Menopause can last several years, and it’s full of unknowns — especially if you haven’t been diagnosed yet and aren’t entirely sure what’s going on with your body.
No matter what stage you’re at, tracking your menopause symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider make sense of any changes you’re noticing and explore potential treatments.
The Ovia app makes it easy to log how you’re feeling physically and mentally, monitor changes, and keep track of new or ongoing symptoms. Here are some of the most important symptoms to track in Ovia!
General menopause symptoms
Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most widely known menopause symptoms. But what many don’t realize is that the end of menstruation can also involve chills and cold sweats. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to get comfortable, take note and let your provider know.
Hormonal fluctuations might also lead to weight gain. You absolutely don’t need to step on the scale regularly if that’s not your thing, but you might notice some changes to your body shape. During menopause, some people notice that their bodies shift from carrying more weight below the waist (in the hips and thighs) to carrying more weight above the waist.
Hair and skin
You might notice your hair isn’t as thick as it once was or be alarmed by substantial fallout. Rushing to your hairstylist is an understandable response, but you’re also wise to keep track of when this started and how long it lasts.
Some people experience brittle nails and complexion issues, like dry skin, itchiness, or loss of collagen and elasticity (which usually shows up in the form of fine lines and wrinkles). This is just a natural part of aging, but there are some things you can do.
Head and neck
Symptoms surrounding the head and neck include dry or irritated eyes, dry mouth, or problems with the gums. And some will experience frequent headaches.
Chest and back
Menopause might lead to stiff or achy muscles in the back or other areas of the body, and hot flashes can cause red splotches on your chest or back. Heart palpitations (a racing or fluttering heartbeat) could be a sign the ovaries are producing less estrogen.
You might also notice sagging or loss of fullness in your breasts. It’s always good to let your medical provider know about any breast changes so they can recommend an exam if necessary.
Stomach and pelvic area
Hormonal shifts can lead to gastrointestinal issues, like acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion (upset stomach). You could also experience vaginal dryness and issues with urinating, such as incontinence (loss of bladder control), a stronger urge to urinate, or pain when you do. You can log all these symptoms in Ovia.
Arms and legs
You may notice tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or other body parts. Restless leg syndrome can be a symptom of menopause too — adding to the list of things that make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep and lifestyle
Speaking of sleep, the Ovia app is a great place to track sleep changes and concerns. This might include insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or frequent wake-ups. You can also log your eating habits, medications, supplements, and exercise.
Mental function
Changes to your mood or mental function can occur during menopause as well. While it might be par for the course, it’s good to keep track of things like crying spells, panic attacks, memory problems, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating.
Many of these symptoms might feel overwhelming (especially when you’re experiencing a few of them at once), but keep in mind that there are treatment options and that many of these symptoms will fade at the end of menopause. The first step you can take is to note how you’re feeling physically and emotionally so you can find the best treatment plan for you.
Start logging your symptoms with Ovia today.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Menopause.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.
- “Menopause.” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. October 5, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause.
- “What Is Menopause?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause.
- Infantino M. “The prevalence and pattern of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in perimenopausal and menopausal women.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2008. 20(5):266-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2008.00316.x. PMID: 18460167. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18460167/.
- “Menopause and mental health.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/menopause-and-mental-health.
- “Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. November 25, 2019. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-menopause-causing-your-mood-swings-depression-or-anxiety/.
- Bilodeau. “Sleep, stress, or hormones? Brain fog during perimenopause.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-stress-or-hormones-brain-fog-during-perimenopause-202104092429.
- “Sleep Problems and Menopause: What Can I Do?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep-problems-and-menopause-what-can-i-do.
- “A Good Night’s Sleep.” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). November 03, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep#insomnia.
