What are the 34 symptoms of menopause? Have you got them and what can you do about them?
What are the 34 symptoms of menopause? As well as the usual suspects of hot flashes and insomnia, the extensive list also contains more obscure menopause symptoms like electric shocks, brittle nails, allergies and irregular heartbeat. Thankfully, most women don’t suffer from all the 34 symptoms.
Experts have compiled a big list of the main symptoms that you encounter whilst going through the menopause. Not everyone will suffer all of the symptoms. Most women will perhaps have a handful of the main symptoms and not be bothered at all by any of the others.
However, I find it’s really helpful to be able to see a full rundown of symptoms that MAY occur to understand what is going on with your body as you progress through perimenopause and menopause.
It can sometimes explain seemingly unrelated health problems you may come up against and give you a way to understand what is happening and possibly combat it. Knowledge is power.
The 34 Symptoms of Menopause
Please Note. I am not a doctor, nor am I qualified to give medical advice. I’m just sharing what has worked for me. Please see your own doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or medical routine.
1 – Night Sweats
Night sweats are a sudden rush of heat, like a hot flash, which occurs during the night. They can leave you damp and uncomfortable and can lead to disrupted sleep and insomnia.
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- Read my post here for a list of ways to improve your sleep during menopause.
2 – Hot Flashes
Probably one of the most common symptoms of menopause, occurring in around 75% of women. Hot flashes are a rush of heat and blood to the torso, head and neck. In some women, they can mean literally dripping with sweat which can be very disruptive, especially in work situations.
- Read my post here about using Apple Cider Vinegar to help with hot flashes
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR HOT FLASHES. PLUS 6 WAYS IT CAN HELP WITH MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
3 – Vaginal dryness
Estrogen is a major player in keeping your vagina lubricated. When Estrogen levels fall this can mean dryness of the vagina. This can lead to painful sex and lower libido.
Thankfully there are some amazing lubricants on the market now. Check out YES!. An organic Lubricant with no nasty additives, designed by women for women.
4 – Irregular periods
Craziness starting with your periods is often the first sign of menopause that you notice. You may go from regular as clockwork, two skipping months at a time. Or the flow may change and some women experience flooding.
5 – Lower sex drive
As estrogen levels drop, so may your libido. Vaginal dryness as noted above doesn’t help either and sex may become not as much fun as it was. Many women struggle with a loss of libido around menopause. You are not alone.
6 – Mood Swings
Fluctuating hormonal levels can lead to mood swings. They may feel like an exaggerated version of PMS. Many women describe extreme rage and anger which can be hard to handle and lead to relationship difficulties.
7 – Burning mouth
This is quite an uncommon symptom but it can happen. Sufferers describe it as a hot sensation, similar to having your mouth burnt by hot food.
8 – Aches and pains in the joints
Musculoskeletal issues can arise at this time. Stiff aching joints can be one symptom. Low thyroid hormone levels, common around midlife and menopause, can also lead to aching joints.
9- Muscle tension and aches
This can feel similar to the aches you may feel after working out too hard. It can make you feel old and stiff. A hot bath in Epsom salts is a good remedy.
10 – Breast Soreness
Hormonal fluctuations can often lead to tenderness and soreness of the breasts. You may have found this throughout life, during periods of pregnancy. Menopause is no different. The ups and downs of menopausal hormones may result in tender breasts that can cause problems in everyday life.
11 – Headaches and Migraines
Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to an increase in headaches and even migraines during the menopause. If you already had headaches and migraines then they may increase during menopause. Migraines can also start during menopause. If this is the case always get checked out by your doctor.
12 – Gum Problems
This is quite a rare symptom but does affect up to 40% of women. Sore and tender gums may cause general discomfort and soreness when eating.
13 – Fatigue
This is a problem for SO many women. Crushing fatigue can cause major issues in your life. It’s often a major issue at work when trying to keep going throughout a long workday can be incredibly difficult. This can lead to poor performance at work and stress as you try to compete with often younger colleagues. Just trying to run your busy life whilst feeling crushing fatigue can be one of the worst symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
14 – Sleep Problems and Insomnia
This is often seen as one of the WORST symptoms of Menopause. Night sweats can wake you up and leave you drenched and uncomfortable. Feeling hot and sweaty can mean tossing and turning and being unable to get back to sleep. Hormonal fluctuations can mean that you wake up around 3 am and toss and turn until daybreak. {then you have to get up and drag yourself to work with heavy fatigue]
- If you suffer from sleep issues, please take a look at this epic post I put together of tips to help with insomnia and give you a good night sleep.
15 – Anxiety
Hormonal fluctuations can add to daily issues with anxiety. One in three women may suffer from this symptom which can cause major disruption to your ability to live your life.
