – reduced libido…

How is menopause acutally diagnosed

Menopause is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms and changes in your menstrual cycle. Irregular cycles are often the first sign: periods may become longer or shorter, or appear more or less frequently until they eventually stop. Special questionnaires, like the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), help assess the severity of symptoms. In some cases, a blood test, such as to determine hormone levels, may be useful, especially to rule out other potential causes. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor or a menopause specialist to help confirm the diagnosis.

How long does menopause stick around

The length of menopause can vary greatly. While some women experience symptoms for only a few years, others may have symptoms like hot flushes or sleep disturbances that last between 7 and 15 years. But don’t worry – the intensity of these symptoms usually lessens over time, and hot flushes often become milder. Other symptoms, like vaginal dryness or incontinence, may persist or worsen without treatment.

Are these symptoms really menopause?

Not necessarily. Many symptoms overlap with other health issues, which can make diagnosis challenging. For example, brain fog, or difficulty with focus and memory, might be mistaken for depression or burnout. Muscle and joint pain could suggest arthritis or fibromyalgia, while sleep problems are often attributed to stress. Even symptoms like vaginal dryness may initially be seen as an infection or simply part of aging.

Pay attention to these symptoms and speak openly with your doctor. Since menopause isn’t always considered as the first cause, it’s important to voice your thoughts – you know your body best! Targeted treatment can help once the true causes are identified.

Symptom clusters in menopause: the combos that women face most

A long-term study from the USA, the SWAN study, shows that menopause symptoms often appear together in clusters. Researchers found six typical symptom groups: some women experience few symptoms, while others have several intense symptoms at once. Common clusters include hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue that persist over the years. Interestingly, women with more severe symptoms are often dealing with additional challenges like financial stress, higher BMI, or smoking. The study suggests that early support may help reduce health risks.

What can you do?

Here’s a little sneak peek – for those who want more, our other articles provide the full scoop on therapies and tips.

Managing Chronic Conditions

In addition to the basics like healthy eating and exercise, it's especially important to keep chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes under control. These conditions can worsen menopause symptoms, particularly cognitive issues like brain fog.

Vaginal dryness? Lubricants or creams can help, but the real game changer is vaginal estriol. Side effects? Rare when used correctly. Join our program to learn more!

Medication (MHT)

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) offers promising relief, not only for classic symptoms like hot flushes and sleep disturbances. Studies suggest that MHT may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and potentially lower the risk of dementia—and it shows good results for many other symptoms too. It's important to make the decision for MHT in consultation with your doctor to weigh all the benefits and possible risks together. If you’d like to learn more, our in-depth articles on hormone replacement therapy have all the details.

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