When you started to experience the first menopause signs and symptoms, you probably expected some common things like
- hot flashes,
- night sweats,
- mood swings.
(And yes, we have information about those too!)
But you may also experience some other strange symptoms that you never associated with menopause.
Sometimes these weird things are piling up until you ask yourself: “What has happened to me in the last six months? Have I just gone from being fine to being old in such a short time?”
Here is a list of these weird menopause signs and symptoms you may not have heard about:
- Hair Growth In The Wrong Places
- “Electric Shock” Sensation / Tingling Extremities
- Strange skin problems
- New or increased allergies
- Brittle Nails
- Gum and Dental Problems
So here we will give you the information and the possible treatment options for those strange menopause signs and symptoms. At the end of the page we give you the link to the “normal” menopause signs and symptoms.
When your hormones get out of balance during menopause, sometimes testosterone dominates over the female hormones – hence these strange, coarse hairs that grow on the chin, upper arms or other weird places. Some women develop a “woman’s beard”.
But there are other reasons for this condition as well, that are due to genetic differences and heritage. Even before menopause, women vary widely in the amount of body and facial hair.
If this is a new symptom that just started with menopause you may be able to treat it, or at least keep these coarse hairs in check. Adding estrogen will help but there are also some natural remedies. Two kinds of herbs may help: hormone balancing herbs and herbs that provide a weak form of estrogen (phytoestrogens).
Hormone Balancing Herbs:
- Maca
- Ashwagandha
Phytoestrogens:
- Black Cohosh
- Red Clover
- Hops
“Electric Shock” Sensation / Tingling Extremities
The electric shock sensation is caused by the dropping estrogen levels that are causing other skin and nerve conditions as well (dry itchy skin, anxiety attacks, and dizziness).
Estrogen is important for stimulating the neurotransmitters that keep your nervous system in good condition. As the estrogen drops, not enough neurotransmitters are produced which in turn causes the symptoms.
To get relief from skin related menopause sign and symptoms; try to incorporate some natural remedies containing plant estrogen (phytoestrogens) like Black Cohosh or Red Clover. Ashwagandha
If this does not help, you may have to talk to your health care professional about hormone therapy.
Strange Skin Problems
You have probably noticed the additional wrinkles and the dryer skin. But there are some rather weird skin conditions that have the same cause:
- Feeling that something is crawling on your skin
- Tingling
- Feeling that something is pricking your skin
- Uncomfortable sensation when skin is touched
All these menopause signs are related to the breakdown in collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein that gives your skin and tissue its structure.
The reason for the symptom is the drop in estrogen, which plays an important role in the collagen production. It is also instrumental for the maintenance of the natural skin oils. So this symptom is related to dry skin.
Use good moisturizers but also eat a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, soy, nuts, flaxseed etc). Add fruits and vegetables full of vitamins (especially B complex).
Drink plenty of water or herbal teas and avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and soda.
Natural remedies to support collagen production are:
- Vitamin C
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- Avocado extract
- Silica (long use in Europe for Hair, Nail and Skin) such as BioSil
- Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM
New or Increased Allergies
Menopause is a time when many women find that their allergies are getting worse. Some even develop new allergies. Researchers believe that the fluctuating hormone levels and subsequent interference on cell receptors are the cause, but this has not been well researched.
There are some early indications that Progesterone
We also know that this is one of the few menopause signs and symptoms where it helps to be less than skinny: Thin women appear to have worse allergy symptoms during menopause. Fenugreek
Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are also caused by lack of estrogen. Estrogen is instrumental in the fluid regulation of the body. (Too much estrogen for example is the reason for water retention).
To combat dry, brittle nails, add Vitamin C, folic acid and calcium to your diet.
If you can, eat or drink gelatin
Gum and Dental Problems
Dentists say that they can predict when a woman enters menopause by changes in their teeth and gums. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the body looses bone strength, including in the bones that surround the teeth. Additionally, saliva and calcium absorption are negatively affected.
During menopause, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Also regular dental check-ups can prevent gum problems and the loss of teeth.
It is also a good idea to take calcium with vitamin D
A Final Word on the Weird Menopause Signs and Symptoms
Obviously, not every woman will experience these menopause signs and symptoms. And they are not considered “classical” menopause symptoms. Most doctors would say they are related to aging or have nothing to do with hormones at all.
We were trying to point out that some of the strange things that is happening to you might be related to the changes in your hormones. Call it aging, call it menopause. But whatever you think, it is important to understand that some of the things that you experience during menopause are all related.
This alone will hopefully give you some peace of mind – it helped us through this trying time.
The natural remedies can help you to deal with your menopause signs and symptoms. But first talk to your health care provider if you experience any changes in your body. You need to rule out any serious illness before you try any of the natural remedies. Then you can make up your own mind – weird menopause sign or getting older. We know were we came down on this issue!