More Unexpected Signs of Perimenopause You Need to Know About

Posted on 13th June 2025 at 16:24

You may already be familiar with the 21 official symptoms of perimenopause—from mood swings to hot flushes—but did you know there are many more symptoms women experience that don’t appear on clinical checklists?

In this post, we’re looking at the "unofficial" side of perimenopause. These are symptoms that often leave women wondering: Is this just me? (Spoiler: It’s not.) These signs can be just as disruptive—and confusing— as the more well known signs, so let’s bring them into the light.

Here are some more possible signs that perimenopause may be underway.

Muscle Loss (Sarcopenia)

Oestrogen affects muscle mass. You might start to notice that you're not feeling as strong as you used to - maybe your legs feel wobbly when you climb the stairs, for example - but more often than not these changes are happening without us being aware. We lose 5% of our muscle a year as we age, so it's more important than ever to focus on strength training and protein intake. Especially if you are dieting.

The video below explains more about that.

Breast Changes

Fluctuating oestrogen levels can cause breast tenderness, swelling, or even changes in size. It's more important than ever now to check your breasts regularly, and, as always, any unusual changes should be checked out promptly.

Itchy or Crawly Skin

Some women report bizarre itching or a sensation of bugs crawling under their skin, often with no visible irritation.

Electric Shock Sensations

A rare but startling symptom: some women feel sudden “zaps” or tingling, often near the head or chest.

Hair Thinning or Shedding

Hair may become thinner, more brittle, or fall out more easily during brushing or washing.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

This lesser-known symptom causes a tingling or burning feeling in the tongue or lips. Sometimes, this is caused by blocked salivary glands, but more often there is no clear cause.

Digestive Issues

Bloating, indigestion, constipation, and even increased flatulence may crop up during hormonal shifts. It's often a time when food intolerances appear where none existed before, or you might find yourself suddenly affected by hayfever.

Many women notice stubborn belly weight gain that resists diet and exercise - the infamous "Meno-belly". Rising cortisol, declining oestrogen, and insulin resistance can all play a role.

Rising Cholesterol

Midlife hormone shifts may contribute to less favourable cholesterol levels—another reason to pay attention to your diet and exercise routine to counter the effect!

Menobelly (Weight Gain)

Some women report bizarre itching or a sensation of bugs crawling under their skin, often with no visible irritation.

Pelvic Floor Weakness

Leaking when laughing, coughing, or sneezing? Strengthening your pelvic floor can help. If you're in the UK, download the NHS Squeezy app. Designed by physiotherapists, you can be sure to perform your kegels in the right way and on the optimum schedule.

Frozen Shoulder

One of the less widely known causes for "frozen shoulder" is thought to be menopause. Whilst more research is needed, oestrogen plays a significant role in keeping joints healthy.

Feeling Like You’re Going Mad

Perhaps the most disorienting symptom of all: the sense that you’re “losing it.” The good news? You’re not. You're going through something very real—and very hormonal!

These symptoms may not be on your doctor’s list, but they’re very real. Recognizing them can be incredibly validating. And while they can be uncomfortable—or downright alarming—there are often solutions, from lifestyle adjustments to medical support.

A Gentle Reminder

Whilst this list might make you throw up your hands in surrender, remember: perimenopause doesn't last forever! This too shall pass, as they say. In the meantime, Don’t tough this out alone. Talk to your doctor, especially about severe or disruptive symptoms. Keep a journal or use our free Perimenopause Symptom Tracker to make conversations with your healthcare provider more effective.

The organisation, Women's health Concern, offers practical advice for all women's health issues, including menopause.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any concerning symptoms.

You can watch Jo talk more about these lesser known signs menopause has begun in this video: