In Menopause? Identifying Over 30 Menopause Symptoms

Menopause Symptoms and Their Impact on Your wellness

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM SELF CHECK FOR WOMEN OVER 30

The symptoms of menopause can be very worrying, especially if you are nearing the end of your fertile period and still hoping to conceive. So what signs might indicate that your body is entering the menopause? Understanding the symptoms of menopause over 30 is crucial to recognizing early changes in your body and taking proactive steps.

This menopause symptom checklist with over thirty related symptoms can help you recognize if you are approaching menopause. Together with your doctor, you can work out a plan to stave off menopause and take actionable steps to extend your fertile time.

1. Hot Flashes in Menopause

Hot flashes are by far the most common symptom. They can be very severe, but do not always have to be. There can also be fluctuating feelings of heat that come from inside the body. Some women describe the feeling of heat as if a torch is burning inside their body. This feeling of heat is caused by a decrease in female ovarian hormones, typically due to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. When ovarian function declines, the menstrual cycle becomes more irregular and hot flashes occur. [1]

2. Menopause and Night Sweats

Night sweats are another common symptom of menopause. As the term suggests, night sweats usually occur at night when you are asleep. Due to the changes in hormone levels, you wake up drenched in sweat because your nightclothes and bedding are soaked. 

4. Irregular Periods Part of Perimenopause

As menopause approaches, you will notice that your usual menstrual cycles become unusual. This is again due to hormonal fluctuations. You will notice that your periods are sometimes close together and sometimes further apart. At the same time, you may notice that your bleeding is lighter or that your period, which normally lasts 5 days, is shortened to fewer days. Eventually your menstrual cycle will stop altogether. If you have not had a period for twelve months in a row, you are considered to have gone through menopause and are now postmenopausal.

4. Loss of Libido In Women Over 30

When your hormone levels drop, your libido usually drops too. If you are concerned about this, you should have a candid discussion with your husband and make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider.

5. Dry Itchy Skin During Perimenopause

During perimenopause, estrogen levels fall, which has an effect on collagen, which in turn also decreases. Collagen plays an important role in keeping our skin moist, elastic and firm. Due to the lack of collagen, the skin loses its youthfulness and becomes fragile, flaky and dry. This dryness contributes to the skin often feeling itchy. There are a number of over-the-counter and professional cosmetic and pharmaceutical products that can help. Discuss the options with your primary care doctor, dermatologist or licensed esthetician to find out what is best for you.[2]   

6. Decline in Estrogen and Vaginal Dryness

Estrogen helps to keep your skin soft and supple; this includes intimate areas. Without the contribution of estrogen to the vaginal mucosa, it can become thin and produce less cervical mucus. Again, your doctor can help by prescribing estrogen as a remedy, which can be administered in the form of a ring, tablets or creams. An over-the-counter option would be to use lubricants or moisturizers specifically designed for this area. A pharmacist at your local drugstore can help provide direction. [3]

7. Fluctuating Hormones and Moodiness

You, your friends and your loved ones may notice that you are experiencing mood swings, feeling depressed, anxious and irritable. This is completely common and a result of the mood swings triggered by the fluctuating hormones experienced, especially during perimenopause, the phase before menopause. This happens when the brain’s neurotransmitters are affected by the changes in hormone levels. [4]

8. Managing Fatigue and Boosting Energy During Menopause

Fatigue can be a side effect of menopause. This is usually due to the hot flashes and night sweats that make it difficult for you to get enough sleep. This can lead to long days as activities of daily living become a challenge. If possible, take a short midday or afternoon nap, as just 10 to 15 minutes can give you a little boost. Using evidence-based relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation or listening to calming music, can also help you manage stress and improve your overall energy levels. Together with regular exercise, these practices can support hormonal balance and help you feel more energized.

9. Relaxation Techniques to Ease Fatigue and Boost Reproductive Wellness

The article “Evidence-Based Relaxation Techniques to Support Reproductive Wellness” discusses various strategies for reducing stress and improving reproductive health. The article emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from technology, practicing progressive muscle relaxation, listening to calming music, promoting positive thinking, doing deep breathing exercises, and incorporating short naps into your daily routine. These techniques aim to promote hormonal balance and overall well-being, which can counteract the symptoms of fatigue.