- This post gives more info on how to cope and improve anxiety and depression symptoms – naturally.
CAN MENOPAUSE CAUSE DEPRESSION? 10 NATURAL WAYS TO FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN
16 – Bloating and swollen stomach
You may notice your stomach is bloated or you just generally feel puffy all over. This is a really uncomfortable symptom and is again caused by your hormonal rollercoaster.
A swollen stomach may make your belly appear larger and can be distressing as it’s more difficult to fit into your normal clothes.
If you have developed Belly Fat around your stomach, this post gives you details on how to shrink it down.
17 – Allergies
For some women, menopause can mark an increase in allergies to things that weren’t a problem before. For example, you may find your hay fever was much worse during the summer or you can no longer tolerate gluten.
18 – Irritability
Many women report finding themselves on edge and finding every little thing incredibly irritating. This can cause issues both at work and with your partners and kids. It may even progress to blinding rage which is hard to control.
19 – Depression and sadness
Depression can be common around menopause. Depression is four times more likely to happen to women after the age of 45. This is partly down to hormones and probably partly down to a combination of other factors that occur around this time. For example, being unable to sleep properly can have a far-reaching knock-on effect on your mental health.
- This post gives more info on how to cope and improve anxiety and depression symptoms – naturally.
CAN MENOPAUSE CAUSE DEPRESSION? 10 NATURAL WAYS TO FEEL LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN
20 – Panic Attacks
Menopausal women are one of the groups affected the most by panic attacks. Again these can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations as well as the stresses of everyday life and lack of sleep
Strategies such as meditation, breathing exercises and journaling may help.
- I created a free downloadable journalling planner which can help you to focus on yourself and gain some control over your life which may help. Read the post and get the free printable here.
HOW TO FOCUS ON YOURSELF WHEN THE WORLD DEMANDS TOO MUCH EVERY DAY
21 – Dizziness and Vertigo
Attacks of dizziness may be caused by the drop in Estrogen happening in your body.
22 – Weight gain, especially around the belly
Menopausal weight gain can be one of the most upsetting parts of this time in your life. It may feel like you are eating nothing and exercising yourself to a crisp and still, you can’t shed the pounds. There are a variety of factors that all conspire to stop you losing weight around menopause.
- I wrote a detailed post about how to lose weight and belly fat, without mad crazy diet or exercise which you can read here.
HOW TO LOSE MENOPAUSE BELLY FAT EASILY {WITHOUT MAD CRAZY DIET OR EXERCISE} 5 Powerful Tips
LOSING WEIGHT DURING MENOPAUSE. THE 5 HIDDEN REASONS YOU CAN’T…{And How To Fix Them}
23 – Gut & Digestive problems
By the time you get to midlife and menopause, you may find yourself suffering from digestive problems. This can mean suffering from indigestion, bloating, cramps, constipation or diarrhoea.
This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations as well as an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. Modern science is discovering more and more about the importance of our gut bacteria or microbiome. Probiotic foods or supplants may help.
- I wrote 2 posts about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, which contains probiotic bacteria and can help with digestive and menopause symptoms as well as weight loss.
DOES APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELP WEIGHT LOSS? SPOILER – YES IT DOES! {AND HOW TO USE IT}
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR HOT FLASHES. PLUS 6 WAYS IT CAN HELP WITH MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
24 – Electric Shocks or zaps
This is one of the more rare Menopause symptoms. However, some women can experience little electric zaps in their muscles. They may come on just before experiencing a hot flash.
25 – Osteoporosis
Bone density can be a big issue as you move past menopause. Density can drop up to 20% so it’s really important to look after your bones by eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium.
26 – Heart Palpitations
Dropping estrogen and fluctuating hormones can mean palpitations and even an irregular heartbeat. In conjunction with hot flashes, this can be very disconcerting. Make sure you get checked out by your doctor if this happens regularly to make sure all is well.
27 – Incontinence
Women often suffer damage during childbirth. When you hit menopause these old injuries and weaknesses can manifest as incontinence.
28 – Tingling of the hands and feet
Another strange and uncommon symptom but some women do feel a tingling sensation in the extremities. This can be disturbing and uncomfortable.
29 – Poor or worsening memory
You may find it much harder to remember things as you pass through menopause. Some women feel really disturbed by this. You may feel that you are losing your mind or that there is something seriously wrong. However, the good news is that your memory is likely to improve in the long term as you get through menopause.
what are the 34 symptoms of menopause?
30 – Brain Fog
Similarly, you may find that it’s very difficult to actually think coherently and keep focussed. Generally, this is due to oestrogen fluctuations which mess with the brain’s ability to use glucose as fuel. Try cutting down on gluten and carbs and eating more protein to help your brain to burn fuel more effectively.
31 – Hair Loss
This can be a very distressing symptom for many women. Whilst it is unlikely that you will go bald, many women experience thinning. This may mean that the scalp becomes more visible through the hair especially on the crown.
Hair thickening products can help VIEW ON AMAZON or for a more permanent solution, Scalp Micropigmentation for women can make the hair appear fuller.
32 – Itchy skin
During menopause, the levels of collagen in your skin can drop making the skin dry and itchy. Starting to use an intensive moisturiser can help. Collagen powder, [amazon] added to foods and drinks can help to rebuild your skin from the inside.
33 – Weak nails
Nails also suffer from a lack of collagen during menopause. This weakens the nail bed and can result in flakey splitting nails. As with your skin, adding collagen into your diet can help to improve this. Collagen has positive effects on hair and joints too.
34 – Unpleasant body odour
Hot flashes and other changes can result in you sweating a lot more. Many women also find that the actual smell of their sweat changes too and may be unpleasant which can be embarrassing and distressing. There are specialist intensive deodorant products which may help. VIEW ON AMAZON
Whew. That’s a big list!
I have to point out at this point that not everyone will have all of these symptoms. Most women will suffer from a handful of these symptoms but this handful can cause absolute havoc in your life.
If you are looking for suggestions on how to handle menopause naturally, please check out my free download Menopause Natural Remedies Checklist. Over 60 Natural Supplements & Strategies to help with Menopause Symptoms
What are the worst menopause symptoms?
This is a tricky one to answer. A symptom can be unbearable for one person and not bad for another. But which menopause symptoms cause the most trouble for most people?
A recent study looked at 110 women with an average age of 49. The researchers looked at the severity of symptoms including,
- Hot flashes
- Mood issues
- Day sweats
- Forgetfulness and brain fog.
- Night Sweats
- Vaginal dryness,
- Sleep difficulties and insomnia
The participants were asked to rate the severity of their symptoms
The results were
| Insomnia and sleep problems | 94.5% |
| Brain fog and forgetfulness | 92% |
| Irritability, rage and mood problems | 87% |
| Night sweats | 85.5% |
| Hot flashes | 83% |
So the result of this research was that the worst menopause symptom was sleep difficulties
- If you need help with your sleep please check my post here
Another study of menopausal women in India found that the most bothersome symptoms were
- Physical and Mental exhaustion 85.4%
- Joint and muscle discomfort 85.4%
- Hot Flashes and sweating 81.8%
SEE THE RESEARCH > Assessment of menopausal symptoms among women attending various outreach clinics in South Canara District of India
The worst menopause symptom is the one that causes YOU the most disruption in your life
How long do menopause symptoms last?
The period when you are going through these changes is called Perimenopause.
Perimenopause lasts around four years on average until you come out the other side and are considered menopausal. The good news is that symptoms will often ease as you pass through perimenopause so they may gradually come less severe.
The downside of this news is that hot flashes seem to be a symptom out on its own and different from the others. One study found that hot flashes can continue after menopause and may last an average of 10.2 years!. This is worrying news as hot flashes can be very debilitating for some women.
The study found
“hormone levels were significantly associated with the duration of hot flushes in unadjusted analyses. “
Hormone levels were associated in this study with a longer duration of hot flashes. This is good news as it means that you can do something about it by gaining control of your hormones.
What you eat can have a huge impact on your hormone levels.
By knowing what to eat you can start to heal and balance your hormones which can lead to a lowering of these menopause symptoms.
I created a weight loss plan for menopausal women, which explains how to balance your hormones with what you eat. A key part is the information on “how to fix your hormones” which explains how hormones work together and what you can do to fix them. A big bonus is, once you gain control of your hormones, weight loss is easier too.
Take a look at my Belly Fat solution here.
SEE THE RESEARCH> Duration of Menopausal Hot Flushes and Associated Risk Factors
The 34 Symptoms of Menopause don’t need to rule your life
I hope this list has been helpful for you. As you have seen there are so many difficult symptoms which can be caused by going through the menopause.
However, I hope you can see that there are many things that you can do that will help with your symptoms and allow you to get back to feeling more like yourself again.
Love and light
PS. If you need a few more ideas to help you fix your Menopause Symptoms, please download my FREE ebook below.
HEALING YOUR HORMONES IS KEY TO REDUCING YOUR MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS.
HERES THE KEY TO GETTING YOUR LIFE BACK! [EVEN IF YOUR HORMONES ARE OUT OF BALANCE!]
Have you struggled with weight gain, depression, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, fatigue, and other seemingly un-related menopause symptoms?
Do you just don’t feel like your old self and wonder how to get back there?.
It’s time to take your health into your own hands and heal your hormones.
Download the FREE E-book NOW to discover the hormone causes of weight gain, mood swings, low libido, fatigue and more…
Helen
