Surprising Menopause Symptoms
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Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms
In addition to some of the more common menopause symptoms, here are a few of the less familiar signs and symptoms.
1. Loss of Breast Fullness After menopause, some women notice that their breasts are not as full as they used to be or their bras seem a bit looser. This is because estrogen levels are changing, says Lila Schmidt, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist in private practice in San Diego, but few women are concerned about it.
2. Insomnia Sleeplessness can be a significant menopause symptom, Dr. Schmidt says. “Many women reaching menopause have trouble sleeping, because their estrogen levels are dropping and the temperature control in their brain has trouble functioning,” she explains. “You might wake up and have a hot flash and then be unable to fall back asleep.”
Try going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding screens before bed, and getting up at the same time every morning. Also make sure your bedroom is cool, and limit your fluid intake in the evening.
3. Dry and Itchy Skin Another sign of menopause is dry skin. Blame the fact that your ovaries are producing less estrogen. “You need estrogen for elasticity,” Schmidt says. Without it, skin can become tight and itchy, especially at night when you’re sleeping.
Battle it by applying moisturizer daily. The thicker and greasier the moisturizer, the more it will help soothe your dry skin at menopause.
4. Metallic Taste in Mouth “This is a very rare symptom,” Schmidt says, but some women going through menopause may feel pain or a burning sensation on their tongue, lips, gums, or other spots in the mouth. You may also find that some foods taste different during or after menopause, with fluctuation in estrogen levels leaving a metallic taste in the mouth.
Again, the culprit is a hormone imbalance, which can affect your taste buds and make you more sensitive to pain.
5. Thinning Hair You may notice that as you go through menopause, your hair gets thinner. Once again, it’s the estrogen — or lack thereof. “Everything is related to your estrogen dropping,” Schmidt says. Also, because your skin is drier, your scalp may be dry as well. Try using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and look for brands specially formulated for thinning hair.
6. Memory and Problem-Solving Issues Menopause also influences language skills and other functions related to memory. As your estrogen levels drop, you may have difficulty remembering new information or retrieving what’s already in your head. “You might think you’re going crazy,” Schmidt says.
Another reason for memory issues is the insomnia that often accompanies menopause. It’s harder to concentrate when you’re fatigued, Schmidt says. Taking hormone therapy and regulating sleep patterns might help keep your brain sharp.
Some women also report brain fog and other “executive function” problems, such as an inability to pay attention, make decisions, solve problems, or engage in abstract thinking, says John F. Randolph, Jr., MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor.
This was shown to be the case for many participants in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, which has been studying the physical, biological, psychological, and social changes in middle-aged women, says Dr. Randolph. The good news: Postmenopause, the women experienced a return to their abilities.
7. Dry Mouth and Dental Problems Menopause may also cause problems with your teeth and gums. When your estrogen levels decrease, your entire body, including your mouth, gets drier, Schmidt says. And when your mouth is dry, bacteria can grow, causing tooth decay and making your gums 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 gland is fooled into thinking you’re overheated and causes you to sweat excessively, as during a hot flash, which can result in a not-so-pleasant body odor. To prevent overheating, eat a healthy diet and practice stress-reduction techniques. Other ways to sidestep potential smelliness? Wear breathable clothing, bathe more often, and use a stronger deodorant with an antiperspirant.
9. Dry, Brittle Nails As you go through menopause, you may notice that your nails seem drier and more brittle than usual. Any new changes in your nails can be caused by lower estrogen levels, which can make it harder for your skin to retain moisture, according to NAMS.
Like your skin, your nails need moisture. Again, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids can help. You may also try reducing stress with exercise, yoga, and meditation or using natural remedies to replace lost hormones (but check with your doctor first).
10. Light-Headedness or Dizziness Although not a well-known menopause symptom, dizziness can be caused by a drop in hormone levels. The signs, such as light-headedness, a woozy feeling, nausea, and spinning, may 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 While you’ve probably heard that menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, you may not be aware that vaginal pain is also a symptom, notes Jessica Yih, MD, a sexual health specialist and urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus.
During menopause, reduced estrogen can cause the vaginal and vulval tissue to become thin and more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, which can lead to tearing and bleeding during intercourse and increase the risk of infection, says Dr. Yih.
Other Health Risks Related to Menopause
According to the Office of Women’s Health, menopause is defined as beginning when you go 12 months without having a period. While menopause can happen in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s, the average age in the United States is around 52.
After menopause, it is important to see your healthcare provider for regular physical exams and checkups, because your risk of potentially serious health conditions may increase with the loss or decline of estrogen and other natural age-related changes. These health problems include:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart and blood vessel)
- Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
- Sexual dysfunction (vaginal dryness and low libido)
- Urinary incontinence (menopausal vaginal and urinary tract changes)
- Weight gain (from a slower metabolism and inactivity)
Some doctors prescribe hormone therapy (HT) to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, but this treatment may not be for everyone. Prescription drugs and self-care strategies to manage uncomfortable symptoms can also help, including:
- Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
- Exercise regimens like yoga and low-impact aerobics
- Herbal preparations like black cohosh
- Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and improving sleep
- Over-the-counter preparations
- Relaxation techniques, such as meditation
Is Menopause on Your Horizon?
Are night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, and a lower libido making your life difficult? Use our Symptom Checker to find out if it could be menopause causing your symptoms.
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