A survey of 1,000 females who have yet to experience perimenopause or menopause revealed that 65 per cent don’t feel prepared for this life stage.
While hot flushes and night sweats are commonly recognised symptoms, as many as 94 per cent of those surveyed were unaware that electric shock sensations could also be a sign of menopause.
Similarly, 94 per cent didn’t know that a burning mouth could be a symptom, and the same percentage were unaware of tinnitus (93 per cent) and body odour (86 per cent) being potential signs.
Other less well-known effects include dental problems (89 per cent), dry eyes (84 per cent), dry mouth (84 per cent), and heart palpitations (73 per cent).
An additional 1,000 females who have experienced menopause or are currently going through it were also surveyed, with 52 per cent admitting they didn’t feel prepared for this life stage.
On average, these women experienced menopausal symptoms for one year and one month before realising they were going through menopause, while 13 per cent didn’t know for two years or more.
The research, commissioned by CanesMeno, makers of menopausal support products, found that 65 per cent of those yet to experience menopause don’t feel prepared for it.
Furthermore, while 21 per cent have never thought about perimenopause or menopause, 25 per cent anticipate it will have a significant impact on their lives.
Dr. Anne Henderson, a consultant gynaecologist and menopause specialist, highlighted the uniqueness of each woman’s experience with menopause, stating: “The menopause is a highly individual experience, yet far too many women still enter this stage of life feeling unprepared and unsupported.”
She emphasised the diverse effects it can have: “From physical symptoms like hot flushes to emotional and cognitive changes, the impact can be wide-ranging.”
Dr. Henderson stressed the importance of proper information and support: “It’s vital that women have access to clear, credible and balanced information and feel empowered to not miss the signs and seek support should they need it.”
She also pointed out the need for better education and communication: “Education, open dialogue that help women to make more informed decisions are key to changing the narrative around menopause.”
(Image: SWNS)
Angela Cook, a 49 year old psychologist from Banbury, Oxfordshire, shared her own menopause experience, which included an unexpected symptom: gum ache.
Cook recounted her surprise at developing dental issues during menopause: “I never had any tooth or gum problems before [the menopause] – dentists would tell me how healthy my teeth were.”
She described the discomfort she faced: “So this was a massive surprise.” Cook detailed the impact on her daily life: “It left me in great pain and apprehensive about eating food that had to be chewed.”
Research suggests there’s a significant gap in knowledge regarding menopause, with 52 per cent of participants believing more education is needed for women on the subject.
Additionally, 48 per cent feel that the general public requires better understanding of menopause. A considerable number of people, 35 per cent, regret not learning about menopause earlier in their educational journey.
Moreover, 21 per cent view menopause as a topic shrouded in taboo. An overwhelming 75 per cent of individuals who have gone through menopause have confessed to steering clear of discussions about their symptoms with others.
It has been revealed that the most commonly experienced manifestations are hot flushes (63 per cent) and night sweats (52 per cent), according to the study conducted by OnePoll.com..
Furthermore, the survey also discovered that a significant 46 per cent would refrain from speaking to a pharmacist about menopausal issues.
Embarrassment is a hurdle for 30 per cent when it comes to conversations with pharmacists, while 26 per cent doubt the extent of pharmacist’s knowledge on the topic. In contrast, a more substantial 38 per cent showed preference towards consulting their GP.
Commenting on the findings, Daria Costantini, brand leader for CanesMeno, which has initiated a training scheme aimed at equipping Boots pharmacists with a deeper understanding of menopause symptoms and a digital platform replete with instructive content, stated: “These findings highlight the clear need for better education, and accessible support during this life stage.
“Whether tracking signs or seeking expert guidance, we want to give women the tools to take control of their individual menopause journey with confidence.”
TOP 20 LEAST KNOWN MENOPAUSE SIGNS:
- Blood lipids.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Frozen Shoulder.
- Burning mouth.
- Electric shock sensations.
- Changes in spatial awareness.
- Tinnitus.
- Vascular health (e.g. changes in blood pressure or cholesterol levels).
- Bruising easily.
- Changes in taste.
- Dental problems.
- Tingling in extremities (hands, feet, arms and legs).
- Feeling that something is crawling on your skin.
- Cold flushes.
- Nausea & digestive issues (e.g. bloating, constipation, diarrhoea etc).
- Acne.
- Body odour.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.
- Dry eyes.
- Dry mouth.