34 Menopause Symptoms: What To Expect When Your Period Stops

Have you been noticing lots of physical changes and feeling anxious or irritable, wondering what’s going on?  It may be one of these 34 menopause symptoms… signaling that you could be entering perimenopause.

Perimenopause is the natural transition between your reproductive years and when you stop getting your period. This phase is highly variable. It typically lasts 4-5 years but can last up to 12 years or more.

There is perhaps no stage in a woman’s life that is less straightforward than perimenopause. You are still getting your periods, but they’re unpredictable and inconsistent. And even though your cycle is fluctuating, you can still get pregnant. 

Perimenopause is when you might experience a wide range of symptoms, many sources list anywhere from 34 to 100 symptoms! There is a lot of overlap and they all agree about the most common two: hot flashes and night sweats. 

But don’t worry! The symptoms you experience are a natural part of your body’s adjustment to the hormonal changes. And here’s some good news: once your hormone levels stabilize to the new levels after you reach menopause, many of the symptoms resolve on their own.

Sometimes just knowing what to expect is the most helpful. Keep reading to learn the most common symptoms of menopause.

What are 34 symptoms of menopause?

There are numerous long lists of the signs and symptoms of menopause because the menopause transition varies so much among women. 

Most likely, you’ll experience some irregularity in your periods before they end and most women experience hot flashes and night sweats to some degree. But there is no way to predict what other symptoms you might have or their severity… including mood changes, sleep disruption, skin and weight changes. 

Here’s is list of menopause symptoms to give you an idea of what you might expect. Many of these will resolve on their own, but always keep up regular visits with your doctor for your preventive health care and mention any concerns, during and after menopause.

34 Menopause Symptoms

1. Irregular periods
2. Hot Flashes
3. Night Sweats
4. Weight gain/redistribution
5. Vaginal Dryness
6. Libido changes
7. Sore breasts
8. Headaches
9. Joint pain
10. Burning tongue
11. Gum problems
12. Digestive issues
13. Anxiety
14. Irritability
15. Sleep difficulties
16. Memory problems
17. Trouble concentrating
18. Extremity tingling
19. Dizziness
20. Fatigue
21. Hair thinning/loss
22. Tight muscles
23. Bladder leaks/incontinence
24. Changes in body odor
25. Brittle nails
26. Dry, itchy skin
27. Irregular heartbeat/palpitations
28. Feeling Blue
29. Loss of muscle mass 
30. Bone loss 
31. Bloating
32. Headaches
33. Recurrent UTI’s
34. Allergies or intolerances

34 Menopause Symptoms  FAQ’s

What are the worst menopause symptoms? 

A study of women in the earlier stages of perimenopause found that lack of sleep, particularly difficulty staying asleep, was reported as the most difficult symptom followed by memory issues, night sweats, and irritability.  

How bad can menopause make you feel?

If any menopause symptoms are interfering with your ability to enjoy your life, the most important thing you can do is connect with a skilled menopause practitioner. There is no need to suffer in silence.

There are many effective options for managing menopause symptoms, but it may take some time to figure out what works for you. 

Educating yourself and keeping track of your symptoms can help both you and your doctor target the best management options for your body and preferences.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a wide variety of menopause symptoms. You’ll find that knowing what you might experience is an important part of embracing your experience and being proactive about managing things your way. 

If you want to dive deeper, check out my Mastering Menopause program where you’ll find everything you need to manage and thrive,  all in one place!

Are you entering menopause? In the midst of  it now? I’d love to hear from you! Say hello in the comments below!