Since 2009, the International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has designated October as World Menopause Awareness Month, with October 18 being celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Did you know that on average, women will experience up to 10 different symptoms of menopause?
The most common are:
ü Headaches
ü Hot flashes
ü Insomnia
ü Weight gain
ü Mood changes
ü Memory problems and reduced levels of concentration
ü Night sweats
ü Thinning hair, dry skin, and dry eyes
ü Vaginal dryness
ü Breast tenderness
ü Joint pain
ü Irregular periods
However there are a number of unusual symptoms that women may experience, and these may not be as widely recognised.
Two out ten women who are going through menopause will go through the experience of a sensation of insects crawling on or under their skin. This is called a tactile hallucination as the woman will feel this physical sensation without there being an actual physical cause. This will be mildly or severely itchy – a mild annoyance in reality, but can be unnerving if the cause is unknown.
Another unusual symptom is that of the sensation of a burning tongue. In this case the pain-sensitive nerve cells around the taste buds in the tongue may be activated. This may happen when oestrogen levels drop and can also lead to a metallic taste in your mouth, a dry mouth, tingling, and possibly even soreness.
More than 20% of women experience altered spatial awareness during menopause. This means that there will be a change in the depth perception of vision and can lead to clumsiness, especially when you combine this with the dry eyes and reduced levels of concentration that are also symptomatic of women going through menopause.
The consistency and volume of your vaginal discharge could also change as oestrogen levels decline. This will affect the balance of friendly microbes in the vaginal area and will increase the likelihood of vaginal infections, which could also lead to a potential smell, creating an unpleasant body odour.
Electric shock sensation (ESS) is another side effect that some women may experience during menopause. This sensation can feel like a rubber band snapping in the layer of tissue between the skin and muscle. The sensation can also be felt across the head as a precursor to a hot flash. The sensation is usually momentary but it can still cause pain or discomfort. It is not really understood what causes this menopause symptom. However, it is thought to be related to fluctuations in hormones, as oestrogen directly impacts the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
This may be an understandable reaction from any woman experiencing menopause.
But do not despair!
There are significant advances in science today, and there are many aids that can help women weather through this time with the minimum of discomfort.
Speak to your doctor for guidance – and embrace this stage in your life.
Are you interested in a comprehensive physical screening? Then speak to us to kick-start your journey to a healthier you.
Contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt.
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