*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Editorial Board

Top 34 Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause isn’t just an end of your monthly period cycle. It’s a full-scale lifestyle shift that affects every woman’s body uniquely. With changes that can throw even the calmest woman into a tailspin, it’s important to get straight talk on what symptoms you might experience during perimenopause and subsequently menopause. 

This guide breaks down 34 of the most common symptoms of menopause, from the very common hot flashes to other mental health symptoms such as mood swings and memory lapses. Understanding your perimenopause and menopause symptoms can help you navigate this phase of life, so you can make fully informed decisions about treatments and support. Moreover, it can help you take control of living a better, healthier, more enriched life.

VASOMOTOR

1. Heart Palpitations: You may notice heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat during this time, often linked to hormonal changes.
2. Hot Flashes: These are sudden rushes of heat that can overwhelm the body, primarily affecting the upper parts, making you feel like you’re overheating without any warning.
3. Night Sweats: Think of these as intense hot flashes that strike at night, often soaking nightwear and sheets, disrupting your sleep and comfort.

SEXUAL HEALTH

1. Low Libido: Hormonal changes often lead to a drop in sexual desire, which can affect your sex life and intimate relationships.
2. Painful Sex: Besides vaginal dryness, hormonal shifts can alter the elasticity and health of vaginal tissues, making intercourse painful.

MENTAL HEALTH

1. Anxiety: It’s not uncommon to feel more anxious during menopause, as hormonal shifts can impact your mood and increase stress levels.
2. Brain Fog: This symptom encompasses cognitive issues like forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, which can interfere with daily activities.
3. Depression: The significant changes occurring in your body can affect your mental health, potentially leading to depression.
4. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause your emotions to feel like a rollercoaster, ranging from joy to despair within a short period.
5. Rage: Hormonal imbalances can cause intense irritability and anger, making it difficult to manage emotions.

BODY:

1. Bloating: Hormonal changes can slow your digestion, leading to bloating and stomach discomfort.
2. Breast Tenderness: Fluctuating hormones can also cause your breasts to feel sore, tender and sensitive.
3. Frozen Shoulder: Decreased hormone levels can lead to inflammation in your joints, including the shoulders, restricting movement and causing pain.
4. Joint Pain: Reduced estrogen levels may affect your joints and muscles, leading to stiffness and pain.
5. Headaches: Some women experience more frequent or severe headaches during menopause due to hormonal adjustments.
6. Nausea: Some women experience nausea as a result of hormonal changes affecting their digestive system.
7. Osteoporosis: With the decline in estrogen, bones may lose density more rapidly, increasing the risk of fractures.
8. Weight Gain: Many women find that they gain weight more easily during menopause, especially around the abdomen, often attributed to a slower metabolism.

HAIR & SKIN

1. Acne: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger acne, similar to what might have occurred during puberty.
2. Body Odor: Changes in hormones can affect your body’s chemistry, altering your natural scent.
3. Dry Skin: As estrogen levels drop, your skin might lose moisture and elasticity, making it dry and itchy.
4. Hair Thinning or Loss: You might notice your hair becoming thinner or falling out more than usual, a direct result of hormonal changes.
5. Melasma: A common skin condition that causes dark, flat patches of brown or greyish pigmentation

PELVIC HEALTH

1. Cramps: Similar to period cramps, fluctuating hormone levels can elevate both the likelihood and intensity of abdominal cramps.
2. Irregular Periods: As you approach menopause, your menstrual cycle may become unpredictable. Periods can skip months or fluctuate in duration and intensity.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The changes in estrogen can affect urinary tract health, leading to more frequent infections.
4. Urinary Incontinence: A weakening of the pelvic floor muscles during menopause can lead to challenges in controlling urination.
5. Uterine Fibroids: While these noncancerous growths may shrink post-menopause, they can still cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain during the transition.
6. Vaginal Dryness: Lower estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in vaginal lubrication, which may cause discomfort, especially during intercourse.

SLEEP HEALTH

1. Fatigue: The cumulative effect of menopause symptoms can lead to chronic exhaustion, leaving you feeling physically and mentally drained.
2. Insomnia: The changes in your body can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep, whether it’s due to discomfort, night sweats, or other symptoms.
3. PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder): This condition involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep, which can disrupt rest.
4. RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome): An urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, can make it difficult to relax or sleep.
5. Sleep Apnea: Menopause can exacerbate or lead to the onset of sleep apnea, a condition that affects your breathing during sleep.

Each of these symptoms can affect daily life differently. If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be wise to seek advice from a healthcare provider to manage them effectively. Remember, while menopause is a natural part of life, understanding these symptoms is your first step toward taking control of your health during this phase.