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

In Menopause FAQS: Menopause Symptoms – Q. What symptoms might I expect as I approach menopause? the NAMS also note:

“A. Each woman’s menopause experience is different. Many women who undergo natural menopause report no symptoms at all during the perimenopausal years except for irregular menstrual periods that eventually stop once they reach menopause. Other symptoms may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness. Not all these symptoms are hormone related, and some, such as hot flashes and memory problems, tend to resolve after menopause”.10

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”.11

The JH note:

“Many women have symptoms for around eight years and one in four women have symptoms into their 60s and 70s”.12

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”.13

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”.14

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”.15

Attitude

Is there an association between attitude and menopause symptoms?

In Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience the author explains:

“The attitude with which you embark upon this transition can have a tremendous impact on your experience of it, as well as on your choice of behaviors. Many of the changes that come with menopause and aging aren’t avoidable, but how you experience menopause and the years that follow has much to do with your attitude”.16

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”.17

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”.18

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…”.19

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”.20

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.

On page two in Menopause: When To See Your Doctor the JH elaborate on:

“Depending on your symptoms, you can also see a specialist. For example, a gynaecologist, psychologist, endocrinologist or dietitian”.21

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”.22

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”.23

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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

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  6. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  7. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  11. Does Having Hot Flashes Mean I’ve Started Menopause?
  12. Dr. Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  13. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  14. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  15. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  16. Hot Flashes
  17. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  18. How To Combat Menopausal Weight Gain | This Morning
  19. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  20. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  21. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  22. 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
  23. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  24. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  25. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  26. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  27. Looking After Yourself
  28. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  29. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  30. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  31. Menopause
  32. Menopause
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  35. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  36. Menopause Management Options
  37. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  38. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  39. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  40. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  41. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  42. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  43. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  44. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  45. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  46. Menopause Symptoms
  47. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  48. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  49. Menopause and Mental Health
  50. Menopause and Sleep
  51. Menopause – Fact Sheet
  52. Menopause – Information for Partners – Fact Sheet
  53. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
  54. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  55. Menopause: Symptoms
  56. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  57. Menopause: Symptoms & Risk Factors
  58. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  59. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  60. Mood and the Menopause
  61. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  64. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  65. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  66. Menopause SymptomsNight Sweats
  67. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  68. Pausitivity – #KnowYourMenopause Poster Campaign: Menopause Do You Have Any of These Symptoms? [Multiply Languages]
  69. Perimenopause
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  72. Perimenopause – Fact Sheet
  73. Perimenopause: Rocky Road To Menopause
  74. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
  75. Preventing Weight Gain In Women At Midlife
  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. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  81. Vaginal Dryness
  82. Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
  83. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  84. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  85. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  86. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  87. Video: Researchers Emphasize Normalization of Menopause
  88. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopausal Assessment and Management
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
  92. Webinars: Previous – Menopause and Work
  93. Webinars: Previous – The Microbiome and Nutrition in Midlife Women
  94. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  95. What Is Menopause?
  96. What Is Menopause?
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  98. What To Expect In Each Stage of Menopause
  99. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  100. Yarning About Menopause

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: 07 April 2023
  2. What Is Menopause? Hormones and Menopause. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 07 April 2023
  3. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 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: 07 April 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: 07 April 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: 07 April 2023
  7. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical & Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 2023
  8. Symptoms of Menopause. Physical & Emotional Symptoms – Physical Symptoms. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 2023
  9. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 2023
  10. Menopause FAQS: Menopause Symptoms – Q. What Symptoms Might I Expect As I Approach Menopause? https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 2023
  11. 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: 07 April 2023
  12. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Need To Take MHT? Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management Accessed: 07 April 2023
  13. 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: 07 April 2023
  14. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 27 March 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 07 April 2023
  15. 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: 07 April 2023
  16. Kagan, L. Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience. https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/make-your-menopause-a-positive-experience Accessed: 07 April 2023
  17. Looking After Yourself. Last Updated: 27 March 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: 07 April 2023
  18. 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: 07 April 2023
  19. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 07 April 2023
  20. 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: 07 April 2023
  21. Menopause: When To See Your Doctor. Updated: June 2022:2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Menopause.pdf Accessed: 07 April 2023
  22. What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 27 March 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: 07 April 2023
  23. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 07 April 2023
Topic Last Updated: 30 April 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 April 2023

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