Beyond Hot Flashes And Weight Gain: 7 Menopause Symptoms You Never Expected
Feel like menopause has betrayed you, turning your body into an unfamiliar shell?
We all know about the common symptoms: hot flashes, weight gain, night sweats and mood swings, but what about the weird stuff nobody talks about? So, let’s talk about 7 freaky ways menopause can totally screw with your bod.
Ok, sister, have you ever experienced the tingling sensation in your extremities? You know, that feeling like your fingers and toes are constantly falling asleep? Yeah? It's not just you! This strange sensation is a common symptom of menopause that many women experience.
Tingling in the extremities can happen during menopause due to hormonal changes that affect nerve function, circulation, and blood sugar levels.
Increasing physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate intake of nutrients like vitamin B12 and magnesium can help alleviate the tingling sensation in extremities during menopause.
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If you're reading this, chances are you're a woman over 40 who's experiencing the shit show that's menopause. Let's face it, it's NEVER a picnic. Between the hot flashes that make you feel like you're in a sauna, the weight gain that seems to come out of nowhere, the gray hairs that keep popping up, and the low energy that leaves you feeling like a sloth, it can feel like our bodies are betraying us.
But don't worry, my friend, you're not alone on this wild ride. In fact, there are millions of women just like us who are navigating this new stage of life. And that's exactly why I created this ebook – to provide you with the tools and strategies you need to thrive during menopause.
Feel like you're under attack by a swarm of tiny ants crawling all over your skin? No, it's not a scene from a horror movie, it's just another lovely symptom of menopause: itchy skin. It's like a constant itch that never goes away, and it's enough to make you want to rip your skin off.
Itchy skin during menopause can be caused by a decrease in estrogen, which can lead to dryness and thinning of the skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation and itching.
Here are some tips to make this hellish experience a little more bearable:
Keeping your skin moisturized can help soothe itchy, dry skin. Use a fragrance-free lotion or cream after bathing to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. Try cool compresses: Applying a cool, damp cloth to itchy skin can help reduce inflammation and soothe the itching sensation. You can also try taking a cool shower or bath to help relieve symptoms.
Here’s a weird one. Feeling like you've been sucking on a jalapeno? That's just one of the many joys of burning mouth syndrome, an annoying symptom of menopause. Another example of burning mouth syndrome is a feeling of dryness or soreness in the mouth, as well as a bitter or metallic taste. It can also cause a tingling or numb sensation in the mouth or tongue.
The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) in menopause is not well understood, but hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, are thought to play a role. Other potential factors include nerve damage, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
Fear not, there are ways to cool down the heat.
Sip on water or other hydrating fluids throughout the day. Bonus points if it's room temperature or warm to help soothe the dryness.
Try sugar-free gum or candy to help stimulate saliva production.
Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air and help combat dryness.
Constantly feel like you have a piece of sandpaper stuck to your eyes? Welcome to the club, my menopausal friend! Dry eyes are a common symptom that can make us feel like we've been staring at the sun for hours. Other symptoms of dry eyes in menopausal women include a gritty feeling, a burning sensation, and sensitivity to light.
Dry eyes during menopause can be caused by hormonal changes that affect tear production and distribution, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. Additionally, aging can also contribute to dry eyes as the eyes become less able to produce tears or keep moisture.
Here are some tips to help you relieve the discomfort and get back to binge-watching your favorite show without blinking every 5 seconds.
Don't be afraid to rock those stylish glasses - they'll protect your eyes from dryness and make you look like a boss.
Keep some eye drops handy in your purse or pocket, and don't be shy about using them whenever you need a quick refresh.
Get your omega-3s, baby! Eating foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help keep those peepers moist and happy.
You knew we had to go there… Let's take a moment to commiserate about one of the least talked about menopause symptoms - the dreaded increased body odor. You're taking care of your hygiene, but no matter what, you still feel like you're emitting some kind of funky gym smell. You're not alone in this struggle and I’m here to tell you that it's okay to feel frustrated and self-conscious about it.
The increase in body odor during menopause is mainly due to hormonal changes that affect sweat production and bacteria on the skin. The changes in estrogen levels can also cause the apocrine glands to produce a different type of sweat that bacteria love to feed on, resulting in that not-so-pleasant odor.
Use a gentle, pH-balanced soap to clean your body.
Drinking water helps to flush out toxins from the body and can help regulate pH levels. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to help keep your body hydrated and your pH levels in check.
Antiperspirants can reduce sweating, while deodorants can mask odor. Look for products with aluminum chloride or zinc oxide, which are more effective against sweat and odor.
What the hell is up with the gum problems that come with menopause? It's like your gums have a mind of their own and are out for revenge. But don't worry, we've got your back (or should we say, your gums?).
During menopause, the body's hormonal changes can lead to a decrease in saliva production, which can cause dry mouth and make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the mouth. This, in turn, can lead to gum problems such as inflammation, bleeding, and sensitivity.
An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation in the gums. Look for a mouthwash that's alcohol-free and specifically designed for gum health.
Vitamin C helps support healthy gums and can reduce inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize acid in the mouth and wash away bacteria that can cause gum problems.
Ever random feel like you just got struck by lightning? Nope, it's just another day in menopause with the electric shock sensation. Who needs a rollercoaster when you can experience the thrill of a jolt in the comfort of your own body?
The electric shock sensation, also known as "brain zaps," is believed to be caused by changes in hormone levels during menopause. These changes can affect the nervous system, causing abnormal sensations like electric shocks or tingling.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nerve sensitivity and cause electric shock sensations.
Stress and anxiety can trigger electric shock sensations, so it's important to practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Avoid triggers: Certain things can trigger electric shock sensations, such as caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications.
Menopause WILL bring about a range of odd and unexpected symptoms that can be difficult to navigate. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the challenges that come with this journey, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Embrace the changes, and try to find humor in the unexpected. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
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