As you approach menopause and your hormone levels start to shift, it's common to experience a variety of symptoms. These can range from mild and occasional to more severe and persistent. The truth is, every woman's experience with menopause is unique. Some might breeze through with hardly a symptom, while others might find the transition more challenging. It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to menopause, and that's okay.

Let’s explore some of the most common symptoms, so you know what to look out for and, more importantly, how to manage them. Remember, this isn’t about scaring you—it’s about giving you the knowledge you need to take control of your health and well-being during this transition.

Just like puberty, menopause is a highly individual experience. Some symptoms might come and go, others might appear suddenly, and some may evolve over time. You might notice that your symptoms change as you progress through the different stages of menopause from perimenopause to postmenopause. Some symptoms might be manageable, while others could disrupt your daily life.

It’s essential to acknowledge that not all symptoms are within your control. Hormonal changes naturally bring about many of the physical effects of menopause. However, lifestyle factors can also play a significant role, and with the right strategies, you can manage some of these symptoms more effectively.

For instance, your environment and lifestyle can impact how you experience certain symptoms. Consider a hot flush: a woman working in a cool, controlled home office may find it more bearable than someone in a crowded, warm space. Your ability to tolerate and manage symptoms can also depend on factors like stress, diet, and
overall health.

When it comes to menopause, we’ve all heard about the usual suspects—hot flushes, mood swings, and irregular periods. These symptoms are almost expected, but here’s the thing: not everyone will experience them. In fact, some women glide through menopause without a single hot flush or mood swing.

We’ve covered some of the most common symptoms that many women encounter, but there’s a lot more to menopause than just the well-known signs. For instance, did you know that some women experience tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing in the ears? Others might notice issues with their teeth and gums, or even a strange tingling or itching sensation in their skin.

Digestive problems, bloating, fatigue, clumsiness, brittle nails, a dry mouth, and changes in taste are other symptoms that might pop up during menopause. And while hot flushes get a lot of attention, some women actually experience cold flushes too.

You might find yourself dealing with something completely different from what’s on this list, and that’s perfectly normal because every experience is completely different!

Before we dive into more details, let’s put your mind at ease. It’s incredibly rare for anyone to experience every symptom associated with menopause. While we’re going to go over some of the most common ones, there are over 40 possible symptoms—some you might be familiar with, and others that could be entirely new to you. Our goal isn’t to overwhelm or scare you, but to equip you with the information you need. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening in your body so you can navigate this phase with confidence.

As menopause approaches, you might notice that your periods start to change. They could become heavier or lighter than what you’re used to, and you may find that they become more irregular, with cycles that are closer together or farther apart. Eventually, your periods will taper off and stop altogether. For many women, these changes are the first sign that menopause is on the horizon. However, it’s also possible to experience other symptoms even if your cycle hasn’t shifted yet.

Getting a good night’s sleep can become more challenging during menopause. You might struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, often due to physical symptoms like night sweats or mental symptoms such as increased anxiety. This lack of restful sleep can leave you feeling irritable, tired during the day, and it may contribute to a lower mood overall.

It’s common for your sex drive to take a dip during menopause. Many women find they feel less inclined to have sex, which can be a symptom in itself or linked to other changes like reduced confidence or body image concerns. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex can also play a role in lowering libido.

Hot flushes and night sweats are among the most commonly reported symptoms of menopause. A hot flush is a sudden feeling of heat, usually concentrated in the face, neck, and chest, often accompanied by redness and sweating. When these occur at night, they’re referred to as night sweats, which can further disrupt sleep.

Your skin might start behaving differently during menopause, even if you haven’t changed your skincare routine. You could experience dryness, tightness, red
patches, and a loss of that youthful plumpness. Some women also notice that their skin becomes more sensitive, while others might find it gets oilier, leading to adult acne.

You may notice changes in your vaginal health, such as increased dryness around the vulva and vagina. This dryness can cause discomfort during sex, and vaginal atrophy might also occur, leading to more significant pain. Some women experience frequent urinary tract infections or bladder issues, including stress incontinence.

Palpitations, or being acutely aware of your heartbeat, are more common during menopause. This can feel like a pounding or fluttering sensation. While they’re usually harmless, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if they happen frequently, and seek immediate help if they’re accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Many women notice changes in their bodies during menopause, such as gaining weight without any significant changes to diet or exercise. You might also find it more challenging to lose weight, and your body composition may shift, with more weight gathering around your midsection than before.

Soreness and pain in your muscles and joints can become more common, making physical activity more difficult. You might feel stiffer and less flexible, which can affect your overall mobility. Additionally, you may experience new headaches or migraines, or notice that existing ones become more frequent or intense.

Menopause can also bring changes to your hair. It might start to feel drier or change in texture. Some women notice that they’re losing more hair from their scalp, leading to thinning, while at the same time experiencing an increase in facial hair.

Menopause can bring some changes, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage these symptoms and keep living your best life. Here are some positive steps you can take to make this transition smoother and more comfortable:

Keep Moving: Staying active is a game-changer during menopause. Regular exercise not only helps you manage your weight, but it also boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves your sleep. Plus, it keeps your joints flexible and your
muscles strong, which can really help ease those pesky aches and pains.

Nourish Your Body: Eating a balanced diet packed with whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can do wonders for your overall health. It’s especially important to include foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. With the right fuel, you’ll feel more energised and better equipped to manage any weight changes that might come your way.

Support with Supplements: Supplements specifically designed for menopause can be a great way to tackle symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. Our Daily Menopause Supplement, is packed with the essential nutrients your body needs to stay balanced and tackle over 12 of the most stubborn menopause symptoms.

Find Your Calm: Managing stress is key to feeling your best. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are wonderful tools to keep anxiety at bay and help you sleep better. A little bit of daily calm can go a long way in making you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by menopause symptoms.

Hydrate and Pamper Your Skin: Staying hydrated is essential for your overall well-being, and it’s also a great way to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Drink plenty of water and consider using moisturizers tailored for mature skin to combat dryness and maintain that healthy glow.

Navigating menopause can feel like an unpredictable journey, but remember, you’re not alone. Every woman’s experience is unique, and while the symptoms can be challenging, they are also a natural part of this transition. By staying informed, listening to your body, and seeking support when needed, you can manage these changes with grace and resilience. Embrace this time as an opportunity to focus on your health and well-being. And most importantly, be kind to yourself—you’re entering a new and powerful phase of life, and you deserve to move through it with confidence and care.