7 menopause signs that aren’t hot flushes – including crawling skin

Many women find they have hot flushes when the menopause hits. It is one of many common symptoms of the end of the monthly menstrual cycles experienced by women with others including brain fog, mood swings, lack of sleep and feeling shattered.

But while these are the best-known symptoms many more often go unnoticed but still affect thousands of women. Ella Kaur, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner at DR.VEGAN, said: “While several menopause symptoms are widely recognised, others are far less talked about and can come as a surprise to many women. In fact, research by DR.VEGAN found that more than half of women experience around 10 different symptoms during menopause.

“When menopause is mentioned, most people think of hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings or sleep disturbances. These are among the most common symptoms and there are a number of ways to manage them, from lifestyle changes to treatments and nutritional support, including supplements such as DR.VEGAN’s MenoFriend® formula.

“However, menopause can also bring about a number of lesser-known and sometimes unexpected symptoms that women may not immediately associate with hormonal changes.” The expert has now outlined seven unusual menopause symptoms you might not have heard of.

Formication (a sensation like insects crawling on or under the skin)

Around one in five women experience this unusual symptom during menopause. It can feel as though insects are moving across or beneath the skin, which can understandably feel unsettling. In reality, this is known as a tactile hallucination – a sensation that occurs without a physical cause. It can also trigger itching, ranging from mild irritation to more intense discomfort.

Burning tongue

Falling oestrogen levels can affect the sensitivity of nerve endings around the taste buds. This may lead to a burning, tingling or stinging feeling on the tongue. Some women may also experience dryness, soreness or a lingering metallic taste in the mouth.

Altered spatial awareness

Some women report changes in their spatial awareness during menopause. Judging distances may feel more difficult, and bumping into objects or misjudging steps can become more common. When combined with dry or irritated eyes and reduced concentration, everyday movements such as stepping off pavements or navigating busy spaces may feel unexpectedly challenging.

Body odour

Hormonal shifts during menopause can affect body odour in several ways. Hot flushes and night sweats increase perspiration, and when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin it can lead to noticeable changes in smell. Lower oestrogen levels can also alter vaginal mucus and disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria, which may change the smell, consistency or volume of discharge. In addition, women may become more prone to infections such as thrush during menopause, which can also contribute to odour changes.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus refers to hearing sounds such as ringing, buzzing or clicking when no external noise is present. Research suggests that around 20% of women experience tinnitus during menopause. For some it may be mild, while for others it can become more disruptive.

Electric shocks

Some women experience sudden jolts or shock-like sensations in the body during menopause. These can range from mild to more noticeable and often occur just before or alongside a hot flush. Hormonal changes are thought to affect nerve signalling in the body, which may trigger these sensations.

Gum disease

Declining oestrogen levels can also affect oral health. A drier mouth means less saliva is available to wash away bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Many women during and after menopause report symptoms such as bleeding gums or increased sensitivity.