What's been your strangest peri/menopause symptom?

[Karen_C]

As a woman's health coach that specializes in midlife and menopause I've heard it all...or I thought I had until I started experiencing what feels like being shocked with a live wire.  It's these little pops that feel like something is zapping my skin.  I feel it most on my neck, shoulders, quads, and back.  And yes it is a real menopause symptom.  

Since you're hormones are messengers and they are running a little wonky in perimenopause, it can mess with the messages transited in nervous system and that is explains the pops of electricity.  It doesn't hurt just super annoying. 

But I'd love to hear from you  . . . what's been your strangest peri/menopause symptom? 

[KarliNewman]

Hi, @Karen_C! I haven’t heard of that symptom, so thanks for sharing. The most bothersome symptoms I’ve experienced have been episodes of benign positional vertigo and memory issues where I really thought I was starting to experience dementia. The memory issues faded years ago, but my vertigo still flares now and again. Sharing our ‘unusual’ symptoms is a good idea because they probably are more common than we think. It’s so much more than hot flashes!

[monicaL903]

I've had BPV as well (as did my mother, and I'm told there is a genetic link). I got tremendous relief from visiting a physical therapist who performed the Epley maneuver on me. The vertigo lifted almost immediately. Since I'm prone to it, I'll likely be making visits to the PT with each episode, but it's wonderful to know there is a remedy. 

[DianaD93]

I have had vertigo as well, although it was not BPV.   It was closer to PPPD (another variation of vertigo).

[Karen_C]

@KarliNewman I have major issues with vertigo as well, it got so bad I ended up in the ER.  Something to be aware of  . . . again, conversations that need to be had.  Thank you for sharing 

[KarliNewman]

An ER visit for vertigo must have been miserable - I hope your episodes become less intense. Thanks again for starting the conversation.

[kathleenruns]

thanks everyone for sharing.  I've had on and off joint pain that impacted my day to day life (and kept me from running!).  Right now I'm feeling fine - hopefully didn't jinx myself there!

[Karen_C]

This is a common one too.  Again it all leads to the drop in hormones.  Gut health is also tied to joint pain.  You may be experiencing foods that no longer sit well.  I hope you find some relief, as a runner I know this can be super frustrating!!   

[dorothyt51]

I have had the post menopause live wire shock in my posterior thoracic area, always  on one side. I have for the past several months done an exercise in prone with weights on my shoulder blades, extend thoracic area-lift up slightly against gravity.  6 reps of 20 sec holds-no more live wire events.

[AmyM673]

Just this weekend, a friend told me she heard that racing heart was also associated with perimenopause and I just had to groan/laugh because a couple of years ago I went through a bunch of testing thinking something was wrong with me. NONE of the doctors I talked to mentioned that a racing heart could be related to menopause. I had a few ECGs, an ultrasound of my heart, wore a monitor at home, etc. Doctors didn't find anything to be concerned about on any of the testing. I usually get a bout of racing heart in the morning while I'm brushing teeth or eating breakfast — not doing anything strenuous, just sort of moving through my morning routine. 

[KarliNewman]

You bring up such a good point - research, training, and knowledge of peri/menopause is minimal for doctors (unless they specialize). Women’s healthcare is different than men’s - we need more data and information specific to us!

[ToinetteB]

I went through the exact same thing last year. I had racing heart; it was usually out of nowhere, not while doing anything strenuous and it happened about once per month. After doctors visits, an ECG, an ultrasound, and a heart monitor; they found nothing wrong. Thank God. No one ever mentioned menopause.

[Karen_C]

I hear this from a lot of my perimenopausal clients.  Heart racing, palpitations - all "common" but not really talked about.  Let's keep sharing . . . the more we can educate ourselves, the more we can educate our female friends, family members, kiddos and even grandkids! 

[Karen_C]

I hear this from a lot of my perimenopausal clients.  Heart racing, palpitations - all "common" but not really talked about.  Let's keep sharing . . . the more we can educate ourselves, the more we can educate our female friends, family members, kiddos and even grandkids! 

[CynthiaS042]

Wow! Thank you for sharing. I’ve been having bouts of what feels like a racing, pounding heart especially at bedtime. I had NO idea it could be due to perimenopause. The hot flashes, that I was ready for. 😉

[Jojo3]

Just when I thought I heard them all!!  I just have the typical hot flashes and trouble sleeping, but I just started.  I can't wait for this roller coaster to end!  Does it end...wait, don't tell me.  I like to think it will!

[KarliNewman]

We each have our own journey, but can come together in the experience! Chats like this help and opening up with friends, moms, sisters, daughters is important, too. I’m almost to the official milestone of menopause (hasn’t quite been a year since my last period) but I can say it becomes more like a kiddie-coaster than a full blown loopty loop!

[Karen_C]

There's a list of over 40 "common symptoms.  It's crazy!!  Yes, it ends or at least gets better - as you know, lifestyle habits make it or break it when it comes to how you experience the transition 

[Krystyn13]

Thank you for this post..I was unaware of most of these symptoms. I have only experienced the common symptoms…hot flashes, joint pain and trouble with weight loss…hoping I don’t experience any of these other symptoms. 

[Karen_C]

It can get pretty crazy, the best thing to do is be educated about "the change" .  Every time I post on my Instagram account about symptoms, ladies are always surprised to hear about one more thing they need to look for lol!

[chodizz]

I think I know what you’re talking about, but this is the first time I’ve heard of someone else experiencing something like this. Does this happen to you in your jaw area, or is everyone different?

[ErikaR17]

That is so interesting you mention that. I’ve been having that feeling in my left shoulder blade for months now along with, memory problems, sleep apnea, mood swings and many other things. But of course my blood work says I’m not peri menopausal. I personally don’t believe it. If it’s not peri menopausal symptoms then what is it?!?! Thanks ladies for sharing about what you’ve been going thru. It’s nice to know that what I experiencing is normal and I’m not alone 😬. 

[Ambermellano]

How frustrating! I wonder if your hormone levels just don’t fall into “normal” ranges but they’re low for YOUR normal? Now at least you have a baseline to compare to. 

[taraa5]

I have really bad eczema around my eyes. They have become so sensitive I have had to change and limit everything I use for cleansing, moisturizing, and makeup. Things I had used for 10+ years I can’t use anymore.