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3 menopause symptoms you’ve never heard of

Everyone knows the big players in the menopause game: hot flashes, mood changes, and libido issues. But, let’s not let them hog the spotlight!

Here are 3 of the 34 symptoms of menopause that you may not know about:

#1 Burning mouth

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) affects 2% of the population, with higher incidence rates for women aged 40-60. As its name suggests, BMS causes a burning mouth sensation, along with dry mouth and an alteration of taste.

When it comes to the science behind it, the jury’s still out. But some believe it could be caused by a drop in estrogen levels, allergies, chronic stress/anxiety, depression, or nutritional deficiencies — all of which may be related in some way, shape, or form to fluctuating hormone levels in menopause. Learn more.


#2 Brittle Nails

30% of postmenopausal women experience a 30% reduction in blood flow to nail beds, resulting in rigid, brittle nails.

Estrogen levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause before steadily declining. And because this key hormone is responsible for regulating our tissue’s hydration, keratin, and collagen levels, nails are affected big time. Learn more.


#3 Gum Problems

60% of menopausal women who experience symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness also experience oral symptoms, including dry mouth, BMS, gum inflammation, and periodontitis.

During menopause, these conditions can be traced back to decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen helps prevent against the breakdown of teeth; progesterone supports bone metabolism. Hormones also help our teeth and gums fight off minor infections, and maintain a healthy supply of good-for-you bacteria. Learn more.


As one of our community members once said, “Not feeling like yourself is a scary feeling, but knowing why you feel like that, and knowing you aren’t the only one, helps tremendously.”

If you’re struggling with frustrating symptoms, know that you aren’t alone (and you aren’t going crazy!). There are actionable steps you can take to help ease your discomfort.

Are you experiencing one of these three symptoms? Email [email protected] to share your story – we’d love to hear from you!

What are the other menopause symptoms?


WHAT ELSE WE’RE READING

The history and debate of labeling women’s issues as “hormonal.”

It’s time to fuel up: there are now menopause energy bars!

“My hormones went off a cliff – and I’m not going to be ashamed”: kickass women in the UK are fighting the menopause stigma.

Sex doesn’t stop after age 40! 3 women talk relationships and intimacy after 40.


HEALTHY OBSESSIONS*

A hair, skin, and nails supplement

Containing seaweed, Biotin, and several vitamins, this one-stop-shop supplement helps promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.

An anti-anxiety notebook

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) helps to reduce stress by bringing awareness to thought patterns. This guided journal is a great place to start.

* We’re not paid to feature these products. We just like them and think you may like them too.


KEEP CALM AND ELEKTRA ON