A Normal Change in Women with Strange Side Effects
Menopause affects every female differently. Some women have no adverse effects. For others, they experience common menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. But other unusual or less common menopause symptoms can also develop. As hair loss is one of the signs, consider Litfulo, a once-daily prescription pill that helps treat severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents who are 12 years and older. Now, let's dive in.
Unusual Symptoms of Menopause
Hair Loss
As you approach menopause, you might notice your hair is not as thick as it once was. The lack of estrogen can cause your hair follicles to shrink, which may lead to hair loss or thinning. The hair also grows more slowly.
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Symptoms may include:
- Dry hair.
- Excess shedding.
- Slower hair growth.
What you can do: Consider using a shampoo and conditioner that is gentle and moisturizing. Various serums are on the market to help slow hair loss and possibly regrow hair. Minoxidil is the most widely accepted product to stimulate hair growth. Also, show your hair a little TLC. Limit heat styling, comb gently and avoid pulling it back too tightly.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a frequently reported and challenging symptom that many women experience during menopause. The hormonal fluctuations occurring during this life stage, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can contribute to changes in body composition and metabolism. As estrogen plays a role in regulating weight distribution and fat storage, its reduction during menopause can lead to an increased accumulation of abdominal fat. Engaging in regular physical activity, adopting a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods and incorporating strength training can be beneficial in managing weight and promoting overall well-being during menopause.
Dry Skin
Estrogen plays a role in the elasticity of the skin. When levels decline, it can make the skin look and feel drier.
Symptoms may include:
- The appearance of lines.
- Itchy skin.
- Thinner skin.
What you can do: Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. Develop a good skincare routine that includes cream or lotion to lock in moisturize. Use sunscreen daily.
Joint Pain
Estrogen helps keep the joins lubricated and reduce inflammation. When your body does not have much estrogen, it can increase your risk of joint pain. Since many women hit menopause in the 40s or 50s, they may already have the start of arthritis. When you add in a decrease in estrogen, joint pain can increase.
Symptoms include:
- Achy joints.
- Stiffness.
- Decreased range of motion.
What you can do: Exercise may help strengthen the muscles that support your joints. Stick to exercise that does not make joint pain worse. Alternate heat and ice to determine what provides relief. Consider massage and topical ointments to reduce pain.
Dental Problems
A decrease in estrogen affects almost every system in the body. Your mouth may become drier, which can increase bacteria. This increase in bacteria can lead to tooth decay and dental issues.
Symptoms may include:
- Tooth pain.
- Cavities.
- Bleeding gums.
What you can do: Be diligent about practicing good dental hygiene. Brush and floss often. Go for regular dental checkups. Limit sugary foods and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
Lightheadedness
It might come as a surprise, but menopause can also cause lightheadedness. Once again, blame it on the loss of estrogen. A drop in hormones can cause mild dizziness.
Symptoms may include:
- A woozy feeling.
- Nausea.
- Feeling off balance.
What you can do: If you start to experience lightheadedness, it is best to talk with your doctor. Your healthcare provider can rule out other causes of dizziness. In the meantime, stay well hydrated and limit alcohol. Also, stand up slowly from a sitting position to reduce lightheadedness.
Changes in Body Odor
According to Harvard Medical School, Some women report a stronger body order after menopause. What’s the cause? You guessed it! A shift in hormones is the culprit. Decreasing hormone levels can change the skin microbiome leading to increased odor. Night sweats and hot flashes, which increase sweating, can also play a role.
Symptoms can include:
- Increased sweating.
- Stronger odor.
What you can do: Try sleeping on a silk pillowcase and having ice water nearby to reduce night sweats. Wear loose-fitting clothes to keep cooler. Limit onions, garlic and alcohol, which can increase body odor.
Stress Incontinence
According to the Office on Women’s Health, menopause can lead to urinary problems, including incontinence. The change in hormones may make the pelvic and bladder muscles weaker.
Symptoms can include:
- A sudden urge to urinate.
- Urine leakage with sneezing or coughing.
- More frequent urination.
What you can do: Talk to your doctor about ways to deal with incontinence. Pelvic floor exercise and medications might be an option to improve symptoms.
Myfembree for Menopause
Myfembree is a comprehensive medication crafted to address heavy menstrual bleeding linked to uterine fibroids in premenopausal women. This innovative treatment combines three key components—relugolix, estradiol and norethindrone acetate—working synergistically to effectively manage symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals dealing with this common gynecological concern.
When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider
Although menopause is normal, it can affect you in common and unusual ways. You don’t have to accept certain symptoms as inevitable. If symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, treatment is available.
Talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your situation. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise and hormone replacement therapy.
Duavee for Postmenopausal Women
Duavee is a medication designed for postmenopausal women to address bothersome hot flashes and protect against osteoporosis. It cleverly combines conjugated estrogens, providing hormone therapy benefits, with bazedoxifene, which helps counterbalance potential effects on the uterus. This two-in-one approach aims to offer relief from menopausal symptoms while supporting bone health. It's essential for women considering Duavee to discuss its potential benefits and risks with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment.
In Conclusion
Menopause is the normal change that occurs when a female’s period stops permanently. A female reaches menopause after 12 months without a period. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, menopause is most common between ages 45-55.
When menopause occurs, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and ovulation and menstrual bleeding stop. Although menopause is normal and not a disease, the drop in hormones can cause a variety of symptoms.
Recognizing unusual symptoms of menopause and learning ways to deal with them helps make the transition smoother.
Article Resources
- What Is Menopause? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
- Women’s Reproductive Health | CDC
- Menopause symptoms and relief | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
- Menopause Frequently Asked Questions | The North American Menopause Society, NAMS
- Minoxidil (Topical Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
- Why has my natural scent changed during perimenopause? - Harvard Health