Symptoms of Peri/Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life, often accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can differ widely in intensity and impact. From physical changes like hot flashes, skin dryness, and sleep disturbances to emotional shifts such as mood swings or anxiety, these experiences are unique to each woman. While some may notice only mild changes, others may find certain symptoms more disruptive. If you’re struggling with symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to know that help is available. Speaking with a healthcare professional can provide valuable guidance on treatment options and strategies to help you feel your best during this transition.
Menstruation symptoms
- Irregular, longer or shorter periods
- More painful periods
- Missed periods
- Heavier or lighter flow
Psychological symptoms
- Anxiety
- Crying spells
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Feeling out of control
- Feeling more or less emotional
- Loss of interest in things
- Feeling more stressed
- Feeling tense or nervous
- Depression
- Low self-esteem or loss of confidence
- Mood swings, agitation, irritability or anger
Cognitive symptoms
- ‘Brain fog'
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Poor memory or forgetfulness
- Low mental energy or lack of motivation
- Lapses of memory
Physical symptoms
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Vertigo
- Dry, brittle or weak nails
- Dry eyes
- Headaches or migraines
- Breathing difficulties
- Heart palpitations
- Hot flashes/ flushes
- Joint aches or pain
- Muscle aches, pain or soreness
- Frozen shoulder
- Thinning or brittle hair
- Growth of hair in unwanted areas such as face, chest, back, and abdomen
- Tinnitus / ringing in the ears
- Tiredness / fatigue / lack of energy
Skin symptoms
- Acne
- ‘Burning’ feet
- ‘Crawling’ or tingling skin
- Dry or itchy skin
Oral health symptoms
- ‘Burning’ mouth or tongue
- Changes to sense of taste and smell
- Dry mouth
- Sore gums
- Sensitive teeth
Digestive and gut health symptoms
- Acid reflux / heartburn
- New food sensitivities or intolerances
- Bloating
- Slowed metabolism
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Excess gas
Sleep and nighttime symptoms
- Night sweats
- Cold sweats
- Insomnia / poor sleep
- Waking up and not being able to get back to sleep
- Restless legs / restless leg syndrome
Sexual and urinary health symptoms
- Increased thrush incidents
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Low libido
- Loss of interest in sex and/or level of arousal
- Urinary / bladder infections
- Bladder / urinary incontinence
- Weakened pelvic floor
- Vaginal dryness, pain or itching
- Vaginal infections
Body shape symptoms
- Changes in muscle to fat ratio
- Loss of muscle tone
- Weight gain
- Fat redistribution