10. Insomnia a Menopause Symptom

Due to the night sweats and hot flashes, you may wake up several times during the night or have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. This can also interfere with your daily activities or put you at risk of injury. If simple lifestyle changes do not help, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider.[5]

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11. Lack of Estrogen and Dry Brittle Nails

Just as with your hair, you may also notice changes in your nails. Without the suppleness that estrogen brings, your nails may be dry and brittle, they may break, split or tear frequently, resulting in little or no growth. In addition to hormonal changes, an unbalanced diet consisting mainly of whole and unprocessed foods and inadequate hydration can also contribute to your nails becoming dry and brittle. Your doctor can find out a lot by examining your nails. If the problem cannot be resolved by making basic lifestyle and wellness changes, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.[6]

12. Menopause Symptom, Estrogen and Hair Loss

Estrogen plays a role in the growth of the hair follicle. So, with diminished estrogen levels you may experience hair loss, where your hair may not be as full as it once was. Just as estrogen helps to keep the skin soft and supple, declining estrogen levels can result in your hair becoming dry and brittle.[7]

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13. Menopause – It’s Affect on Concentration and Memory

In one study it was believed that an inability to concentrate and focus during the perimenopausal period to be due to estrogen and its’ role neuroprotective agent in cognition. Additionally, if your sleep is inadequate, you may find that your ability to concentrate and focus compromised. As to memory disfunction or memory loss, you may find that you are missing appointments, or cannot remember where you placed your keys. Again, these are symptoms that may stem from the diminished estrogen levels, and fatigue that arises from a loss of sleep. If basic wellness practices do not resolve the issue, consider making an appointment with your medical provider.[8]

14. Dizziness and Lightheadedness With Menopause

Estrogen at the helm again. The feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may render your footing to be off and your balance to be poor. Although these happenings may occur intermittently and may only last seconds, it puts you at risk of falling, that may result in injury. If you find that implementing basic lifestyle changes are not helping, consider reaching out to your doctor or healthcare provider for solutions that will help.[9]

15. Menopausal Weight Gain A Symptom

Menopausal weight gain is a result of fluctuating hormones. These hormonal shifts can cause a redistribution of body fat. The retention of additional fat cells that result may create estrogen dominance along with a decrease in testosterone, which women have, though less than men of course. The decrease levels of fat burning testosterone can lower your metabolism making it far more difficult for your body to burn calories, even if your caloric intake remains unchanged.[10]

16. Digestive Disorders Attributed to Menopause

During menopause your once seemingly robust digestive system may slow significantly.  Imbalances in hormone levels may disrupt the transit time in foods you eat through the gastrointestinal tract. You may also find that you have developed food sensitivities or even food allergies to substances, like gluten in foods like wheat or lactose in dairy foods. If you are experiencing digestive discomfort and certainly if you are experiencing pain, seek out your personal healthcare provider for an evaluation.[11] 

17. Incontinence a Possibly Menopause Symptom

During menopause you may experience bladder changes, of which can result in bladder leakage, increased frequency, or urgency. You may experience any of three forms of incontinence or bladder problems.[12]

• Overflow incontinence: inability to sense a full bladder that results in leakage
• Stress incontinence: bladder leakage that results from coughing or sneezing
• Urgency incontinence: an urgency sensation to urinate

18. Bloating Could be Due to Menopause

Menopause can result in a stagnant digestive system, in which there is gas and slow transit of foods through the digestive system that result in you feeling bloated. This bloating can be frequent and long standing causing your abdomen to look as though you are pregnant. The reason for the discomfort is due to a decrease in bile levels, a result diminished estrogen. You may develop an intolerance or sensitivity to foods that you once were able to eat without hinderance, like bread and dairy, which contribute to bloating.[13]  

Daily Balance Menopause Gummies, by Phenology

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19. Allergies Attributed to Hormones in Menopause

