Tremors, chest tightness, and tinnitus are amongst the most unexpected menopause symptoms. Many women may be experiencing these symptoms but fail to make the connection to menopause. Whilst awareness of common menopause symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog, and weight gain is high, a lot of women aren’t making the link between other health struggles in relation to menopause.
Tremors
Tremors, defined as a neurological condition that includes shaking or trembling movements in one or more parts of the body, most commonly affecting a person’s hands – was the most unexpected menopause symptom associated with menopause. Linked to falling levels of oestrogen, this can impact nerve function. Oestrogens and androgens exert a powerful regulatory effect on the central and peripheral nervous systems so when either of these important sex hormones is in flux (in perimenopause) or persistently low (post-menopause), this regulatory effect is lost resulting in changes to how nerves function.
Tremors are a manifestation of dysregulated messaging through the nerves, and therefore be a symptom of perimenopause or menopause. If tremors are linked to menopause, it’s important that other causes are ruled out and treated alongside. Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if appropriate.
Chest tightness
Whilst chest tightness could be linked to something more serious; chest tightness, a new awareness of your heartbeat, or the sensation of heart skipping or racing are the second most unexpected menopause symptoms. At menopause, we see rates of cardiovascular disease level up in women. With lower levels of circulating oestrogen, our blood lipid profiles become less favourable. This means there are more low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) and less high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol), which can contribute to the narrowing of arteries.
Oestrogens also exert a potent anti-inflammatory effect. When these levels change in perimenopause and menopause, we are at higher risk of abnormal inflammatory responses within blood vessels, increasing our risk of heart disease and strokes. Oestrogens promote relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, so when levels are fluctuant or low our blood vessels may become more reactive and tense. This increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles, including the heart. This may manifest as a sensation of tightness or difficulty catching breath.
These symptoms respond well to lifestyle optimisation. It is imperative that primary cardiovascular or other causes of these symptoms are ruled out and treated.
Tinnitus
Ringing ears is another condition not usually associated with menopause. Tinnitus is often only deemed as a condition from the result of natural age-related hearing loss. However, this condition is also linked to hormonal changes perimenopausal and menopausal women face.
As oestrogen and progesterone decline, this can also impact auditory systems. Oestrogen especially has been shown to contribute to the development and maintenance of auditory pathways in the brain, revealing how low levels of the hormone may impact hearing. Often described as “ringing in the ears”, tinnitus can also manifest as buzzing, humming, grinding, pulsing, whistling or hissing.
The underlying cause is not fully understood but is likely to be multifactorial and unlikely due to hormonal changes alone, which may explain why it is not a universal experience. Tinnitus that is pulsatile or associated with dizziness or hearing loss must be assessed by a Doctor as could be due to a serious cause. As well as considering stress reduction, improving sleep and considering HRT, the mainstay of treatment is to reduce the perception of symptoms by distraction sound therapy, CBT or tinnitus retraining therapy.
Bleeding Gums
Gum disease can develop due to lower levels of oestrogen, causing bleeding gums. This can also cause gum inflammation, mouth & gum tenderness, dry mouth and bad breath. There are often other reasons which can contribute to gum disease that are more common than menopause. However, low oestrogen levels can impact oral health as it increases the chances of gum disease.
Dialling up dental hygiene is important at this stage. See your Dentist and Hygienist regularly, and eat a diet that is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C and prebiotic-packed plants. Avoid excess sugar, alcohol and acidic drinks, and stop smoking. Consider breathing exercises to promote nasal rather than mouth breathing, particularly overnight.
When looking at regulating menopause symptoms more generally through diet, we should focus on eating a good source of protein. Include lots of plants and some healthy fats. Try to minimise snacking, alcohol and ultra-processed foods. Also, aim for three calcium sources a day. For example, dairy, fortified plant milk, sardines, broccoli, tofu, almonds, kale, spinach, white beans and oranges are all good sources.
Supplements are highly individual and most are not necessary (beware of meno washing!). Creatine Monohydrate is very helpful for menopausal women (all women in fact!). It helps with muscle building and stamina. Recent research is now linking it with brain benefits. As always, please check with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
LivingBetter50 is a magazine for women over 50, offering an over 50 magazine free download for women of spirit!
The post Which Menopause Symptoms May You be Missing appeared first on LivingBetter50.