
Are you a midlife woman feeling moody and irritable, lacking energy, sleeping poorly and suffering from hot flushes? Then chances are you’ll probably know that you could be experiencing symptoms common with the onset of perimenopause and menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but may be earlier.
As a woman approaches the menopause, she produces less of the hormone oestrogen, causing the body to behave differently. According to the British Menopause Society, up to 80-90% of women will experience some menopausal symptoms when they go through this stage of their life, with 25% describing them as severe and debilitating.
Most people recognise the well-documented symptoms, including irregular periods and night sweats. But other, lesser-known symptoms of menopause could be happening to you that are often mistaken for other conditions.
The hidden symptoms of menopause
Many women in midlife struggle to look after their daily wellbeing as they juggle a range of responsibilities and challenges, often putting themselves last while they care for others.
If you recognise some of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause that you’re struggling with, you could keep a diary to track them and investigate the right solutions for you, including speaking to your GP about any concerns.
Here are five lesser-known symptoms:
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Itchy skin
Got a persistent itch that you can’t seem to stop scratching? Clinically known as pruritus, it can feel like insects crawling on your skin and is related to the body producing less collagen and natural oils when oestrogen levels drop, making the skin more sensitive. -
Burning tongue or taste changes
A metallic taste or a burning, tingling sensation in the mouth or on the tongue can be experienced by some women. Not yet fully understood, these symptoms may be linked to hormonal changes that affect oral nerves and saliva. Up to one in three older women report noticing a burning sensation in their mouth, according to the NHS. -
Ear and hearing changes
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be noticed by some women, either as a new or worsening development. The issue is potentially linked to hormonal changes, such as decreasing levels of oestrogen and progesterone, that affect the auditory system. -
Joint pain and stiffness
Hormonal shifts during menopause, particularly with the drop in oestrogen, play a central role in joint pain and stiffness. Oestrogen has anti-inflammatory effects and can help keep joints lubricated, so a reduction can increase inflammation and make them feel achy or stiff. -
Bloating or digestive problems
As oestrogen and progesterone decline during menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to digestive system issues, as the process of digesting food through the gastrointestinal tract slows down. That can potentially cause bloating, nausea, constipation and stomach cramps.
Looking after your health in menopause
With menopause being a natural part of the ageing process for women, embracing your own daily self-care ritual is a good way to tackle both common and uncommon symptoms.
Experts say diet and exercise can help, such as eating nutrient-rich foods like fruit and vegetables and making sure you include some exercise, such as walking, in your daily routine.
Monitor how you are feeling and how your body is responding and, of course, consult with your doctor if any of your symptoms are giving you concern

How does menopause affect sleep?
One of the most common symptoms of menopause for midlife women is restless nights and problems with sleep. Reports say 40-56% of menopausal women have difficulty sleeping. This vital pillar of health - along with good nutrition and physical activity - can help to repair the body, strengthen the immune system, improve mental health and boost cognitive function.
Sleep expert and behavioural sleep therapist Kerry Davies – also known as The Sleep Fixer – has created five tips to help menopausal women have a more restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and restored.
Taking charge of your own wellness routine
It’s important to remember that every woman’s menopause journey is different. You might think your experience is just a normal part of getting older, perhaps you don’t want to make a fuss - or your life is just so busy that it’s difficult to put yourself first.
But there is no need to suffer in silence. Being able to spot the signs and symptoms will help you take charge of your health by considering lifestyle changes or looking into treatment options from a healthcare professional to help manage your symptoms. Make an appointment to see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions and work out your next steps for feeling like you again.
Building good foundations
At Serenova, we like to encourage women to take a holistic approach to their wellbeing, from introducing daily habits that support good sleep to considering whether the right nutritional balance can help with their menopause symptoms.
A balanced diet packed with vitamins, minerals and botanicals can boost your mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing. That’s why Serenova created its Balance & Boost supplement for menopausal women. Containing 25 essential vitamins and minerals, plus adaptogens like maca root and ashwagandha to support stress management and hormonal balance, these special blends help you to regain balance, and boost your overall wellbeing.
The drinkable supplements, available in simple daily sachets, are designed by women, for women, for on-the-go support that complements a nourishing daily routine. Put simply, Serenova’s supplements can help create better days and better nights - and, ultimately, a better you.






