Unveiling the Unexpected: Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is often associated with well-known vasomotor symptoms (VMS) like hot flashes and night sweats, but it encompasses a much wider range of issues. According to a HuffPost article, there are 62 recognized menopause symptoms, spanning from cognitive changes to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and sexual changes.
While we have previously explored lesser-known symptoms such as skin and hair changes and formication (itching), this article will delve into additional symptoms that women can experience and potential solutions. Although every symptom won’t be covered, the goal is to illuminate the surprising ways menopause can impact different aspects of life.
Joint Pain
Over 50 percent of menopausal women experience joint pain or arthralgia, a condition associated with hormonal changes and muscle loss (1). Estrogen plays a key role in reducing inflammation. As estrogen levels decline, inflammation and stiffness increase, explains Sarah Bonza, MD, MPH, a board-certified physician specializing in lifestyle and functional medicine and founder of Bonza Health, a holistic practice dedicated to helping menopausal women.
Low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga are great for reducing joint pressure and inflammation, says Dr. Bonza. Regular exercise helps manage menopause-related joint pain and can prevent weight gain that adds stress to bones and joints (2).
Other strategies to help with joint pain include (2):
A nutritious diet with anti-inflammatory foods
Calming activities such as journaling, meditation, and therapy
Over-the-counter pain relief medications
Applying ice or heat
Acupuncture
Supplements that promote joint health
It can also help to address other factors commonly linked to chronic pain and menopause, such as fatigue, poor sleep, sexual dysfunction, and depression. (3)
Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and treatment options. Remember that medications, including HRT, should be evaluated carefully, considering your medical history and weighing the risks versus benefits.
Oral Health Changes
The oral mucous membrane is similar to the vaginal mucous membrane in both structure and response to estrogens. Changes in estrogen levels can impact oral health in menopausal women, leading to various issues such as (4):
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Burning mouth syndrome
Increased dental caries
Taste changes
Atrophic gingivitis
Periodontitis
Osteoporotic jaws
Good oral care and regular dental checkups are crucial, says Dr. Bonza. Helpful actions include (4):
Proper tooth-brushing technique
Flossing
Using fluoride toothpaste
Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash (prescription germicidal mouthwash)
Adequate oral liquid intake
Local application of certain medications
HRT can improve oral health, but more research is needed to confirm its effects and those of other treatments in menopausal women. Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on the cause and microflora. (4)
Migraines
The years around menopause see an increased susceptibility to migraines due to fluctuating estrogen levels before they stabilize at low levels (5). “Migraines are not solely characterized by headaches; they can also present with atypical symptoms such as vertigo and loud tinnitus (ringing in the ears),” explains Hamid Djalilian, MD, Chief Medical Advisor at NeuroMed Tinnitus Clinic. “Consequently, it's not uncommon for women to experience new onset vertigo or tinnitus (or a worsening of these symptoms) during the hormonal fluctuations of menopause.”
Migraine remedies include (5, 6):
Exercise
Stress management
Avoiding triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and foods with tyramine
Applying a cold compress
Resting in a quiet, dark place
Staying hydrated
Getting a massage
Using over-the-counter pain relievers
Vitamin E
Acupuncture
Antidepressants like escitalopram (Lexapro) and venlafaxine (Effexor) (which can also help with VMS)
Low-dose HRT may be suitable for some perimenopausal and menopausal women, particularly those with low cardiovascular risks starting in their 40s and 50s. However, some migraine types are associated with higher cardiovascular risks. (5, 7)
A primary care doctor can start treatment for migraines, and symptoms like vertigo and tinnitus often improve with these initial therapies, notes Dr. Djalilian. If symptoms are severe and don't respond to initial treatments, he recommends consulting a neurologist.
Body Odor
Changes in body odor during menopause are primarily due to declining estrogen levels and stress. Lower estrogen reduces blood vessel expansion, impairing the body’s ability to release heat, which can lead to hot flashes and night sweats. Combined with shifts in body bacteria, this can result in a musky scent. Additionally, anxiety can increase "stress sweat," which affects body odor differently than regular sweat. (8)
To help with body odor, Dr. Bonza recommends changing the type of clothing worn. Breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials allow air to circulate and can help keep sweat from lingering. Choosing loose-fitting clothing can further reduce sweat buildup and improve ventilation.
A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants can also help, Dr. Bonza adds. Other helpful solutions include (8):
Frequent application of deodorant or antiperspirant
Staying well-hydrated
Taking a probiotic to support good bacteria in the vaginal canal
Stress management
If unusual or persistent body odor continues, consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment to rule out other causes and to reduce the risk of complications.
Menopause brings a variety of symptoms beyond the typical hot flashes and night sweats. Joint pain, oral health changes, migraines, and body odor changes are just a few of the lesser-known issues women may face. Each woman’s experience is unique, so what unexpected symptoms have you encountered, and what remedies have worked for you? Let’s talk about it.
Written by: Johna Burdeos
Resources:
Blumer J. Arthralgia of menopause - A retrospective review. Post Reprod Health. 2023 Jun;29(2):95-97. doi: 10.1177/20533691231172565.
Healthline. Why Does Joint Pain Get Worse Around Menopause?
Magliano M. Menopausal arthralgia: Fact or fiction. Maturitas. 2010 Sep;67(1):29-33. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.04.009.
Suri V, Suri V. Menopause and oral health. J Midlife Health. 2014 Jul;5(3):115-20. doi: 10.4103/0976-7800.141187.
Ornello R, De Matteis E, Di Felice C, Caponnetto V, Pistoia F, Sacco S. Acute and Preventive Management of Migraine during Menstruation and Menopause. J Clin Med. 2021 May 24;10(11):2263. doi: 10.3390/jcm10112263.
Healthline. Top Strategies to Try for Migraine Relief.
Association of Migraine Disorders. Migraine During Perimenopause and Menopause.
Healthline. Is There a Relationship Between Menopause and Body Odor?