The unexpected menopause symptoms no one told you about

When you think about the menopause, what are the first symptoms that spring to mind? Irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats and weight gain? It’s true, these symptoms are extremely common and many women will experience at least one of them at some point. But there’s also a whole host of other weird and wonderful signs that you might not even realise are related to the menopause. The health experts at YourGP reveal what they are…

What happens during menopause?

The journey from perimenopause through to a woman’s last period can be a long one. Perimenopause can start anywhere from the late 20s and the average age for women in the UK to go through the menopause is 51. Throughout this time, a woman’s body will undergo lots of changes, all governed by fluctuations in hormones.

Common menopause symptoms

Menopausal symptoms can be wide-ranging – affecting the individual both physiologically and psychologically. The symptoms can begin months or even years before periods stop and can continue for several years after the final period. Each menopausal woman is different but typical symptoms can include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Headaches and migraines
• Joint pain
• Vaginal dryness
• Disrupted sleep
• Memory lapses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety

Lesser-known menopause symptoms

Whilst the symptoms listed above are well documented, there are also lots of lesser-known symptoms that may come as a surprise, such as:

• Formication, also known as tactile hallucination, which is a sensation of bugs crawling under the skin
• Altered sense of taste, with many women experiencing a metallic taste in their mouth
• A burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Bladder problems, such as leaks, incontinence and UTIs
• Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea and acid reflux
• Heart palpitations
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Hair growth on the face
• Thinning hair
• Brittle nails
• Itchy, dry skin
• Dry eyes

You don’t have to manage the menopause alone

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and you would like help managing them, speak to the menopause experts at YourGP. Our experienced doctors take a holistic approach to menopause healthcare and can provide all the care, understanding and support you need during what can be a very challenging period of your life.

Book your appointment today using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. We can then work with you to formulate a tailor-made treatment plan with the aim to make your menopause journey a much more positive experience.