We all know about hot flushes and brain fog associated with menopause. Just to complicate matters, there’s a tsunami of subtle signs that often go unnoticed.  

In the UK, the average age of menopause is 51. However the impact on women’s bodies starts years earlier (known as perimenopause) as oestrogen levels begin to drop.

A recent study by University College London, found that nine in 10 women were never taught about perimenopause at school.

Here are nine of the biggest red flags, all recognised by the NHS, that are commonly missed…

1. Cold flushes

The polar opposite of hot flushes (quite literally) menopause chills, as they’re also known, are sudden feelings of coldness and shivering, totally unrelated to the temperature around us. It’s down to the brain’s internal thermostat (the hypothalamus) being more sensitive. This means the body is unable to regulate temperature properly. Like hot flushes, they come and go, often passing in a few minutes but in some cases, lasting up to 20 minutes.

2. Brittle nails

Studies suggest that oestrogen impacts the production of a major cell type called epidermal keratinocytes. They make keratin, the one protein that’s a vital component of our nails. As the number of epidermal keratinocytes in our nails declines, they can become fragile.

3. Ringing ears

Tinnitus is when you hear noises that aren’t actually coming from outside of the body. Commonly experienced as a ringing sound, it’s believed to be linked to a change in blood flow in the ear caused by the drop in oestrogen.

4. Burning mouth

Oral mucosa, or burning mouth syndrome (BMS), causes a burning, tenderness, tingling, heat sensation in the mouth. There are other symptoms too that go hand in hand with BMS, including a dry mouth, metallic or sour taste and numbness.

5. Irregular heartbeat

Heart palpitations, or an increased awareness of your heart beating are an unpleasant and sometimes scary feeling. Again, it’s thought that changing oestrogen levels are to blame. Scientists believe that the hormone may protect the heart so a decline can cause a slightly reduced blood flow or sometimes an overstimulation of the heart. 

6. Body odour

Some women report a stronger body odour. Lower levels of oestrogen cause the hypothalamus (the area of the brain that controls body temperature) mistakenly assumes we’re overheating. This triggers the cooling mechanism – sweating. If the sweat is left to build up an unpleasant odour arises.

7. Dry eyes

The decrease in oestrogen and androgen (another hormone) can affect glands in the eyelids and potentially the delicate balance of tear production. Like with so many of these symptoms, a lot more research is needed to determine the exact causes.

8. Electric shocks

Jolts of pain can occur just before a hot flush. They feel rather like electric shocks and occur anywhere in the body, but commonly across the forehead. Again, an awful lot more research is needed here, but it’s possible that fluctuating hormone levels cause the nervous system to misfire.

And the really squeamish one…

9. Crawling skin

Some women experience the feeling of insects scuttling under the skin (urgh!). To give it its posh name, it’s called ‘formication’. Why does it occur? Well, oestrogen is thought to be related to collagen production and skin hydration so the decline of oestrogen in the lead up to menopause can make skin itchy and dry.

So what’s the solution?

Some women opt for HRT (hormone replacement therapy) usually via patches or gels. It replaces hormones that the body produces less of during this time. However it isn’t recommended for women with a history of breast cancer because oestrogen promotes the growth of breast cells. 

Natural alternatives are available – many have been relied on for centuries by those seeking relief from peri- and menopause symptoms. DR.VEGAN® is a good one-stop shop to try.

Changes to diet and lifestyle can help, too. Doctors often recommend taking more exercise, reducing alcohol and coffee and introducing soya products – they’re a good source of isoflavones, which behave in a similar way to oestrogen in the body. 

The doctor will see you now…

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