Menopause Symptoms

“It is estimated that menopausal symptoms
affect more than 75% of women,
with over 25% of women describing severe symptoms”.1

Umbrella
What may the Menopause Symptoms Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Climacteric Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopausal/Menopause Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopause Transition Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Menopause-Related Changes/Signs/Symptoms
  • Perimenopausal/Perimenopause Changes/Signs/Symptoms

Hormones

What are the three main hormones that change as we approach menopause?

In What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

“The three main hormones that change as you approach menopause are:

  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone.

The change in hormone levels can lead to different menopausal symptoms”.2

Common or Not

How common are menopause symptoms?

In Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? the JH explain on:

“About 20% of women have no symptoms at all, while 60% have mild to moderate symptoms. The remaining 20% have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily life”.3

On page one in Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

“It is estimated that menopausal symptoms affect more than 75% of women, with over 25% of women describing severe symptoms”.4

First Sign

What is usually the first sign of menopause?

According to the (United Kingdom) NHS:

“The first sign of the perimenopause is usually, but not always, a change in the normal pattern of your periods, for example they become irregular”.5

Physical Symptoms

What are common menopause physical symptoms?

In Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Physical Symptoms the NHS explain:

Menopause Symptoms“Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:

  • Hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
  • Difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
  • Palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
  • Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
  • Muscle aches and joint pains
  • Changed body shape and weight gain
  • Skin changes including dry and itchy skin
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)”.6

In Symptoms of Menopause: Physical and Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms the JH include:

“Physical symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Sore breasts
  • Itchy, crawly or dry skin
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Dry vagina
  • Loss of sex drive (low libido)
  • Headaches or migraines
  • More pronounced premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Aches and pains
  • Bloating
  • Urinary problems
  • Weight gain due to a slower metabolism”.7

Psychological Symptoms

What are common menopause psychological symptoms?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Physical & Emotional Symptoms – Emotional Symptoms the JH include:

“Emotional symptoms may include:

  • Feeling irritable or frustrated
  • Feeling anxious
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Forgetfulness
  • Lowered mood
  • Mood swings
  • Feeling you can’t cope as well as you used to”.8

Difference Differences

Are menopause symptoms one-size-fits-all?

No. In Symptoms of Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Menopause can cause a range of physical and emotional changes, such as hot flushes, vaginal changes and mood swings. Every woman will have a different experience”.9

Duration

How long can menopause symptoms last?

In What Is Menopause? What Is Perimenopause (The Menopausal Transition) the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) explain:

“Some women can experience menopausal symptoms for 5-10 years before their final menstrual period”.10

The JH note:

“Many women have symptoms for around eight years and one in four women have symptoms into their 60s and 70s”.11

In Menopause: Symptoms – How Long Symptoms Last the NHS note:

“Symptoms can last for months or years, and can change with time.

For example, hot flushes and night sweats may improve, and then you may develop low mood and anxiety.

Some symptoms, such as joint pain and vaginal dryness, can carry on after your periods stop”.12

Factors

What factors impact on menopause symptoms?

The JH explain:

“Menopausal symptoms can be influenced by different things. For example, your stage of life and general health and wellbeing”.13

Conditions

What are the most common conditions that may mimic menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Diagnosing Menopause: If It’s Not Menopause, What Is It? the AMS elaborate on:

“Depression, anaemia and thyroid disorders are the most common conditions that may occur concurrently. Unstable diabetes and hyperthyroidism may cause hot flushes. Medication, such as the SSRI family of anti-depressants, may also cause hot flushes”.14

Lifestyle

Is there an association between lifestyle and menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Looking After Yourself the JH elaborate on:

“During menopause, it’s important to look after yourself. Healthy lifestyle choices will help to improve physical and emotional symptoms at every stage of menopause”.15

On page one in Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms”.16

Lifestyle Tips

What are some lifestyle tips which may relieve menopause symptoms?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Fortunately, many of the signs and symptoms associated with menopause are temporary. Take these steps to help reduce or prevent their effects:

