There are approximately 34 or more symptoms of menopause that a woman can experience during this transition period in her life. It should be noted that this list of symptoms varies to some degree, depending on the source, but essentially the reported symptoms are pretty consistent.

Not all women experience all symptoms, and each woman is different in how often and/or severely she experiences any one of the symptoms. And for the same woman, the frequency and intensity can vary.

The first five symptoms listed here are the most frequently reported. These include irregular periods, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats. Night sweats are essentially hot flashes that occur at night.

There are a variety of menopausal symptoms that are physiological in nature. These include thinning or loss of hair, weight gain, dizziness, and changes in body odor. Allergies can develop or existing allergies can get worse. Changes may also be noticed in a woman’s nails, which usually become more brittle. Some women experience a little urine leakage when they cough or laugh. Bloating episodes can happen out of the blue.

Other physiological symptoms may include breast tenderness, headaches or migraines, indigestion problems, dizziness, muscle tension, and joint pain. Sometimes your heart can race. Problems with the gums, as well as a burning sensation on the tongue, are not unusual. Overwhelming fatigue is another symptom experienced by many menopausal women. In the later years of menopause, osteoporosis can develop.

Some women report that their skin feels itchy and tingling, as well as having a tingling sensation in their extremities. Also, many women report that they feel like they are getting discharges under their skin and on their heads. This sensation has been described as a sensation of being hit by a rubber band, but much worse.

Many symptoms of menopause affect a woman mentally and emotionally. She may experience fluctuations in her mood, increased irritability or anger, and unexpected crying spells. Many women report feeling unusually anxious during this time. Some report panic attacks or feelings of dread. Difficulties with sleep, concentration, and memory are not unusual. Many women also experience periods of depression during menopause.

Last but not least, it is not uncommon for any of the above conditions to worsen during menopause.

While the 34 symptoms of menopause may seem like a long and overwhelming list, keep in mind that everyone’s experience is very different and not every woman experiences every symptom. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about these symptoms now or in the future. A good action plan can go a long way for you or a loved one approaching or going through menopause.