EN TWC #059: What else are these symptoms?
Dear MHI reader
Are you ready to dive into a topic that may have slipped under the radar? We’ll uncover some surprising aspects of the menopause that might make you say, «I had no idea!»
While hot flushes and mood swings often steal the limelight, there are a whole host of lesser-known symptoms that can surprise us at this stage of life. So let’s go on this journey together and educate you on what to expect.
Of course, you can also use our online menopause symptom checker.
Less known symptoms
Get ready for a few tongue-in-cheek revelations! In addition to the typical menopausal symptoms, there are a whole range of surprises waiting for us. Have you ever had a fog in your head so thick you could cut it with a knife? Or have you ever had the feeling that your skin is tingling and won’t stop itching?
These unexpected symptoms can catch us off guard and leave us scratching our heads (quite literally). From severe itching in unusual places to sudden bouts of dizziness, the menopause can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride through unfamiliar territory.
Here are some lesser known symptoms:
Cold flashes
Yes, there are not only hot flushes, but also cold flushes. These can cause extreme swings between freezing cold and sweating within a few minutes, affecting your well-being and everyday activities. A cold flash is a sudden, chilly, tingling sensation that can come out of nowhere or immediately follow a hot flash. Like the hot flush, the cold flush can last a few seconds or several minutes.
Dry eyes
Have you noticed that your eyes have become drier recently? This may be due to dry eyes. Every time you blink, your eyes produce a tear film made up of water, oil and mucus. If too little tear fluid is produced, your eyes may feel dry, burn, water (as if something is in your eye) or have blurred vision. This symptom can be very annoying, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen.
Brittle nails
Take a look at your fingernails. Do you notice anything? Have they changed? Are they more brittle than before? During the menopause, nails can become thinner and softer, which means they split, tear or break more easily.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and throat when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus. This can lead to an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, bloating and nausea. Common causes of heartburn are stress and obesity, while alcohol and the consumption of spicy and fatty foods can exacerbate the symptoms or even be the cause of heartburn. Heartburn can also occur during the menopause.
Dizziness
You may have noticed that you feel dizzy or light-headed at times, for example when you sway in the shower. To be on the safe side, you should consult a doctor if you experience severe dizziness, fainting spells or palpitations to rule out other causes.
Severe brain fog, memory problems
It is often accompanied by a feeling of «early onset dementia», which can have a significant impact on daily life. Brain fog is often described as: Feeling dazed and unclear, difficulty concentrating and trouble finding the right words. Memory problems are manifested by forgetfulness in everyday life, difficulty remembering things and frequent searching for objects
Altered sense of smell
During the menopause, you may not be able to smell as well as you used to, your sense of smell may be heightened or you may no longer be able to tolerate certain odors – such as perfume or cleaning products. Your sense of taste may also be impaired. These changes can last for a few days or longer.
Unpredictable bowel problems, such as constipation, diarrhea
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to irregular bowel function with constipation or diarrhea. Menopausal symptoms such as hypothyroidism or diabetes can also disrupt bowel function.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a constant ringing or whistling in the ear. Tinnitus is a complex condition that affects many different parts of the auditory pathway and can be exacerbated by psychological events such as mood swings, depression and stress. The severity can vary greatly from person to person. The effects of menopause on tinnitus and hearing loss are not yet well understood.
Burning mouth
Burning in the mouth is an unpleasant sensation that can affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, palate or even the whole mouth. The burning sensation can be very severe and is compared by women to burning the tongue or palate with hot food or drink.
Burning feet or limbs
The burning discomfort often occurs at night or during periods of rest and can disturb sleep. Exercise, heat and massages can provide temporary relief. In the long term, the causes such as circulatory disorders or deficiencies should be treated.
Severe itching all over the body
Do you have itching that just won’t go away, especially on your breasts, under your armpits and in your ear canals? This could be due to the menopause. Perhaps you notice more wrinkles and fine lines when you look in the mirror or your skin feels rougher, drier and itchier all over your body. Another symptom of the menopause is formication, the feeling of insects crawling over your skin.
Vaginal and clitoral atrophy (reduction in size and regression of the clitoris)
During the menopause, oestrogen deficiency can lead to changes in the external and internal reproductive organs.
Vaginal atrophy: The vaginal mucosa becomes thinner, drier and less elastic. This can lead to discomfort such as burning, itching, pain during intercourse and increased susceptibility to infections
Clitoral atrophy: The clitoris can shrink and become smaller due to a lack of oestrogen. Possible consequences are reduced sensitivity and difficulty reaching orgasm. In some cases, the clitoris can even disappear completely.
Palpitations
Palpitations are the feeling that the heart is beating faster or more irregularly than usual.
Palpitations can last a few seconds or a few minutes. It may be accompanied by hot flushes, night sweats or dizziness, or may occur alone.
Aching joints
During the menopause, many women can suffer from painful joint complaints. The pain often occurs in the knees, hips, hands and spine. They can vary in severity – from slight tension to severe pain.
Further information in our knowledge center at The Women Circle:
At The Women Circle, we understand the importance of comprehensive menopause support. Our Knowledge Center offers a wealth of resources, including articles, newsletters, blog posts and expert advice to support women on their menopause journey. Whether you’re looking for information on symptom management, lifestyle adjustments or holistic wellness practices, our Knowledge Center is your trusted source for evidence-based advice and support. Visit us today and gain access to a wealth of knowledge tailored to your menopausal needs.
We hope this information will help you to better understand the menopause and take practical steps to deal with it. If you need personal advice or support on your journey through the menopause, contact The Women Circle here.
In our next edition, again on Saturday at 9am, we will cover more aspects of the menopause and women’s health. Stay informed and feel good in this special phase of life.
Book recommendation
Enjoying the menopause
by Christiane Northrup
You can order the book here: Lustfully through the menopause
Sexuality, joie de vivre and reorientation in the second half of life
Christiane Northrup is the pioneer of alternative gynecology.
The best years begin at 50 – and so does the best sex. Christiane Northrup counters the widespread belief that everything is over
after the menopause with this promise. Because, as her years of experience have shown, the physical changes of the menopause can be noticeably harmonized with a positive attitude. Her tips not only help to improve physical well-being, but also address the mental and spiritual level. In a relaxed and compassionate manner, she shows women the great opportunity that lies in this stage of life.
We wish you a great week.
Kind regards
Joëlle & Adrian