Weird and unexpected symptoms of perimenopause & menopause

Perimenopause, or the menopause transition, is a natural progression in a woman’s life when the reproductive system gradually slows in the lead up to menopause, which is reached when there has been an absence of a period for 12 months. In perimenopause, hormonal changes mean that oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate considerably, moving towards a gradual decline, which also affects progesterone and testosterone.

You will likely have heard of or experienced the classic well known symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flushes, fatigue, and mood changes; however, today we are going to talk about some of the weirder and lesser-spoken-about symptoms such as vaginal dryness, dry skin, bloating and brain fog, and what you can do to reduce them!

Vaginal dryness and intimate health

Let’s start with one of the least spoken about symptoms affecting women: vaginal dryness. Intimate health issues are a significant factor affecting the lives of women in perimenopause and vaginal dryness can cause both day-to-day discomfort and have negative effects on sexual health. This is caused by the changes in oestrogen affecting the mucus membranes found in the vagina causing dryness, which can also affect the eyes, nose and ears.

To support vaginal dryness Sea Buckthorn Oil provides a rich and unique combination of fatty acids, including phytonutrients and omega-7 that help nourish the mucus membrane and help prevent dryness.

Loss of bladder control, urinary incontinence and UTIs are common at this time and are also associated with hormonal changes that cause a thinning of the walls of the bladder and urethra, weakening the pelvic floor and reducing the elasticity of the vaginal tissue. To support these areas of intimate health alongside pelvic floor exercises, the following nutrients may be of benefit:

• Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function, which may help reduce bladder spasms
• D-mannose can bind to bacteria in UTIs to prevent its adhesion and replication
• Live bacteria supplements containing lactobacillus species support urogynaecological health

Skin health

One of oestrogen's jobs is to support skin elasticity and hydration by maintaining levels of collagen and sebum to keep skin healthy and moisturized. Women experiencing perimenopause and beyond often experience dry, itchy, and irritated skin, and some may even develop eczema-type symptoms due to this reduced collagen and natural oil production.

You may think that acne is reserved for puberty, but hormonal acne can happen at any age, including perimenopause, due to fluctuations in hormones. Changes in testosterone levels may also result in excess oil and promote spots and acne. To support the health of the skin during this time:

• Ensure adequate omega-3 intake from healthy fats such as oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and omega-3 supplements
• Include vitamin C-rich foods to naturally support collagen production
• Collagen supplementation can also support skin elasticity and firmness

Bloating and gas

Digestive changes, including constipation, bloating, gas, and heartburn, are common during this transitional time due to... you guessed it, hormonal fluctuations! Oestrogen helps regulate fluid balance in the body and increases of oestrogen during these fluctuations may cause the body to retain more water, while lower progesterone levels can slow the digestive process, leading to slower transit times and gas and bloating. Hormonal changes also impact liver and bile health, which are needed for motility and food digestion. To support digestion during perimenopause:

• Increase dietary intake of bitter foods such as dandelion, rocket, radishes, and turmeric, before food to help stimulate bile flow, support digestion, and reduce bloating and gas
• Include liver-supportive, fibre-rich foods such as cruciferous veggies, and consider herbal supplements containing dandelion, burdock, artichoke, and turmeric to support hormone metabolism and excretion
• Due to changes in the gut in perimenopause, probiotics may be useful in supporting the balance of the microbiome, the gut environment, and food breakdown

Brain function

Oestrogen helps support feel-good brain chemicals, such as the neurotransmitters serotonin and acetylcholine, having a positive effect on energy, mood, and focus. Many brain regions involved in memory and learning are rich in oestrogen receptors, and so when levels of these hormones begin to fluctuate and decline, so too can attention, memory, and the ability to retain information. Some researchers also believe that oestrogen helps support neural health, which is vital for the optimal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Furthermore, the adrenal glands take on some oestrogen production going into menopause, making stress management extremely important in preventing physical and mental fatigue. To support brain health, memory, and cognition:

• Omega-3, vitamin D, and B vitamins are all important nutrients to consider, alongside specific adaptogens such as Ashwagandha to support stress levels
• Both Lion's Mane and Bacopa Monnieri have been found to support learning and memory

Oral health

As hormone levels fluctuate, you may experience increased sensitivity and dryness in the mouth, including receding or bleeding gums and burning mouth. Teeth sensitivity can often be due to receding gums and decreased production of saliva due to changes in hormone levels, which can lead to persistent dry mouth. Burning mouth syndrome is experienced as a painful burning sensation or tingling that affects the lips, gums, and tongue. While the exact cause is unknown, fluctuating and declining oestrogen levels have been thought to contribute due to its role in inflammation and the maintenance of nerve tissue. Pain and inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, is common during menopause as hormonal changes can impact the body’s ability to fight infections and maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the mouth. Alongside good dental hygiene to support oral health:

• Omega-7 or Sea Buckthorn supports mucus membranes in the mouth to help reduce dryness
• Ensure good levels of nutrients, including B12, iron, zinc, and antioxidant protection
• Limit sugar as this feeds the not-so-beneficial bacteria in the mouth and contributes to overall inflammation
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash and instead opt for a more natural Aloe vera alternative

Overall support during this time may also be sought from phytochemicals such as soy isoflavones and other phytoestrogens, which can have a mild oestrogenic effect to help reduce symptoms. Dietary phytoestrogens include soybeans and soy products such as tofu and tempeh, flaxseeds, and cruciferous veggies.