How menopause presents in different patients
There are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause that affect multiple parts of the body. This is because most types of cells have receptors that are sensitive to the hormone oestrogen. The symptoms listed below are typical symptoms based on studies carried out predominately in Western societies. Factors such as genetics, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors have all been shown to have an effect on menopause symptoms but there is a paucity of readily available data on the exact differences.
The British Menopause Society has published a tool for health care professionals on menopause in ethnic minority women which highlights some of these differences, but much more research is required.
The average age for menopause in the UK is 51 but women may experience symptoms from age 45 onwards.
For most women the first noticeable symptom is a change to their menstrual pattern e.g. a change to frequency or flow. This is more difficult to spot if the woman is taking hormonal contraception such as the pill or intrauterine device (IUD). This is not always the case as women may experience the symptoms listed below before noticing changes in their periods.
Symptoms are categorised as physical or mental and those relating to temperature regulation are usually referred to as vasomotor symptoms. Vasomotor symptoms are the most commonly reported symptoms affecting 80% of postmenopausal women.
There are also some more unusual menopause symptoms:
- Cold flushes.
- feelings of anger or rage.
- skin crawling.
- hormonal hair loss and thinning.
- tinnitus.
- burning tongue.
- altered spatial awareness.
- body odour.
- electric shocks or tingling in limbs.
Follow the link below for an overview of how many of the menopause symptoms start in the brain and how menopause affects cognitive health.