Did you think menopause was just hot flashes and the end of menstruation? I did!
If you're anything like me, perimenopause might have caught you completely off guard with its bewildering array of changes. I'm here to tell you that the menopause transition is so much more than just hot flashes and the end of menstruation. My personal journey through this transition has been nothing short of life-altering, and it took me years to understand why my body and mind were suddenly operating in ways I didn't recognize.
This hormonal rollercoaster can lead to a variety of issues, from the well-known hot flashes to less discussed problems like changes in cognitive function, mood swings, and even impacts on our cardiovascular health. For some women, these symptoms can be severe and last an average of 7 to 10 years.
While nutrition and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference for many symptoms, some may require additional interventions. As a nutritionist who's personally weathering this hormonal storm, I'm here to provide guidance on dietary and lifestyle strategies that can help improve your life quality. For symptoms that fall outside of my scope, I can point you towards resources and practitioners that may be able to provide additional support.
Here is a comprehensive list of known symptoms that many women experience during perimenopause and menopause. As you read through these symptoms, you might find yourself relating to many of them. Remember, you're not facing this alone. I am here to support you in any way I can.
Hot Flashes
Night Sweats
Sleep Disturbances
Heart Palpitations
Racing Heart
Adrenaline Surges
Whooshing Heartbeat
Increased Cortisol Levels
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Mood Changes
Difficulty Concentrating
Feelings of Loss of Self
Memory Difficulties
Brain Fog
Loss of Self-Confidence
Low Self-Esteem
Crying
Difficulty Finding Words
Anger or Rage
Fatigue
Fear of Driving
Panic Attacks
Racing Mind
Sensitivity to Noise
Feeling of Skin Crawling
Loss of Joy
Intensified Sense of Smell
Weight Gain
Bone Changes
Joint Pain
Headaches
Migraines
Muscle Loss
Changes in Cholesterol Levels
Breast Tenderness
Tinnitus
Voice Changes
Histamine Sensitivity
New Allergies
Changes in Blood Sugar Levels
Frozen Shoulder
Body Odor Changes
Restless Legs
Vertigo
Cold Flushes
Constipation
Diarrhea
Acid Reflux
Bloating
Incontinence
Vaginal Dryness or Pain
Urinary Urgency
Painful Sex
Recurrent Uringary Tract Infections
Reduced Libido
Vaginal Itching
Increase or Decrease in Frequency and/or Flow of Menstruation
Worsening PMS
Frequent Need to Urinate at Night
Hair Loss or Thinning
Acne
Increase in Facial Hair
Dry Skin
Dry Eyes
Dry Mouth
Watery Eyes
Burning Mouth
Rosacea
Thinning Skin
Skin Pigmentation Changes
Toothaches
Sore Gums
