When it comes to menopause, every woman knows to expect hot flashes. What your mother and physician might not have prepared you for is the full range of other symptoms you may experience during this new phase of life.
Dr. Lynne Ahn is a board-certified anti-aging regenerative medicine physician and integrative gastroenterologist who regularly helps women control their hormone levels and limit the negative side effects. Some of these side effects include:
Weight Gain
Hormone changes can play a role in slowing down your metabolism — as can aging in general. As a result, many women gain weight, particularly around their stomach and thighs. Diet and exercise are important if you are trying to avoid developing a belly.
Insomnia
You may also find that you have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep once menopause begins. Hot flashes and night sweats can make sleeping uncomfortable, disrupting your sleep. Furthermore, since melatonin is secreted (in part) by estrogen, having your estrogen dip can lower your production of this hormone that helps prompt your body to sleep.
Body Odor
Unfortunately, you may also smell worse at the onset of menopause. The excessive sweating that accompanies menopause can lead to body odor that requires more diligent hygiene habits. If you think you also notice that your B.O. smells different than it used to, you probably are not imagining it — that can happen as hormone levels change.
Inability to Concentrate
More than half of women report having periodic “brain fog” during menopause. Especially in the earliest stages of menopause, you may find yourself having difficulty concentrating and experience some memory lapses. Restoring estrogen can help diminish some of this fog.
Hair Loss
When estrogen and progesterone levels drop along with menopause, your lush hair is at risk. That happens because the loss of these female hormones leads to increased production of androgens, which are known to cause hair to thin and even fall out. Luckily, it is possible for many women to restore fuller, thicker hair once menopause is over.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is an unexplained discomfort that feels like a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth or on your lips. It can be triggered when your estrogen levels decline. About 20% to 30% of menopausal women experience this sometimes-painful symptom.
How to Deal with Menopause-Related Issues
Hormone therapy for women is one of the best routes for reducing the unwanted side effects of menopause. With options like estrogen patches, BHRT and pellets, Dr. Ahn can find you a solution to manage your menopause with comfort and grace. To learn more about potential treatments, please contact Ahn Point Wellness at (781) 237-1600.
