Six Unusual Symptoms of Menopause
Everyone knows the main signs and symptoms of menopause, right? Hot flashes, night sweats and changes to your period are some of the most common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
But changing hormone levels can affect your body in many different ways. For instance, when you’re going through perimenopause, bloating, mood swings and changes to your libido are all signs of menopause that you may experience.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your body. But here are six of the more unusual menopause symptoms, ones that you might not immediately associate with your changing hormones.
Menopause: Puberty’s evil older sister…
Menopause Insomnia
When you’re going through perimenopause, fatigue can be a real problem. That’s because the temperature control in your brain isn’t working right and the hot flashes will wake you up in the middle of the night. And it’s hard to get to sleep when your anxious mind is still whirring at a hundred miles an hour.
Good sleep habits will help: go to bed and get up at regular times, keep your bedroom cool and sleep in natural fabrics.
2. Skin Problems
Estrogen gives your skin its elasticity so when estrogen levels start to drop, your skin can start to feel dry, tight and itchy. Some women feel like ants are crawling over their skin, others notice that their skin starts to look flakey.
Good hydration is the key here. Hydrate from within by drinking plenty of water and low-caffeine herbal teas and use rich moisturizers to soothe your dry skin.
3. Brain Fog
If you’ve noticed that you’re more forgetful lately, don’t worry. You’re not going crazy - changing hormone levels in the perimenopause can have an impact on your memory.
And that perimenopause fatigue I mentioned earlier can also make it difficult to think straight. It’s hard to concentrate when you’re falling asleep at your desk!
All the tips for menopause insomnia can also help to lift your brain fog and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can also improve things, if you’re able to take it. In the meantime, I recommend making lists and setting reminders on your phone for anything you REALLY need to remember!
4. Thinning Hair
Does it seem like your hairbrush is always full of hair lately? It’s not your imagination, unfortunately. Falling estrogen levels can cause thinning hair and you might also notice that your scalp becomes dry and flakey as well.
We all want to look our best and losing your hair can really knock your self-confidence. But a good haircut and careful styling will help to make the most of your hair, and it’s worth looking out for products that are specially formulated for fine and thinning hair.
5. Dental Problems
Yep, there’s even a link between the menopause and dental health problems. Lower estrogen can cause reduced saliva and dryness in your mouth, making it a prime breeding ground for bacteria.
This can then lead to tooth decay as well as receding, sensitive or even bleeding gums. In rare cases, you may even find that you have a metallic taste in your mouth due to fluctuating hormones.
Good dental hygiene and good hydration will both help, as well as regular flossing to keep your gums healthy.
Have you noticed any of these menopause symptoms? Let me know your top tips for dealing with them!
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