Most of us have been educated on the common symptoms of menopause—hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods and vaginal dryness. But what about those other symptoms some of us experience? Although less research is done on these conditions and they aren’t mentioned as much, they certainly deserve attention.
Initially, it is wise to point out that if you have any kind of health complaint, especially one that has reoccurred to the point where it has altered the quality of your life, it is best to see your doctor. Don’t just assume that it’s due to menopause. On the other hand, don’t be shocked after seeing your doctor if your diagnosis is labeled as a symptom of menopause or perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the transitioning time leading up to menopause. Women start to experience fluctuating hormones, which cause menopause-like symptoms to develop. Normally, menopause is not officially declared unless a woman has not had a cycle for 12 consecutive months. These same symptoms—common or not—may continue on through menopause. Some women’s symptoms cease after menopause is over, but for others, they may suffer from certain symptoms for a lifetime.
Below are 10 common and uncommon symptoms (as listed by 34 Menopause Symptoms). After discovering these, many women were relieved. People appreciate being in the know and learning that they are not crazy. They also appreciate knowing they are not alone in their experiences or that they do not have some other dreaded disease. It empowers them to know that their experiences are natural and just part of being women.
What are the signs of menopause?
10 common complaints of menopause or perimenopause:
Hot flashes or flushes
Night sweats
Loss of libido
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings, sudden tears
Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion
Disturbing memory lapses
Weight gain
Incontinence—especially when sneezing, laughing
Hair loss or thinning—head, pubic or whole body (but increased facial hair)
10 uncommon complaints of menopause or perimenopause:
Dizziness or light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance
Increase in allergies
Change in fingernails—cracking/breaking
Rapid heartbeat
Panic disorder—feeling of dread, apprehension, doom
Breast pain (pain or soreness in one or both breasts)
Burning tongue or roof of mouth
Electric shock sensation under skin or in head
Gum problems—increased bleeding
Itchy, crawly skin
Tingling extremities
Resources:
34 Menopause Symptoms
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/
Are Those Strange Sensations a Sign of Menopause?
Oprah.com
http://www.oprah.com/health/Surprising-Symptoms-of-Menopause
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer and dedicated sister, friend, daughter and aunt.
Reviewed June 22, 2011
Edited by Kate Kunkel