Changes and fluctuations in hormones can disrupt immune processes, which can exasperate existing allergies or bring on new ones. It is common for women who could once tolerate certain scents or seasons, find that is no longer the case. You may experience asthma, allergies to dander, pollen, or other substances; allergies to creams, lotions, or soaps; cosmetics and toiletries that you may have used for years. It may be advisable to seek out the assistance of a healthcare provider if you are unable to remedy the problem on your own by using basic lifestyle changes.[14]

20. Changes In Body Odor A Menopause Symptom

Due to sweating that increases due to hot flashes and night sweats, you may experience unpleasant body odors.  As a lifestyle solution you may find that incorporating chlorophyll rich foods into your diet helps. Additionally, you might choose to wear breathable clothing that may help reduce the occurrence of body odor.

21. Irregular Heartbeat May Be Attributed to Menopause

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, which is why irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations should not be taken lightly. Experiencing episodes of a rapid, pounding heartbeat or heart palpations that come on erratically can be disconcerting. It is believed that these heart episodes are due to a deficiency of estrogen that results in your circulatory and your nervous system becoming adversely stimulated. Other factors that can cause an irregular heartbeat are anxiety, stress, or panic attacks; some foods and drinks, like those that contain caffeine, the drug nicotine, and some medicines. Nonetheless, it is highly advisable to not take this lightly and that you make an immediate call to your doctor or visit your local urgent care unit without hesitation, as this could be due to something more serious.[15]

22. Depression a Result of Menopause

According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), it may be that some women are more sensitive to the hormonal shifts that happen during menopause that can lead to feelings of despair and sadness causing them to be at greater risk for depression.  If lifestyle changes like a balanced and wholefoods diet, exercise and adequate sleep do not help, and your feelings of anxiety, sadness and worthlessness are persistent then without hesitation, take the time to make an appointment to speak with your doctor.  Your doctor can then more fully access your needs and provide a specific treatment plan for your situation.[16]

23. Anxiety Attacks Due to Diminished Estrogen

Anxiety attacks may be related to feeling out of control or agitated.  When these attacks occur, you may have episodes of shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and heart palpitations. In part these symptoms may be brought on due to diminished estrogen levels that in-turn have an impact on your brain’s neurotransmitters.  If lifestyle modifications do not help the anxiety attacks, consider speaking with your doctor. 

24. Irritability Due to Menopausal Estrogen Levels

It is no surprise that you may feel irritable when menopause begins to happen, given the hot flashes, and night sweats that can interrupt sleep.  These symptoms can ultimately affect your work performance, your family relationships, and your friendships.  It is not uncommon that some women may exhibit a short fuse, be impatient, and be intolerable.  The cause of these temperaments are rooted in a decrease in estrogen levels due to menopause. 

25. Panic Disorder Attributed to Hormonal Imbalance

Panic disorder is a disorder related to intense feelings of fear and anxiety, whereby there is no real threat for anxiousness or fear. One who is contending with a panic disorder may experience intense feelings of anxiety, dread, fear, and dismay, all without warning.  There may be physical symptoms, like rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing.  An imbalance in hormones may contribute to the disorder.  A visit to your personal medical doctor or healthcare provider can help you get to the root cause. Prescribed medications by your medical doctor may be required to help deal with the disorder.  Your doctor or healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle modifications, or assistive alternative medical supplements or therapies.[17]

26. Breast Pain / Mastalgia Related to Hormonal Changes

Breast pain or mastalgia is another symptom that may be related to the hormonal changes associated with the onset of menopause.  It is a best practice to always do at least a monthly self-examination of the breasts and to see your personal medical doctor or OBGYN for any irregularities, and to have regular diagnostic test of the breast every one to two years, beginning at age 50.  Your medical doctor will help you decide what is appropriate for you.[18] 

27. Joint Pain Due to Estrogen Receptors

Estrogen receptors help to modulate joint inflammation.  When estrogen levels drop during menopause the body’s ability to curtail joint and muscular inflammation is diminished.  Consider speaking to your healthcare provider for treatment options and or supplements that can work for you.[19] 

28. Headaches & Migraines Due to Menopause’s Hormonal Shifts

Oh yeh!  You may think that once the menstrual cycle begins to wain or stops altogether that the headaches and migraines associated with hormonal shifts will go right along with your monthly cycle.  Not true! The same things that trigger your cyclic headaches and migraines may also trigger the non-cyclic ones; things like the hormone estrogen, allergies, foods, stress, and weather, just to name a few. 

