Peri-menopause and menopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work. It can feel different for everyone. You may have a number of symptoms or none.
You will experience the menopause at some stage in your life. It is estimated that more than 80% will be menopausal by the age of 54. Whilst not everyone will experience menopausal symptoms when they go through the menopause, up to 80-90% will have some symptoms, with 25% describing them as severe and debilitating.
The most common symptoms are:
- hot flushes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms) - episodes of profuse heat accompanied by sweating, and flushing, experienced predominantly around the head, neck, chest, and upper back.
Other symptoms include:
- changes to your mood, low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem
- problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
- 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)
- sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems
You can find more information at the NHS website. (opens in a new tab)