🔥 The Perimenopause & Menopause Symptom Round-UpThink of this episode as the grandkid round-up from Encanto — except instead of rounding up grandchildren, we're rounding up menopause symptoms.
And yes, apparently my brain can remember an Encanto lyric perfectly while simultaneously forgetting why I walked into a room.
🌡️ The Classic Symptoms- You probably know about:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
- Forgetting words mid-sentence
- Forgetting why you walked into a room
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking during the night and staying awake for hours
And yes, I walked into a room and forgot why I was there at least four times before noon last week. 🙄
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Skin, Hair & Body ChangesPerimenopause can also show up in ways you might not immediately connect to hormones:
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
- Itchy or crawling skin sensations
- Oily skin
- Acne
- Hair thinning
- Weak or brittle nails
- Increased facial hair
- Changes in body odor
- Dry mouth
- Taste changes
🦴 Pain, Muscles & Physical ChangesOther potential symptoms and changes include:
- Joint pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia)
- Bone loss/osteoporosis
- Weak pelvic floor
- Urinary incontinence
- Stool incontinence
- Tingling in the hands, arms, or feet
Estrogen plays an important role in many systems throughout the body, including bone and muscle health — which is one reason the transition through menopause is about so much more than hot flashes.
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Urinary & GI SymptomsYep… we're going there.
- Hormonal changes can also be associated with:
- UTIs
- Changes in bladder function
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Other gastrointestinal changes
And apparently my body has chosen constipation as its personal brand. 😂
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Sexual HealthHormonal changes can affect sexual health, too, including:
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sex
- Other changes in sexual function
These are common conversations in menopause care — but they're still conversations many women aren't having with their doctors.
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Other Physical SymptomsSome women also experience:
- Heart palpitations
- Tinnitus/ringing in the ears
- Sore gums
- Allergies or changes in allergy symptoms
And yes, sometimes the symptom is something you would never in a million years think was connected to perimenopause.
🩸Symptoms You May Notice in Your Lab WorkSome changes aren't necessarily things you feel right away.
They may show up through bloodwork or other medical testing.
These can include changes in:
- Cholesterol
- A1C
- Insulin sensitivity/resistance
- Thyroid function
- Blood pressure
- Cortisol
- Liver health
For me, skyrocketing cholesterol was actually my first clue that something was changing.
I didn't know it could be connected to perimenopause. I just assumed I had somehow done something wrong.
That is part of why understanding the broader picture matters.
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Other Health ChangesAs estrogen levels change, some women may also experience new or more noticeable health conditions.
Examples discussed in this episode include:
- Autoimmune conditions
- ADHD symptoms or diagnosis
- Arthritis
This is one area where I really encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider rather than assuming every new symptom is “just aging.”
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Mental Health Symptoms Matter TooAnd we absolutely cannot forget the brain.
Perimenopause can affect mental and emotional health, including:
- Mood swings
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Feeling more emotionally sensitive
- Feeling less able to cope with stress
- Feeling like you don't handle things the way you used to
- Changes in empathy or emotional bandwidth
If you find yourself thinking, “Why am I suddenly struggling with things I used to handle just fine?” — that's worth paying attention to.
📣 You Are Allowed to Advocate for YourselfHere's the biggest takeaway:
Don't automatically chalk new symptoms up to getting older.
If something is changing in your body, talk to your healthcare provider.
And if you're told:
“Your labs are normal, so it can't be perimenopause.”
…you are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to advocate.
You are allowed to bring resources.
And if necessary, you are allowed to find another provider who will listen.
Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.
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Lifestyle Still MattersHormones aren't the only piece of the puzzle.
Nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep, and self-care can all play important roles in how we feel during perimenopause and menopause.
I've talked about several of these topics in previous Menobodies episodes, so go digging through the archives!
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What Did I Miss?And ya'll… I know I missed some.
There are SO many possible symptoms and experiences during perimenopause and menopause.
So tell me:
👉 What symptoms have you experienced?
👉 Did I miss one that surprised you?
👉 Is there a symptom you're wondering about?
Send me a message on Facebook or Instagram at @Menobodies, or email me at
[email protected].
If there's something you want me to research, tell me! It might just become a future episode.
❤️
One Last ThingSo go watch Encanto.
Google “I’ve Got the Power.”
Or just take a deep breath and remind yourself:
You are not crazy.
Your body is going through a massive transition, and the symptoms can be weird, frustrating, confusing, and downright exhausting.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
I'm here for ya. ❤️
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Resources Mentioned🔹 Midi — Complete List of Menopause Symptoms
A comprehensive look at menopause symptoms across different ages and stages.
🔹 Dr. Mary Claire Haver — The New Perimenopauese
A widely discussed resource on perimenopause, symptoms, hormones, and midlife health.
🎧 Keep ListeningIf you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and want honest conversations about hormones, menmenopause and want honest conversations about hormones, mental health, symptoms, wellness, and the ridiculousness of midlife, check out the other episodes of Menobodies.
Because sometimes you need research.
Sometimes you need resources.
And sometimes you just need someone to say:
“Yep. Me too.” 💜
Connect with Beth:💌 Email:
[email protected] 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
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