  • Cool hot flashes…
  • Decrease vaginal discomfort…
  • Get enough sleep…
  • Practice relaxation techniques…
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor…
  • Eat a balanced diet…
  • Don’t smoke…
  • Exercise regularly…”.17

Hormone Therapy

How effective is hormone therapy (HT) for the treatment of menopause symptoms?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, published July 2022, the NAMS explain:

“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT. Hormone therapy also treats vaginal dryness and painful sex associated with menopause. Hormone therapy keeps your bones strong by preserving bone density and decreasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If preserving bone density is your only concern, and you do not have bothersome hot flashes, other treatments may be recommended instead of HT”.18

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with menopause symptoms?

If you would like help with menopause symptoms, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor the JH also note:

“Talk to your doctor if you are worried about:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Increased premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
  • Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, that interfere with your daily life”.19

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.20

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Symptoms?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Symptoms?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
  2. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  3. AMS Symptom Score Card
  4. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  5. BMS Statement on Testosterone
  6. BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  7. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  8. BMS TV: Sleep
  9. BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
  10. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  11. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  13. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  14. Does Having Hot Flashes Mean I’ve Started Menopause?
  15. Dr Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  16. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  17. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  18. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  19. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  20. Hot Flashes
  21. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  22. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  23. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  24. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  25. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  26. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  27. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  28. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  29. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  30. Management of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
  31. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  32. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  33. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  34. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  35. Menopause
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause Management Options
  40. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Menopause Symptoms
  41. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Symptoms
  42. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  43. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  44. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  45. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  46. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  47. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  48. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  49. Menopause Symptoms
  50. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  51. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  52. Menopause and Mental Health
  53. Menopause and Sleep
  54. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
  55. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  56. Menopause: Symptoms
  57. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  58. Menopause: Symptoms & Risk Factors
  59. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  60. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  61. Mood and the Menopause
  62. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  65. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  66. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  67. Menopause SymptomsNight Sweats
  68. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  69. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  70. Pausitivity – #KnowYourMenopause Poster Campaign: Menopause Do You Have Any of These Symptoms? [Multiply Languages]
  71. Perimenopause
  72. Perimenopause
  73. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Symptoms
  74. Perimenopause: Rocky Road To Menopause
  75. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
  76. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  77. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  78. Symptoms of Menopause
  79. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
  80. The Reality of Menopause Weight Gain
  81. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  82. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  83. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  84. Vaginal Dryness
  85. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  86. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  87. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  88. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  89. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  90. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  91. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  92. Video: Researchers Emphasize Normalization of Menopause
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  95. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  96. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  97. What Is Menopause?
  98. What Is Menopause?
  99. What Is Menopause? [Video]
  100. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

Source

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 28 November 2023
  2. What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 28 November 2023
  3. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 28 November 2023
  4. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 28 November 2023
  5. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Changes To Your Periods. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 28 November 2023
  6. Menopause: Symptoms – Common Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause: Physical Symptoms. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 28 November 2023
  7. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical & Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 28 November 2023
  8. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical & Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 28 November 2023
  9. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 28 November 2023
  10. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 28 November 2023
  11. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 28 November 2023
  12. Menopause: Symptoms – How Long Symptoms Last. Page Last Reviewed: 17 May 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/#changes-to-your-periods Accessed: 28 November 2023
  13. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 28 November 2023
  14. Diagnosing Menopause: If It’s Not Menopause, What Is It? Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/300-diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 28 November 2023
  15. Looking After Yourself. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself Accessed: 28 November 2023
  16. Hamoda, H, Mukherjee, A, Morris, E, Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P, Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 28 November 2023
  17. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies. 25  May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 28 November 2023
  18. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 28 November 2023
  19. What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause#when-to-see-your-doctor Accessed: 28 November 2023
  20. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 125 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 28 November 2023
Topic Last Updated: 28 November 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 28 November 2023

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