7 Subtle Signs Of Menopause People Often Miss

When a woman is nearing menopause age, she undergoes a lot of changes that reflect in her physical, psychological and emotional health. While the average age of menopause ranges from 45-55, a lot of women are experiencing early menopause due to poor lifestyle and dietary habits. While weight gain, hot flashes and irregular periods are the initial signs of menopause, there are many other symptoms that women often ignore which subtly indicate perimenopause. Tammana Singh, Menopause Coach and founder, Menoveda shares seven signs of menopause that women often miss.

Subtle Signs of Menopause

Here are some signs that you might be entering the menopausal age.

1. Vaginal DrynessIf your intimate area has become drier and itchier as it used to be, it could be hinting towards menopause. As we all know menopause comes when estrogen or female hormone levels reduce in the body. These decreased levels cause thinning of vulvar tissue that makes the skin itchy and susceptible to inflammation. This also increases the risk of urinary infections.
2. Increased urinationLack of estrogen may interfere with bladder functions where you may feel a sudden urge to urinate (urgency symptom) but you may not pass on urine. Additionally, increased load on the bladder may also cause UTI and other severe issues. To identify if this could be a menopausal symptom, watch out for triggers like caffeine, acidic food, citrus food and alcohol.
3. Tender BreastsBreast tenderness is a common sign of periods but this could also be a warning sign of menopause. Women who experience sore nipples and tender breasts in their 40s could be in the perimenopause phase. It is advised to see a doctor if your breasts are unbearably painful and sore. Practise good dietary and lifestyle habits to alleviate the symptoms.
4. Sleep issuesHormonal changes can severely impact your sleep cycles. Women who are nearing menopause are highly likely to experience insomnia and sleep disruption. While this could also be due to increased stress levels, if you experience sleep issues along with other signs, you must consult your gynaecologist for menopause.
5. DizzinessThis is one of the primary and subtlest signs of menopause that often goes overlooked. Fluctuating hormone levels hamper blood sugar stability due to which you may experience regular episodes of dizziness.
6. Mood SwingsMood swing is a prominent sign of PMS but perimenopausal women experience it a lot and often neglect it. This impacts their emotional and psychological health which further impacts their personal and professional relationships. Family members must extend support during this time to reduce the impact.
7. Decreased LibidoWhen you are entering the menopausal phase, you would experience a reduced sex drive. This is another sign that women ignore linking it to high mental stress and fatigue. The lowering of estrogen hormonal levels causes reducing libido that you should not ignore.

These subtle signs of menopause can impact your overall health. Consult an experienced doctor or menopause coach to overcome the issues and manage menopausal symptoms effectively.