5 Surprising Menopause Symptoms You Should Know

1. Changes in Skin Texture and Elasticity

Why It Happens: During the menopause stage, one’s estrogen levels drop a lot, resulting in a lack of proteins like collagen and elastin - proteins essential for maintaining skin structure and flexibility. As this hormonal change occurs, a series of irregularities and fluctuations in the skin’s structure and surface occur. 

Skin feels dry and dull as natural oil secretion reduces and blood circulation worsens. Such rapid alterations are tough to deal with and may cause emotional stress to a person.

Symptoms:

• The skin may begin to feel more dry and flaky, which means traditional skincare routines may not return it to its supple state.
• Thinning of the skin can become an issue due to greater susceptibility to bruising as well as irritation and, in some cases, even sensitivity.
• Fine lines and wrinkles, more on the face than the eyes or the mouth, may become more visible.
• Lower face areas, such as the cheeks, neck, and jawline regions, may sag due to lower elastin levels, resulting in poor skin elasticity.

How to Manage:

• Hydration is Vital. Throughout the day, it is ideal to drink plenty of water and moisturise with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
• Daily Sun Protection: It is important not to get exposed to UV rays, and this can be prevented by using SPF 30 sunscreens.
• Advanced Skincare Products: Gradually adding retinoids, growth factor serums and peptides to an existing regime can help in increasing skin collagen levels and repair.
• Professional Treatments: Use micro-needling, chemical peels, or fractional laser therapy. These alternatives will promote youthful skin and reduce visible ageing signs.
• Behavioural Modifications: Stress management and quality sleep are also important in maintaining skin radiance. Eating antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, spinach, and nuts, can also reduce free radical damage.

The above methods are effective solutions for skin changes during menopause. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and practising self-care during menopause will help improve the appearance and health of the skin.

2. Changes in Hair Health

Why It Happens: Hair health is usually a good indicator of hormonal health. The natural hormonal changes that occur during menopause decrease the estrogen production of your body which disrupts the natural growing periods of hair. 

This causes hair thinning during menopause and also longer periods when hair is not growing and shorter times when it is growing, which can result in thinning, shedding, and even breaking of the hair. Also, there may be an increased proclivity to male hormones - androgens, which may cause loss of hair on the temples and the crown of the head.

Symptoms:

• Noticeable thinning around the scalp, particularly at the hairline and parting
• Increased shedding, with more hair appearing on pillows, brushes, and in the shower
• Dryness and brittleness, making hair more prone to breakage
• Slower growth rates compared to earlier life stages

How to Manage:

• Boost Nutritional Intake: Incorporate biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3-rich foods into your diet. Salmon, eggs, nuts, and leafy greens are excellent choices.
• Gentle Hair Care: Use sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners to minimise irritation. Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh dyes, or chemical treatments.
• Stimulate Scalp Circulation: Massage the scalp regularly with oils infused with rosemary or peppermint, which may enhance follicle health and promote regrowth.
• Targeted Supplements: Consult a healthcare provider before trying supplements like biotin or collagen peptides.
• Explore Medical Options: For severe cases, treatments like minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can stimulate new hair growth and improve density.

Consistent care and medical guidance can help mitigate hair-related changes, restoring confidence and comfort.

3. Changes in Sense of Smell and Taste

Why It Happens: During menopause, hormonal changes may lead to alterations in the motor nerves, affecting the sense of smell and taste. Usually, these changes occur gradually, but they can interfere with daily functioning by affecting appetite, enjoyment of food, and social activities, among other things. The causes are low estrogen levels and their effect on the parts of the brain responsible for smell and taste.

Symptoms:

• Lack of ability to appreciate flavour even after adding variety to meals. 
• Increased sensitivity to some smells even leading to discomfort, nausea, and other gaseous symptoms. 
• A bit of metallic taste or some aftertaste frequently
• Craving for foods that previously tasted neutral to the body
• Being averse to some foods which were previously eaten and enjoyed.

How to Manage:

• Modernise the Way You Cook: Use fresh herbs, vibrant spices, or dressings to really spice it up. Also, think about turmeric, cumin, or fresh lemon zest.
• Be Thirsty: Why, you may ask? Because hydrated taste buds and noses retain moisture. Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference, such as taking a sip of water or staying hydrated.
• Exhibit Good Oral Hygiene: People sometimes forget that brushing and flossing is a part of their daily routine but it can make a massive impact. Consider tongue scraping, as well as rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash to get rid of any offending taste.
• Think about Textures: The textures food possesses are extremely important to note as well. Whatever the case may be, crunchy salads, smooth soups, or chewy snacks can contribute to your enjoyment of the meal.
• Consult a Specialist: In case your sense of taste/smell is deteriorating or remaining stagnant, consult an ENT expert who has the qualifications for such conditions. This will help you find out the underlying issue and help take care of menopause and sensory changes.

4. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Why It Happens: Joint pain during your menopause is another surprising symptom. It may seem strange, but it is totally possible. By the time of menopause, estrogen levels in your body drop, which not only affects your bone density but also leads to a drastic change in your joint lubrication as well as inflammation management. These changes can cause rigidity or even pain for a long period. As they age, inactivity due to decreased joint function restricts their activity range and limits their mobility.

Symptoms:

• Joints become stiff after rest or awakening from sleep frequently.
• Pain is felt in places like knees and hips when standing or in the lower back.
• Joints appear swollen or red and may be painful when touched.
• Difficulty bending down, lifting things, and going up the stairs, among other basic activities

How to Manage:

• Be Active Gently: Swimming, yoga and tai chi will increase the flexibility of joints while strengthening the muscles around them, hence reducing pain.
• Choose an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like sardines & mackerel, flaxseed oil, turmeric powder & dark leafy vegetables fight naturally against swelling.
• Keep off Excess Pounds: Studies have shown that weight reduction helps lessen stress on joints, especially those in the lower part of your body.
• Apply Heat/Cold Treatment: Placing warm compresses over affected areas calms stiffness, whereas cold packs reduce puffiness.
• Try Other Modalities: Localised relief can be achieved through physiotherapy interventions like acupuncture or joint injections. Have proactive approaches and do regular exercises to keep the joints healthy throughout menopause.

Proactive care and regular activity can keep joints healthy and functional throughout menopause.

5. Increased Risk of Urinary Infections and Bladder Issues

Why It Happens: Estrogen helps to maintain the strength and elasticity of the urinary tract lining. If estrogen levels drop, this lining may weaken, increasing susceptibility to bladder infections and related problems. Similarly, lower levels of estrogen can lead to less toned pelvic floor muscles, which in turn results in a higher incidence of leakages.

Symptoms:

• Frequent urination or a feeling that you cannot hold it for long.
• Painful while urinating
• Regular UTIs.
• Sometimes sneezing, laughing or coughing leads to occasional incontinence.

How to Manage:

• Drink Fluids Properly: Water is important since it assists remove bacteria from your system hence maintaining a healthy bladder.
• Exercise Pelvic Muscles: Performing Kegels will tighten up loose pelvic muscles, leading to improved bladder control.
• Hygiene Maintenance: For personal hygiene, use mild fragrance-free soaps and always wipe front-to-back after using the toilet.
• Control Irritants: Avoid consuming coffee, alcohol and spicy food as these may irritate the bladder.

If the problem remains, thinking about hormone replacement therapy with your doctor and discussing other possible treatments is also advisable.

Observing how one’s bladder works is the first step to overcoming bladder issues in menopause.

Real Stories of Wellness!

Read the story of our client who chose our programme to overcome her menopausal issues. 

Our commitment at Nirva Health is to empower ladies such as Lynette who are suffering from menopause-related problems. Her age was 53 when she came to us with the desire to find ways of handling her menopausal symptoms naturally. She felt the burden of hormonal imbalances and their effects on general health – one of which is urinary health. 

“Menopause used to be a distressing tempest for me until I found out about Nirva Health. In their program, however, I learnt of amazing natural cures as well as holistic ways that helped change the way I looked at this phase of life.…..

Lynette got effective coping mechanisms through our program. We gave her holistic techniques that helped her deal with not only common discomforts like hot flashes and mood changes but also less discussed aspects of menopause. 

Guiding women through this evolutionary stage and enabling them to regain their lives back again, we are proud of this service. Through natural remedies, Lynette discovered how to go through her menopausal journey energetically and successfully. This proves that our community is powerful enough and united in the effectiveness of our way out in this case. We are there for any woman who wants to make this phase positive and healthy. Connect with us now.

Wrapping It Up

Menopause is far more than a biological milestone; it’s a profound life transition filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. While many symptoms are widely recognised, the less obvious ones often hold the key to understanding how menopause uniquely affects each individual. By embracing these changes with knowledge, proactive care, and support, women can navigate this phase with resilience and grace.

From adjusting skincare routines to exploring medical treatments for joint pain, every step toward self-care is a step toward empowerment. Remember, menopause is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s deeply personal, and the solutions are as unique as the individuals experiencing it. Reach out to healthcare professionals, lean on loved ones, and know that thriving during menopause is not only possible but well within reach.