10 Common Symptoms of Menopause You Should Know

Continuing our menopause series, this week's focus is on symptoms. Most sources cite around 34 possible symptoms of menopause, though some list as many as 52. The honest truth is nobody knows the exact number for certain, since every woman experiences menopause differently. Here are some of the most common symptoms, alongside a few less common but equally worth knowing about.

Hot Flashes

As estrogen levels begin to drop, glands release higher amounts of other hormones, which interferes with the brain's internal "thermostat." This disruption causes body temperature to fluctuate, resulting in the sudden waves of heat known as hot flashes.

Chills

The same hormonal shifts that cause hot flashes also strain the body's overall ability to regulate temperature, which can mean experiencing both ends of the temperature spectrum, sometimes within a short space of time.

Vaginal Dryness

As estrogen drops, vaginal tissue becomes thinner and more easily irritated, resulting in vaginal dryness, sometimes referred to as vaginal atrophy. This often shows up as irritation, a burning sensation, or discomfort during intercourse.

Irregular Periods

Menopause is officially considered to have begun 12 months after your last period. During the perimenopause years leading up to that, periods often become irregular as hormone levels shift. For anyone using hormonal contraceptives or other medications affecting hormone levels, this pattern might be less obvious, so a blood test may be needed to determine menopausal status more definitively.

Reduced Sex Drive

Drops in both testosterone and estrogen commonly lead to reduced libido during menopause. Many women also become less sensitive to touch and find arousal takes more effort, which can reduce overall desire for sexual activity.

Urinary Tract Infections

As estrogen drops, the vaginal wall thins, which can make the area more susceptible to infection. Some women also find it harder to fully empty their bladder during this time, further increasing infection risk.

Headaches or Migraines

Hormonal changes are a well-known trigger for migraines in many women, which is part of why headaches and migraines are already common around menstruation generally. Estrogen withdrawal during menopause can increase the severity of these further.

Metallic Taste in the Mouth

This one is genuinely rare, but some women experience changes such as pain or a burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums, or mouth more broadly. Taste perception can shift too, sometimes producing a distinct metallic taste. This is linked to dropping estrogen levels, which can increase general sensitivity to pain.

Dry and Itchy Skin

Estrogen plays a role in skin elasticity, so as levels drop, skin can start to feel drier and itchier, becoming more prone to breaking or cracking, particularly at night. The scalp can be affected too, with dry skin sometimes contributing to hair thinning or loss.

Brain Fog

Menopause can genuinely affect memory and language skills. Dropping estrogen levels lead many women to struggle with retaining new information or recalling things they already know. This can also show up as difficulty paying attention, indecisiveness, poor concentration, and reduced capacity for abstract thinking.

Every Experience Is Different

As mentioned at the start, every woman experiences menopause differently. These are just some of the many reported symptoms, and you might experience all of them, none of them, or anywhere in between. If you think you might be going through menopause, or are in the perimenopause stage and want to explore ways to manage your symptoms, get yourself booked in with one of the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many symptoms of menopause are there really? Estimates vary, with most sources citing around 34, though some list as many as 52. Every woman's experience differs, so there's no single definitive number.

When does menopause officially begin? It's officially considered to begin 12 months after your last period. The years leading up to that, known as perimenopause, often involve irregular periods and other early symptoms.

Why does brain fog happen during menopause? Dropping estrogen levels can affect memory, focus, and language processing, which is why many women notice difficulty concentrating or recalling information during this time.

Is it normal to experience only some of these symptoms? Yes, completely. Symptom experience varies enormously between individuals, and it's entirely normal to experience several, just one or two, or even none at all.

How can I find out if I'm perimenopausal if my periods aren't a clear indicator? If you're using hormonal contraception or other medication that affects your hormone levels, a blood test can help determine your menopausal status more accurately than tracking periods alone.