A Non-Exhaustive List: 103 Symptoms Women May Experience in Peri/Menopause
Perimenopause is a powerful transitional stage leading up to menopause, driven by hormonal changes that can affect every part of a woman’s body and life. Some symptoms are supported by clinical research, while others have emerged through real-world reports and observational data.
Below, we’ve grouped 103 symptoms commonly associated with peri/menopause—beginning with 34 widely recognized symptoms explained in accessible terms, followed by 69 additional symptoms shared by women across diverse experiences. While not exhaustive, this list reflects the breadth and variability of how the menopause journey can unfold.
34 Peri/Menopause Symptoms Many Women Experience (Clinically Recognized & Commonly Reported)
Hot Flashes – Sudden and intense increases in body temperature due to hormonal fluctuations.
Night Sweats – Hot flashes that occur during sleep, often causing night-time awakenings.
Irregular Periods – Menstrual cycles become unpredictable before ceasing altogether.
Weight Changes – Declining estrogen levels contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
Breast Tenderness – Sore and tender breasts caused by fluctuating hormone levels.
Mood Swings – Emotional highs and lows due to shifting hormones.
Irritability – Increased irritability caused by poor sleep, stress, and hormonal imbalance.
Depression – Some women experience depressive symptoms, especially if they have a history of depression.
Anxiety – Increased nervousness and stress due to hormonal changes and lifestyle shifts.
Panic Disorder – Sudden and intense anxiety episodes leading to panic attacks.
Sleep Issues – Trouble falling or staying asleep, often linked to night sweats, anxiety, and nightmares.
Fatigue – Persistent low energy levels, often related to hormonal imbalances and poor sleep.
Decreased Libido – Reduced sexual desire due to hormonal fluctuations and vaginal dryness.
Headaches & Migraines – Hormone-related headaches or worsening migraines.
Vaginal Dryness – Estrogen decline causes vaginal tissues to become dry and less elastic.
Thinning Hair – Estrogen plays a role in hair growth, and its reduction leads to thinning hair.
Brittle Nails – Weakened nails due to decreased keratin production and hydration levels.
Bloating – Water retention and digestive changes causing abdominal discomfort.
Digestive Issues – Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating due to hormonal changes.
Brain Fog – Difficulty concentrating and increased mental fatigue.
Memory Problems – Forgetfulness and cognitive decline associated with estrogen loss.
Joint Pain (arthralgia) – Loss of estrogen’s anti-inflammatory effects can result in joint discomfort.
Muscle Aches – Increased soreness linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Osteoporosis Risk – Declining estrogen levels contribute to bone density loss.
Hives & Itchy Skin – Reduced collagen production can lead to dry, itchy skin and/or hives.
Dizziness & vertigo – Hormonal fluctuations may affect balance and blood sugar levels, leading to dizziness & vertigo.
Heart Palpitations – Sensation of irregular heartbeat triggered by hormonal imbalances.
Burning Tongue or Mouth – Oral discomfort linked to estrogen receptors in the mouth.
Changed Sense of Taste – Altered perception of taste caused by hormonal shifts.
Tingling Limbs – Sensations of numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or extremities.
Shock-like Sensations – Electrical shock sensations under the skin due to estrogen decline.
Allergies – Increased sensitivity to allergens due to hormonal fluctuations.
Urinary Changes – Frequent urination or incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Body Odor Changes – Sweat composition changes affecting body odor.
69 Additional Peri/Menopause Symptoms Shared by Women Worldwide
These remaining symptoms are based on observational data and self-reported experiences from women across diverse backgrounds and life stages.
Acidosis (A condition where the body accumulates excessive acid, disrupting the pH balance and potentially leading to fatigue, confusion, and shortness of breath.)
ADHD
Adrenal fatigue (exhaustion/insufficiency)
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Blind spots
Blood pressure fluctuations (high and low)
Blood sugar dysregulation
Breast size changes
Bruising
Burning scalp, tongue, and mouth
Burping
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Changes in body shape
Changes in sense of smell
Chills & cold flashes
Clumsiness
Crawling sensations
Difficulty swallowing
Double vision
Dry eyes, mouth, and tongue
Early waking & insomnia
Frozen shoulder
Hard bloated stomach
High cholesterol
High or low cortisol levels
Hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy)
Hot feet
Inflammation
Internal tremors/vibrations
Irregular heartbeat
Meibomian gland dysfunction (A common eye condition where the meibomian glands in the eyelids don’t produce enough oil, leading to dry, irritated, or inflamed eyes.)
Metabolic syndrome (A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.)
Muscle atrophy (sarcopenia)
Muscle cramps
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Ocular migraines
Pelvic and rectal pain
Phantom smells
Restless legs syndrome
Runny nose
Shortness of breath
Shoulder pain
Sleep apnea
Sore nipples
Tinnitus (A persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, often linked to age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, or underlying health conditions.)
TMJ issues
Urinary tract infections
Water retention
Abdominal pain
Acid reflux (indigestion)
Flatulence
Food allergies & sensitivities
Food aversions & cravings
Heartburn
High liver enzymes
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Metallic taste in the mouth
Lack of motivation, patience, and self-esteem
Lack of appetite
PMS symptoms
Prolapse (vaginal, uterine, rectal)
Acne
Dull Skin
Dry hair & frizzy hair
Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
Melasma (A skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches, usually on the face, caused by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic factors. It is common during pregnancy and menopause due to fluctuating estrogen levels.)
Unwanted hair growth
Wrinkles
Empowering Insights
While some symptoms may be mild, others can significantly impact your daily life and your longterm health. Seeking medical guidance, adopting lifestyle changes, and exploring holistic and medical treatment options can help you navigate peri/menopause with greater ease.
If you’re experiencing peri/menopause symptoms, know that you’re not alone. Support is available through educational resources, healthcare professionals, and wellness communities like Magnolia Collective. Prioritize your health and empower yourself with the knowledge and care you need to thrive during this transition.
Blog Publication Date: February 26th, 2025.
Sources:
Bonafide. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause? https://hellobonafide.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-34-symptoms-of-menopause
Morphus. 103 Symptoms of Menopause. https://wearemorphus.com/blogs/signs-and-symptoms
