Perimenopause is a phase of life that often catches women off guard, not just because of its timing but due to the sheer variety of symptoms that accompany it. While hot flashes and mood swings are well-known, many women are surprised by lesser-known changes like heart palpitations, electric shock sensations, or even tinnitus. Because perimenopause is rarely discussed openly until a woman experiences it, many find themselves piecing together information to make sense of what’s happening. These symptoms are still related to hormonal fluctuations but may not be as widely recognized:

1. Burning Mouth Syndrome

• A sensation of burning, tingling, or numbness in the mouth and tongue, which can be linked to hormonal changes affecting the mucous membranes.

2. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

• Some women report experiencing ringing, buzzing, or other ear-related noises that may be connected to hormonal fluctuations impacting the auditory system.

3. Heart Palpitations

• Irregular heartbeats or a racing heart can be a result of changing estrogen levels, which can influence how the heart responds to adrenaline.

4. Electric Shock Sensations

• A sudden, brief feeling of an electric shock under the skin or in the head, sometimes occurring just before a hot flash.

5. Itchy Skin and Skin Crawling Sensations (Formication)

• Hormonal changes can lead to thinning skin and decreased moisture, causing itchiness or even a feeling that something is crawling on the skin.

6. Body Odor Changes

• Shifts in hormone levels can alter how the body produces sweat and body odor, resulting in a noticeable change in scent.

7. Digestive Issues

• Estrogen and progesterone influence the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits, or increased indigestion.

8. Joint Pain and Stiffness

• Fluctuations in hormone levels can affect joint health, causing stiffness, pain, or swelling, which may mimic arthritis. Frozen shoulder is a common initial symptom of perimenopause.

9. Gum Problems and Dental Changes

• Some women experience gum sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding, as hormonal changes impact oral health and blood flow.

10. Allergies and Sensitivities

• Hormonal shifts can make women more susceptible to allergies or increase the severity of existing allergies. Skin and food sensitivities can also become more pronounced.

11. Thinning Hair and Changes in Hair Texture

• Decreasing estrogen levels can contribute to hair becoming thinner, more brittle, or changing in texture.

12. Changes in Vision

• Hormonal fluctuations can affect tear production and the shape of the eye, leading to dryness or changes in vision.

13. Weird or Vivid Dreams

• Hormone-related sleep disturbances can lead to unusual or vivid dreams, often contributing to feelings of unrest upon waking.

14. Sudden Food Cravings or Aversions

• Shifts in hormones can trigger changes in appetite and food preferences, leading to strong cravings or sudden aversions.

15. Changes in Body Temperature Regulation

• Besides classic hot flashes, some women may feel colder than usual or experience sudden chills.

16. Anxiety and Panic Attacks

• While mood changes are common, some women experience sudden anxiety or panic attacks that feel more intense than typical mood swings.

17. Dizziness or Vertigo

• Hormonal changes can impact blood pressure and fluid balance in the body, leading to dizziness or a sense of vertigo.

18. Breast Pain or Tenderness

• Shifts in estrogen levels can cause cyclical or random breast pain and tenderness even without menstrual periods.

19. Reduced Muscle Strength

• Decreasing estrogen can affect muscle tone and strength, leading to a gradual reduction in overall physical strength.

20. Memory Lapses and Brain Fog

• While brain fog is more commonly discussed, the extent can range from simple forgetfulness to more pronounced cognitive lapses that can be concerning.

21. Acid Reflux

• Fluctuating levels of estrogen and a decrease in progesterone during perimenopause can lead to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. When the LES relaxes more than usual, it can result in acid reflux.

These lesser known symptoms of perimenopause are all connected to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the pre-menopausal phase in a woman’s life. It’s essential to recognize that each woman’s experience can be unique, and some of these symptoms might overlap with other health conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help in determining whether they are related to perimenopause or another cause.