The Menopause Signs - or as I like to call it "Dragonfly Bingo"

In this week’s blog I give an overview of the signs that can indicate that we are on our Menopause journey. There are more than 30 recognised signs of the Menopause, some are well known such as hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog and mood swings, but some are more surprising. Sometimes it’s these surprising ones that give that ‘aha’ moment that tell us we are not going mad, but we are on our journey to the wisdom years.

These signs are due to the changing levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone as we go through the Menopause. These hormones play a key role in our bodies, so it’s no wonder that they impact different parts of our bodies, and not just our reproductive system. These signs can also be indicators of other imbalances in the body so if you are concerned about them then speak to a health professional.

So what are the signs?

Click on each item for an overview of the sign.

Hot Flushes

A common sign characterised by a feeling of increasing heat that comes on suddenly (and when we least want them to i.e. in meetings!) and usually affects the upper part of body. Sweating, dizziness and heart palpitations can accompany hot flushes.

Night Sweats

This is where we wake up during the night drenched from sweat and we feel like someone has turned a hose on us!

Irregular/Heavy/Painful Periods

Our monthly cycle can become more irregular with periods coming more/less frequent and becoming heavier (and more painful) than before - sometimes we don't know whether we are coming or going. The predictability factor certainly goes out the window!

Anxiety/Panic Attacks

Our anxiety levels can heighten as we travel on the Menopause journey. Anxiety can make us feel easily overwhelmed and constantly worried or fearful. Feelings of anxiety can be mild or severe and may fluctuate as our hormones fluctuate.

Depression

Changing hormone levels can trigger depression. Depression is more that just feeling low/unhappy. When we are in its grip we feel like a black mist has descended over us that we can't get out of and we feel that we will never be happy again.

Mood Swings/Irritability

Moods swings can be as unpredictable as our hormones and can be difficult to deal with both for us and those around us. Mood swings can trigger feelings of hopelessness, low libido, anxiety, irritability and aggression. Our tolerance levels certainly decrease!

Brain Fog

No not a weather phenomenon, but the impact of dropping hormone levels on our brain, which causes forgetfulness, misplacement of objects, inability to concentrate for long periods and lack of mental clarity - now where did I leave my keys? (again!).

Bladder Symptoms

Such as stress incontinence (when laughing, sneezing & coughing become a dangerous exercise). We can also experience more frequent urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) on our Menopause journey.

Low Libido

With what we are going through with all these signs its no wonder our sex drive takes a nose dive and not even the thought of Brad Pitt can stir our passions. Our physical and emotional wellbeing can play a big part in low libido at this time.

Heart Palpitations

Caused when our heart is beating very fast. These can feel like out heart is coming out of our chest. This can feel very scary and were a common sign in the early days of my journey.

Insomnia/Sleeping Difficulties

Welcome to the wide awake club at 2.00am! Hot flushes, night sweats and getting up to go to the loo don't exactly help sleep quality. As progesterone is beneficial for sleep, as our progesterone levels drop then so can our sleep quality.

Vaginal Changes/Breast Tenderness

As we go on our Menopause journey then certain areas can start to dry up. Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort and itching. Our breasts can also start to feel tender when touched (no wonder we can get low libido!)

Joint Pain/Muscle Tension/Stiffness

As oestrogen plays a large part in lubricating our joints, its no wonder we start to experience aching joints and stiff/tense muscles. Someone pass the WD40!

Altered Skin Sensations/Skin Changes

Our skins can become drier/more sensitive and we can experience prickly sensations on our skin and pins & needles.

Fatigue

Our energy levels can be up and down like a yo-yo and we can wake up feeling like we haven't slept. We can feel unproductive and it seems to take ages to do anything. Our bodies are going through a major transformation, which can take its toll.

Headaches/Migraines/Dizziness

In women headaches/migraines can often be linked to our hormonal cycles, so as our hormone levels fluctuate, these can become more frequent and severe. We may also experience dizzy spells and dizziness.

Body Odour Changes

We may notice that our body odour changes, it may become stronger or smell different to before. Interestingly our sense of smell can alter during our Menopause journey, which may partly explain the change in smell we notice.

Altered Sense of Smell/Taste

As mentioned above our sense of smell can alter as we go on our journey. Our sense of taste may also change and certain things don't taste like they used to.

Burning mouth/Metallic Taste/Dental Issues

Changes in oestrogen levels can trigger a burning or pain sensation in the mouth. Some women may also experience a metallic taste in their mouth - this was certainly one of the stranger signs I experience on my journey.

Dental issues such as tooth decay, sensitivity, gum inflammation can also arise/increase during our journey.

Hair Changes/Brittle Nails

The dreaded hair thinning and hair loss (definitely a bone of contention in our house as I moult more than a Labrador Retriever!) and not forgetting hair that starts growing where it never used to before!

We may also notice that out nails become more brittle and break easier.

Osteoporosis/Osteopenia

Osteoporosis is when our bones gradually become weaker and Osteopenia is low bone mass. It is often something we don't become aware of until we fracture a bone.

Weight Gain

A common sign on the Menopause journey, especially around our midriff. The stress on our bodies from the changing hormone levels and stress in our day to day lives can play a contributing factor.

Low self-Esteem/Lack of Motivation

With all that is going on during our transformation and the changes taking place, it's understandable that our self-esteem can hit rock bottom. Remember, a dragonfly goes through a lot to come out looking beautiful, and so do we.

Again, with all this change and transformation taking place, this can have a huge knock-on effect on our motivation.

Allergies

As our hormone levels changes then so can our immune system. Childhood allergies can resurface and sometimes we can develop new ones as we travel on our journey.

Dry Eyes/Mouth

Yep, things certainly become drier than a desert on the journey as our natural lubrication levels change.

Digestive Changes

Changes in our hormone levels can impact the functioning of the digestive system leading to bloating, wind, acid reflux and constipation.

Breathing Difficulties

Changing hormone levels can effect the functioning of the lungs and respiratory system and can cause shortness of breath.

Phew!! As we travel on our Menopause journey it is definitely a good idea to keep a journal/notebook of the signs we are experiencing. By tuning into our bodies and recognising the signs, we can then take positive steps to manage the signs and hopefully reduce the number we experience.

If you are on your Menopause journey have a go at my Dragonfly Bingo to see how many signs you recognise going on for you. Looking back on my Menopause journey, I was only about 3 away from a full house!

It’s important to note that not every woman will experience all of the signs and the signs we experience will also change as we travel on our journey. The number and nature of signs that we experience will be as individual as we are and will reflect our own unique journeys. So don’t fret if you are experiencing different signs to other women, just remember you are on your own unique journey and you are doing marvellous.

Next time I lift the veil on brain fog as we enter the wonder years.