Common Symptoms of Menopause

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek guidance from your healthcare provider. 

The menopausal journey is unique for each woman. Below is a list of symptoms one may experience.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot Flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often intense over the face, neck, and chest, leading to sweating and discomfort. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur during sleep, potentially disrupting rest. These symptoms result from hormonal changes affecting the body’s temperature regulation.

• Dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes.

• Keep your sleeping environment cool.

• Avoid triggers like spicy foods and caffeine.

• Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your healthcare provider.

Issues with sleeping

Difficulty sleeping is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of menopause. Many women report trouble falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or waking up too early and being unable to get back to sleep.

• Establish a wind-down routine. Dim the lights, turn off screens, and relax with a book or warm bath.

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the afternoon and evening.

• Try magnesium or melatonin as these supplements can support more restful sleep (talk to your provider first).

Changes in mood such as anxiety or depression

Emotional turbulence is more than just “being hormonal.” During menopause, mood changes like anxiety, irritability, or low-graded depression can become frequent, intense, and often unpredictable.

• Speak with a healthcare provider to explore supplements or medication options.

• Physical activity helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and boost self-esteem.

• Consider therapy.

Decrease sex drive

If your sex drive has taken a nosedive during Perimenopause or menopause, you are not alone. A decrease in libido is common but rarely talked-about symptom of hormonal shifts during midlife.

• Address vaginal dryness with vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or prescription treatments like vaginal estrogen can relieve discomfort and make intimacy pleasurable again.

• Reconnecting emotionally with your partner can reignite physical connection.

• Consider therapy, sensual self-care, or even scheduling intimacy if spontaneity is elusive.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common and least talked about symptoms of menopause. It can affect everything from your comfort during sex to your daily quality of life. As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal tissues become thinner, less elastic, and less lubricated. This can lead to itching, burning, irritation, or pain during intercourse.

• Use vaginal moisturizer or lubricant during intercourse

• Discuss with your healthcare provider if low dose vaginal estrogen is appropriate for you.

Pain with sexual intercourse

Painful sex is not just “part of aging”. It’s a real, treatable symptom of menopause.

• Use vaginal moisturizer or lubricant during intercourse

• Discuss with your healthcare provider if low dose vaginal estrogen is appropriate for you.

• Consider a pelvic floor therapist who can help if muscle tension or trauma is contributing.

• Slow down, communicate, and adapt with your partner. Consider exploring new types of intimacy.

Urinary incontinence

Leaking when you sneeze, laugh, or can’t make it to the bathroom in time? Menopause can bring changes to your bladder. Lower estrogen affects the strength of your pelvic floor and the tissues of the urinary tract.

• Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles that control your bladder.

• Pelvic floor physical therapy can transform your quality of life.

• Bladder retraining which consist of timed bathrooms visits can retrain urgency patterns.

• Topical vaginal estrogen can help restore tissue strength and support bladder function.

Weight gain

Many women notice weight gain, especially around the midsection, during perimenopause and menopause. It’s not just about “eating too much.” Hormonal shifts, a slowing metabolism, stress, and sleep disturbances all play a role.

• Focus on strength training as muscle is your metabolic secret weapon.

• Prioritize protein and fiber to help manage hunger and blood sugar

• Get serious about sleep as poor sleep equals stubborn weight.

• Manage your stress proactively as cortisol is a major player in weight gain.

Experiencing these symptoms? Check out www.mymenoplan.org to create a MenoPlan which will provide you with strategies to manage your symptoms.