10 Menopause Symptoms You Might Miss

When most people think of menopause, they think of hot flushes and night sweats. But menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all — and its symptoms can be far more wide-ranging (and surprising) than many realise.

While some changes are expected, others can creep up quietly and go unnoticed, even by those already familiar with menopause. Here are ten often-missed symptoms that are worth recognising — because understanding them can make all the difference to how you feel.

1. Burning Mouth or Tongue

It might sound strange, but fluctuating oestrogen levels can affect the delicate tissues in your mouth, leading to a burning, tingling, or dry sensation known as “burning mouth syndrome.” Saliva production can also drop, leaving your mouth feeling unusually dry or sensitive.

2. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Menopause affects collagen levels and can trigger inflammation, making joints feel stiffer — especially first thing in the morning. Many women mistake this for early arthritis, but it’s often hormonal. Regular movement, stretching, and hydration can really help.

3. Tingling Hands or Feet

Pins and needles, tingling, or even mild numbness in the hands and feet can occur due to changes in nerve sensitivity and circulation. It’s another example of how oestrogen influences more than we might expect.

4. Digestive Changes

Hormonal shifts can alter gut motility and the balance of good bacteria, leading to bloating, constipation, or sudden food sensitivities. Supporting gut health through diet, hydration, and fibre can ease these changes.

5. Electric Shock Sensations

Brief, sharp sensations that feel like tiny zaps under the skin — often in the chest or head — can occur around menopause. They’re harmless but unsettling, thought to be linked to changes in nerve conduction caused by falling hormone levels.

6. Dry Eyes

Reduced oestrogen can also affect tear production, leaving eyes feeling gritty or watery. If you’ve noticed contact lenses suddenly becoming uncomfortable, this could be the reason.

7. Anxiety and Low Mood

This is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause. Many women experience a sudden rise in anxiety, low mood, or a sense of not feeling like themselves. Confidence can dip, concentration can falter, and in more extreme cases, some describe feeling as though they might have early-onset dementia.

These emotional and cognitive changes are linked to hormone fluctuations — particularly falling oestrogen and progesterone — which influence neurotransmitters like serotonin. Recognising that these feelings are physiological, not personal, can be an empowering first step.

8. Loss of Skin Elasticity

As collagen declines, skin can feel thinner, less bouncy, or more prone to dryness. Hydration from the inside out, along with gentle, pH-balanced care, helps maintain skin comfort and barrier health.

9. Tinnitus or Ringing in the Ears

Some women report a new awareness of ringing or humming sounds during perimenopause. Though not fully understood, oestrogen’s role in blood flow and nerve sensitivity may be behind it.

10. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

One of the most under-discussed (but common) symptoms of menopause, vaginal dryness can cause irritation, itching, pain during intimacy, or recurrent infections. These changes are due to declining oestrogen, which affects natural lubrication and tissue elasticity.

It’s nothing to be embarrassed about — and there are effective, hormone-free ways to restore comfort and confidence.

Supporting Your Body Through Change

Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with discomfort or confusion. Recognising symptoms early helps you take simple, evidence-based steps toward relief, whether through lifestyle changes, clinical advice, or targeted products.

At YES, we’re dedicated to helping women feel comfortable, confident, and informed through every stage of life. Our certified-organic, pH-balanced moisturisers and lubricants are designed to support intimate wellbeing — safely, naturally, and effectively.

Explore the YES range to discover gentle, science-backed care for vaginal dryness and everyday comfort.