It’s a transition period all women will eventually go through, but many are suffering in silence when it comes to menopause.
According to the Australasian Menopause Society, over 25 per cent of women report experiencing symptoms severe enough to impact their quality of life. Yet, many of these are still rarely discussed – and poorly understood.
While hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings are widely recognised, other lesser-known symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s wellbeing during peri- and post-menopause. Here, we delve into three of them.
Sleep issues
Sleep disturbances are one of the most common yet least talked about symptoms of menopause. As oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, many women find it increasingly difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
A study conducted by the Australasian Menopause Society found that up to 60 per cent of menopausal women experience insomnia, with many reporting difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Night sweats, a well-known symptom of menopause, can also contribute to sleep disturbances, causing women to wake up drenched and uncomfortable.
“If you have extreme sweating and sleep disturbance, it’s likely more of a hormonal issue than a sleep issue. This needs to be dealt with in the first instance with a chat with a women’s health specialist such as the ones at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health,” explains Dr Moira Junge, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Monash University and CEO of Sleep Health Foundation.
“Sometimes being restless, hot and sweaty at night can be a stress response, not just a reaction to hormonal changes.”
What’s particularly challenging about sleep troubles during menopause is that they can create a vicious cycle. Poor sleep can exacerbate other menopausal symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue, making it even harder to cope with the changes your body is going through.
“It usually doesn’t matter what causes it; it’s more important to consider the factors keeping the problems going. Sometimes this is the stress and anxiety about not sleeping and focusing on sleep too much,” says Dr Jung.
She says maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, limiting alcohol, and lowering stress levels can all help.
Skin issues
Another commonly overlooked aspect of menopause is its impact on the skin. Oestrogen significantly influences skin health, promoting collagen production, skin thickness, and moisture retention. As oestrogen levels decline, so too does the skin’s natural elasticity and hydration, leading to dryness, thinning, and an increase in wrinkles.
It can also lead to some women developing conditions like eczema or psoriasis for the first time in their lives. Additionally, the skin’s ability to heal slows down, meaning cuts, scrapes, and blemishes may take longer to disappear.
The sudden and visible changes to your skin can affect self-esteem, with some women noticing their skin ageing more rapidly during menopause, which only adds to the stress.
Dr Sonia Davison, an endocrinologist at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health says while these changes are a natural part of menopause, they can certainly be managed.
“Using moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, as well as regular sunscreen use can help maintain skin health,” she explains.
“Consider using gentle cleansers, moisturising regularly, and incorporating products with antioxidants like vitamin C to support your skin during menopause.”
However, if you experience persistent severe dryness, unexplained rashes, or significant changes in texture, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Joint pain
Many women are surprised to find that, along with the hot flushes and mood swings, their joints begin to ache more frequently during menopause. This is often due to the decline in oestrogen, which plays a protective role in maintaining joint and bone health.
Pain is most commonly experienced in the knees and hips but can also flare up around the shoulders, neck, elbows and hands. Ranging from mild discomfort to more severe, chronic pain, it’s one of the more debilitating symptoms.
“Menopause-related joint pain typically involves stiffness and swelling, and joints such as the hands, knees, and hips are often more susceptible, with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis,” explains Dr Davison.
The connection between menopause and joint pain isn’t solely due to the drop in oestrogen. Weight gain, which is common during menopause, can also put additional strain on the joints. Furthermore, menopause-related sleep disturbances can reduce the body’s ability to repair itself, exacerbating pain.
To manage symptoms, Dr Davison says it’s important to stay active. Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking can help keep joints flexible and reduce pain.
“Women can benefit from regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and maintaining a healthy weight to help reduce joint pain.”
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a not-for-profit organisation providing health services for women across Australia.
Related stories
What you need to know about migraines
Native ad body.
