Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause may overlap with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS. For example reducing oestrogen levels can cause:
Dry eyes, itchy ears, tinnitus, restless legs, pins and needles, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain, numbness and tingling in fingers/ hand).
Musculoskeletal changes like increased joint pain and stiffness, decreased muscle tone, strength and endurance onset of, or worsening Osteoarthritis.
Cognitive changes and impaired brain function: brain fog. These changes are temporary but for some can be profound. They include difficulty learning or remembering things, problems with concentration, and word retrieval.
Temperature regulation changes such as hot flushes, sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you feel dizzy.
Variable blood glucose levels post menopause. You can experience bigger and more frequent blood sugar dips and slower processing of glucose in the body during the evening.
Difficulty sleeping: this may be difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is not uncommon to wake feeling unrefreshed making you feel tired and irritable during the day.
Fatigue. It is common to have reduced energy levels causing difficulty meeting physical, mental/cognitive, social, emotional or sensory demands in the day.
Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual.
Mood changes: increased anxiety and depression.
Book: ‘Menopausing. The positive roadmap to your second spring’. By Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter
Overview | Menopause: identification and management | Guidance | NICE
Menopause – NHS
The Menopause Charity – Menopause Facts, Advice and Support
Women’s Health Concern | Confidential Advice, Reassurance and Education
Panorama – The Menopause Industry Uncovered – BBC iPlayer
Laura Clark – The Menopause Dietitian – Master your midlife through menopause
We are the leading gynae cancers charity – The Eve Appeal
5-Minute Kitchen Workout: Quick Fitness Routine / Dr Chatterjee