Marla Ahlgrimm reports that a few of these are:
- Body odor. Changing hormone don’t only affect the reproductive system but the skin and perspiration glands as well, leaving a woman scrambling to find a new deodorant that works with her newfound – and unfortunately unpleasant – odor.
- Breast tenderness. Many women associate breast tenderness with pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. Menopausal women also experience breast discomfort.
- Chills. On the opposite end of the spectrum as hot flashes, chills are not uncommon throughout the time leading up to a woman’s final period.
- Dental problems. Marla Ahlgrimm says to keep close watch on your pearly whites as disappearing estrogen can cause bleeding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath.
- Thinning hair. Hormones are again the culprit here and may make your normally luxurious locks not only fall flat but fall out.
- Inability to concentrate. Hormones wreak havoc in your head and women in the years leading up to final menopause often report an annoying inability to concentrate even if they have historically been able to focus.
- Downsized breast. There is a reason that breast augmentation surgery is popular with the 40 and up crowd, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Despite a lifetime of full breasts, changing hormones can reduce their volume significantly.
- Weight gain. Weight gain is not uncommon as changing hormones can affect metabolism.
Not all women will experience these symptoms, says Marla Ahlgrimm, but many others will. One of the best ways to offset the physical effects of waning hormones is by utilizing a hormone replacement therapy, which can keep many of the more unpleasant side effects of menopause at bay until the body learns to adjust to its new chemical makeup.
