Menopause: The Most Googled Symptoms

Menopause is, to put it simply, a minefield. You can spend hours just wading through the mass of information online, which can be overwhelming. The fact is, while there are common symptoms, every experience of menopause is individual; what hits one woman, may not hit another and vice versa. It’s hugely important to visit your GP if you’re struggling to manage, but if you’re curious, these are some of the most common questions frequently searched for on Google which should equip you with some added knowledge. Remember, you are not alone in your quest for answers – there are many things you can do to help.

Q1. What are the symptoms of menopause?

Did you know there are 34 of them? You may not get all of these symptoms, but a range of a few, depending. We go into more detail about these HERE, but generally, in most cases, the first symptom is a change in the usual pattern of your periods. Your period may start every two to three weeks, or you may not have one for months at a time. Other common symptoms include:

Irregular periods
Hot flashes
Trouble sleeping
Vaginal dryness
Changes in sex drive
Mood changes
Problems with memory and concentration
Weight gain
Headaches
Joint aches and pain

Q2. What can be done about vaginal dryness?

It’s such a common symptom, yet isn’t one that’s talked about enough. It’s frequently referred to as a “silent problem” with only a quarter of women going to seek help for their symptoms which can also include pain during intercourse. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy.

With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body's oestrogen levels during menopause. Your GP can prescribe a vaginal lubricant or moisturiser, such as ReplensMD, which can be used for as long as you like. Try to avoid perfumed soaps or washes in and around your vagina and during sex, devote plenty of extra time to foreplay – the more aroused you are the better (as always!).

Q3. How can I prevent hot flashes?

Unfortunately, these can’t be prevented entirely – they will be experienced in varying levels of intensity, depending – but there are things you can do to ease them. For starters, caffeine should be avoided after 1pm and the same with wine in the evening.

Also, wear light nightclothes and check your bed – your bedding can be making things worse. Remember to avoid a mattress protector. Keep a cool room – a small fan is a good idea, especially on the humid summer nights.

Q4. Can I stop using birth control during menopause?

Diane Fellars at Health Partners recommends that women use some form of birth control for the first two years after having their last period, to avoid pregnancy. But the patch or pill are not suggested as women go into their mid to late 40s. This is due to the high levels of oestrogen in these forms of birth control and the risk of blood clots. But check with your own GP, everyone is different.

Q5. Why am I having so much trouble sleeping?

Insomnia is one of the most common menopausal symptoms. Catherine O’Keeffe of wellnesswarrior.ie, an expert on all things menopausal says that one of the biggest disconnects is the link between Covid and the “pressure” of trying to sleep regularly. “There's a disconnect between people realising that the Cortisol (a stress hormone released by the adrenal gland) is still revving around your body so you’re not in the ‘sleep mode’ you need to be in”. She also recommends looking at your stressors during the day and making sure your sleep hygiene is in check. You can read more of her sleeping tips HERE.

What other symptoms do you find yourself searching for?
Tell us in the comments box below…