22 Overlooked Signs of Perimenopause: Key Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, is a significant period in a woman’s life. While some symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods are commonly associated with this phase, many other signs often go unnoticed or are dismissed as unrelated health issues. Here, we delve into the lesser-known signs of perimenopause that many women experience but might not recognize.
Here are the 22 often dismissed signs of perimenopause:
- Palpitations: Unexpected heart palpitations can be alarming. These sudden feelings of a racing heart can be linked to hormonal changes during perimenopause.
- Breast Tenderness: Similar to the sensation experienced during menstrual cycles, breast tenderness can reoccur during perimenopause due to fluctuating hormone levels.
- Electric Shock Sensation: Some women describe a sudden sensation akin to a mild electric shock under their skin, often preceding a hot flash.
- Bloating: Digestive issues, including bloating, can become more frequent, often mistaken for dietary issues.
- Bleeding Gums: Changes in gum health, such as increased sensitivity and bleeding, can be a surprising symptom of perimenopause.
- Metallic Taste: A perplexing metallic taste in the mouth can be another unexpected sign.
- Muscle Tension: Feelings of tightness or tension in muscles can increase, leading to discomfort.
- Itchy Skin: With hormonal changes, skin can become dry and itchy, sometimes leading to a sensation as if ants are crawling under the skin.
- Tingling Extremities: Tingling sensations in the hands and feet, similar to pins and needles, can occur without any apparent cause.
- Brittle Bones: Decreased bone density, leading to brittle bones, is a long-term effect of reduced estrogen levels.
- Brittle Nails: Nails may become more brittle or develop ridges, reflecting the body’s internal changes.
- UTI: Changes in the urinary tract can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
- Panic Attacks: Increased feelings of anxiety can sometimes culminate in sudden and intense panic attacks.
- Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a general feeling of ‘brain fog’ can be frustrating.
- Unease: A general feeling of unease or restlessness can be experienced, often linked to other symptoms like anxiety or mood swings.
- Dizziness: Episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness can become more frequent, often unrelated to any physical activity.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: A sensation of burning in the mouth, lips, or tongue can occur without any evident cause.
- Rage: Sudden and intense feelings of anger or rage can be a manifestation of the emotional and hormonal changes taking place.
- Belly Fat: Metabolic changes during perimenopause can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdominal area.
- Dry Hair: Hair might lose its natural moisture, becoming dry, brittle, and less lustrous.
- Joint Pain: Many women report increased joint and muscle pain, often mistaken for signs of aging or arthritis.
- Hair Shedding: An increase in hair shedding or thinning can be distressing, reflecting the body’s internal hormonal shifts.
Understanding these often-dismissed signs of perimenopause can empower women to seek the right care and support. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any symptoms and get a proper diagnosis.