Understanding Menopause & Perimenopause Symptoms

new and trending name banner Menopause is a natural transition, but no two journeys are the same. Some experience only a few mild shifts, while others face doze8ns of unexpected changes. Experts estimate there are over 250 possible symptoms — from hot flashes to surprising sensations like tingling skin or burning mouth.

This guide brings them together — from the well-known to the lesser-known — to help you recognize, understand, and care for yourself through this stage of life.

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Top 20 Menopause & Perimenopause Symptoms

Vasomotor (Temperature Changes)

  1. Hot Flashes – Sudden waves of heat, flushing, sweating.
  2. Night Sweats – Intense sweating during sleep.
  3. Cold Flushes / Chills – Shivering as body temp drops.

💡 Helpful Herbs: Sage, red clover, wild yam.

Menstrual & Reproductive Changes

  1. Irregular Periods – Longer, shorter, or skipped cycles.
  2. Heavy Bleeding – Linked to erratic hormone levels.
  3. Missed Periods – Sign of perimenopause progression.

💡 Helpful Products: Hormone Balance Capsules, Wild Yam Tincture.

Genitourinary & Sexual Health

  1. Vaginal Dryness / Atrophy – Itching, irritation, pain.
  2. Painful Sex (Dyspareunia) – From thinning & dryness.
  3. Urinary Changes – Frequency, urgency, UTIs.
  4. Low Libido – Reduced desire from hormonal & mood changes.

💡 Supportive Herbs: Chamomile, calendula, maca root.

Mood & Cognitive Changes

  1. Mood Swings – Irritability, sudden tears or anger.
  2. Anxiety – Restlessness or panic sensations.
  3. Depression / Low Mood – Persistent sadness.
  4. Brain Fog – Forgetfulness, poor focus, cloudy thinking.

💡 Supportive Blends: Serenity Blend, Ginkgo Biloba, Ashwagandha.

Sleep & Energy

  1. Insomnia – Trouble falling or staying asleep.
  2. Night Waking – Disturbed sleep cycles.
  3. Fatigue – Persistent tiredness despite rest.

💡 Self-care: Bedtime rituals, chamomile tea, magnesium baths.

Musculoskeletal & Bone Health

  1. Joint Pain – Achy, stiff joints.
  2. Muscle Aches – Soreness, heaviness.
  3. Bone Density Loss (Osteoporosis Risk) – Fragile bones, higher fracture risk.

💡 Herbal Allies: Turmeric, ginger, nettle, red clover.

Skin, Hair & Sensory Changes

  1. Dry, Itchy Skin – Loss of moisture and collagen.
  2. Hair Thinning / Loss – Shedding, reduced volume.
  3. Brittle Nails – Weak or peeling nails.
  4. Headaches / Migraines – Triggered by hormone dips.

💡 Skin Support: Shea butter, botanical oils, collagen-supporting herbs.

Digestive & Metabolic Changes

  1. Bloating / Gas – Sluggish digestion.
  2. Digestive Upset – Constipation or diarrhea.
  3. Weight Gain – Often around the belly.
  4. Blood Sugar Changes – Insulin resistance risk.

💡 Gut Support: Kefir, prebiotic blends, ginger, peppermint.

Cardiovascular & Other Symptoms

  1. Heart Palpitations – Racing, fluttering heartbeat.
  2. Dizziness / Lightheadedness – Circulatory changes.
  3. Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Shifts – Long-term cardiovascular risks.

💡 Important Note: Chest pain, fainting, or severe dizziness needs urgent care.

Strange & Lesser-Known Symptoms

You’re not imagining it — these unusual sensations are real menopause symptoms.

  1. Crawling Skin (Formication): Feels like ants crawling under the skin.
  2. Electric Shocks: Sudden zaps or jolts, often before hot flashes.
  3. Burning Mouth Syndrome: Tingling or burning in the tongue/mouth.
  4. Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears.
  5. Pins & Needles (Paresthesia): Tingling in hands, feet, or face.
  6. Cold Hands & Feet: Circulation changes from hormone loss.
  7. Altered Smell & Taste: Food and scent perception shifts.
  8. Gum Problems: Bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity.
  9. Skin Burning / Itching Without Rash: Nerve changes + dryness.

💡 Comforting Note: These may sound strange, but they’re widely reported in menopause and usually manageable.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
  • Vaginal bleeding after 12 months without periods
  • Chest pain, fainting, or strong palpitations
  • Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Sudden weakness, numbness, or severe headache

⚠️ This page is for education only and not a substitute for medical care.

Lifestyle & Self-Care

Daily rituals to ease symptoms:

  • Eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium & phytoestrogens (flax, soy, red clover).
  • Move daily: yoga, walking, strength training.
  • Practice stress relief: journaling, meditation, herbal teas.
  • Care for skin with shea butter, cocoa butter, and botanical oils.

💡 Explore our Hormone Balance Collection for natural support.

Symptom Tracker

Stay empowered with a free checklist. Track your symptoms, note severity, and bring it to your healthcare provider.

➡️ View Symptom Tracker

FAQ

Q: How long does menopause last?

Perimenopause can last 4–10 years. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without periods, but symptoms may continue.

Q: Can menopause cause anxiety or depression?

Yes. Hormonal changes affect brain chemistry. Support and treatment are available.

Q: What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition with cycle changes; menopause begins after 12 months without periods.

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