29. Headaches & Migraines Needing Immediate Care

Tension and stress that results in the muscles and joints, related to the shift in hormones may also contribute to headaches and these can setoff a process that escalates into migraine pain.  If you experience a headache or migraine pain that is not typical for you or is especially intense or severe, it is more than appropriate to see your personal medical doctor immediately or visit your nearest emergency room without delay, this is specifically true if the headache or migraine pain is associated with confusion, fever, or any other adverse and unusual symptom.[20]

30. Muscle Tension a Menopause Symptom In Women Over 30

Muscle stiffness or tension is an all-too-common symptom of menopause, related to the imbalance of hormones, diminished levels or estrogen and increased levels of cortisol.  This imbalances causes the muscles to fatigue easily and stiffen-up.  The symptoms may be counteracted by eating a nutritious wholefoods diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.  Of course, seek out your own personal healthcare provider before beginning any new diet or exercise routine.[21] 

31. Estrogen May be the Cause of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome is the sensation of having a burning pain on the lips or tongue, not associated with any lesions or sores to the mouth.  Menopause may be the cause of burning mouth syndrome; attributed to diminished levels of estrogen that impair the mouth’s taste buds. Consider making an appointment with your healthcare provider to be certain of the symptoms that are related to burning mouth syndrome, as these symptoms might be attributed to other causes.[22]

32. Gum Problems and Sensitivity During Menopause

As estrogen levels drop during menopause you might find that your teeth and gums are more sensitive.  Certain foods or drinks that you once consumed without any thought might now be irritating.  As a result, during menopause your gums may be susceptible to bleeding, which could be a symptom of gingivitis.  Additionally, receding gums, loose teeth and tooth decay and loss may be experienced in the menopausal years.  It is a good practice to see your dentist for bi-annual checkups and cleanings and whenever symptoms related to gum or tooth disease, or deterioration are noticed.[23] 

33. Feelings of Electric Shock – Peripheral Neuropathy

The feeling of electrical shock sensations in menopause may be a symptom of Peripheral Neuropathy. The electrical shock sensation may equate to the feeling of having a rubber band snapped deep within the layers of your skin and may signal an oncoming hot flash.  While the symptom is harmless the discomfort may prompt you to seek out your doctor for a remedy.[24]

34. Tingling Extremities, Decreased Blood Supply and Estrogen

The menopause symptom of tingling extremities is a result of diminished estrogen levels, a harmless symptom that is the result of decreased blood supply to the extremities and is characterized by the feeling of a crawling sensation or a numbness to areas like the fingers, toes, arms, and legs. Important:  This is not a symptom that should be ignored, as the symptom might be related to something much more serious.  Reach out to your medical doctor or emergency medical facility immediately if you are experiencing this symptom.[25] 

35. Osteoporosis Resulting In Menopause Bone Loss

Osteoporosis is characterized by a weakening and thinning of the bones, which leads to a decrease in bone density and mass. The bone loss that occurs during the menopause and in old age can lead to osteoporosis, which in turn carries the risk of spinal, hip and wrist fractures. The drop in estrogen levels during menopause is one of the main reasons for the development of osteoporosis.

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and its decline can lead to a loss of bone mass. Combined with other factors such as genetics, lifestyle and disease, this can increase the risk of osteoporosis. It is important that women are aware of these risk factors and take preventative measures to maintain their bone health.

Fortunately, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk of osteoporosis during menopause. Regular exercise, especially strength training, can help strengthen bones and improve overall bone health. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is also crucial for maintaining strong bones. In addition, it is important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. [26] 

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