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

Cause

What causes menopause symptoms?

In Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Is MHT? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“The three hormones of particular relevance at menopause are oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Menopausal symptoms are created by changes in the levels of the oestrogen hormones”.2

Common or Not

How common are menopause symptoms?

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

“Not all women experience the same menopausal symptoms:

  • 20% of women have no symptoms
  • 60% experience mild to moderate symptoms
  • 20% have symptoms so severe that they significantly interfere with 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 10 June 2022, Hamoda et al. elaborate on

“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

Psychological Symptoms

What are common menopause psychological symptoms?

In Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Emotional Symptoms the JH include:

  • “Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling irritable
  • Feeling you are not able to cope as well as you used to
  • Forgetfulness
  • Increasing PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
  • Less interest in sex
  • Lowered mood
  • Mood swings”.7

Most Common

What are the most common menopause symptoms?

In How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“The most common symptoms women in their 40s notice are changes in periods and the onset of hot flashes”.8

Difference Differences

Are menopause symptoms one-size-fits-all?

No. In Symptoms of Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Symptoms of menopause generally include hot flushes, vaginal changes and mood swings. There are other physical and emotional symptoms of menopause, but no two women will experience menopause in the same way”.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:

  • “The mean duration of menopausal symptoms is approximately eight years
  • 20–25% of women will have bothersome symptoms in their 60s and 70s
  • 10% of women will have bothersome symptoms for 10 years or more”.12

In New Therapies Offer Hope for Management of Menopausal Hot Flashes the NAMS elaborate on:

“Recent studies have shown that vasomotor symptoms (the clinical term for hot flashes) can last, on average, 7-10 years, and can sometimes last even longer in women whose symptoms began in perimenopause. While some women only have mild hot flashes, others can have more bothersome symptoms which can lead to problems with lower bone density and subclinical cardiovascular disease”.13

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”.14

Factors

What factors impact on menopause symptoms?

The JH explain:

“Culture, general level of health and wellbeing, previous experience of mood problems, lifestyle and whether you have had a natural, surgical or chemotherapy-induced menopause will affect your menopausal symptoms”.15

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”.16

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”.17

Lifestyle

Is there an association between lifestyle and menopause symptoms?

Yes. In Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Lifestyle & Symptoms of Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“Coping with menopausal symptoms can be helped by a balanced and nutritious diet, exercise and relaxation. Women who try to make their lifestyle as healthy as they can appear to have fewer menopausal symptoms, and those symptoms are less severe. Women who are overweight may have more hot flushes than women of a healthy weight.

Some studies have suggested that exercise can reduce hot flushes, but overall there is insufficient evidence to show this”.18

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, first published 10 June 2022, 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”.19

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…”.20

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”.21

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: What Can You Do To Help With the Menopause? the JH elaborate on:

“Depending on your symptoms, you may like to see a general practitioner, a gynaecologist, and or endocrinologist (hormone specialist), registered naturopath, psychologist or dietitian”.22

In Menopause – Fact Sheet the JH also note:

“See Your Doctor If:

  • You are troubled by less regular periods
  • You have symptoms of menopause that interfere with daily life
  • You have symptoms of depression and anxiety, including changes to your thinking, eating, sleeping and enjoyment of activities”.23

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”.24

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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  1. AMS Symptom Score Card
  2. AMS Template for Menopause Consult
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  8. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  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. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  14. EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long? [Multiply Languages]
  15. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  16. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  17. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. Getting Help for Mental Health
  20. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  21. Hot Flashes
  22. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  23. 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
  24. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  25. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  26. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  27. Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
  28. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  29. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  30. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  31. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
  32. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  33. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  34. Menopause
  35. Menopause
  36. Menopause
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  40. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms
  41. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  42. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  43. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  44. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  45. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  46. Menopause SymptomsMenopause Symptoms
  47. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  48. Menopause and Sleep
  49. Menopause – Fact Sheet
  50. Menopause – Multilingual Facts Sheet
  51. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  52. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  53. Menopause: Symptoms
  54. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  55. Menopause: Symptoms & Risks
  56. Menopause: What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  57. Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause?
  58. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  59. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  64. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  65. Night Sweats
  66. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  67. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  68. 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
  69. Pausitivity – #KnowYourMenopause Poster Campaign
  70. Menopause SymptomsPerimenopause
  71. Perimenopause
  72. Perimenopause: Rocky Road To Menopause
  73. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
  74. Preventing Weight Gain In Women At Midlife
  75. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  76. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  77. Symptoms of Menopause
  78. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
  79. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  80. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  81. VIDEO: Researchers Emphasize Normalization of Menopause
  82. Vaginal Dryness
  83. Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  84. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  85. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  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. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Menopause Brain Fog Real?
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Menopause and Diabetes
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: New Hormonal Tests To Diagnose or Even Predict the Menopause?
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  93. Webinar: Perimenopause
  94. Webinars: Previous – Dealing With A Big Issue: Weight Gain At Midlife
  95. Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
  96. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause?
  97. What Is Menopause?
  98. What Is Menopause?
  99. What Is the Menopause?
  100. Yarning About Menopause

Source

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hamoda et al. 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 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 01 August 2022
  2. Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – What Is MHT? Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  3. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  4. Hamoda et al. 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 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 01 August 2022
  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: 01 August 2022
  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: 01 August 2022
  7. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Emotional Symptoms. Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  8. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? The Bottom Line. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 01 August 2022
  9. Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  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: 01 August 2022
  11. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Created May 202. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 01 August 2022
  12. Menopause Management: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – How Long Do You Take MHT? Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  13. New Therapies Offer Hope for Management of Hot Flashes. 22 September 2021. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/future-of-vms-management.pdf Accessed: 01 August 2022
  14. 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: 01 August 2022
  15. Symptoms of Menopause: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause? Last Updated: 24 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  16. 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: 01 August 2022
  17. 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: 01 August 2022
  18. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Lifestyle & Symptoms of Menopause. Last Updated: 13 July 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-management/ Accessed: 01 August 2022
  19. Hamoda et al. 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 10 June 2022 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 01 August 2022
  20. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 01 August 2022
  21. 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: 01 August 2022
  22. Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With the Menopause? Updated: September 2018:2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Menopause.pdf Accessed: 01 August 2022
  23. Menopause – Fact Sheet: See Your Doctor If. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/resources/menopause-fact-sheet Accessed: 01 August 2022
  24. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 01 August 2022
Topic Last Updated: 02 August 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 August 2022

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