Strange MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM!

Struggling with your shifting hormones? Here’s how to manage those weird changes

Shocked to hear there are 34 different symptoms that can strike during the menopause? Most women will experience around seven of them as their hormone levels change – but some may come as a big surprise*. ‘The menopause has a huge impact on the whole body and everything from skin to the gums can be affected,’ says women’s health expert Dr Martin Kinsella**. So while you might have a handle on hot flushes and mood swings, here’s the low down on some of the lesser-known physical changes – with our expert tips to help you cope.

Itchy skin

Skin gets drier with age, plus winter weather makes irritation worse. So as tempting as it is to relax in a steaming tub, exposure to hot water may leave your skin feeling itchier. ‘Have shorter, cooler showers and cleanse with moisturising oils,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann. ‘Avoid ordinary soaps and gels as these remove the skin’s natural oils.’

EASE IT

Increase your intake of healthy fats, found in oily fish, avocados, olive oil and nuts. ‘Omega-3s and monounsaturated fats create a barrier to protect skin and stop it from drying out, and fight inflammation,’ says dietician Sophie Medlin.

Sore vagina