Unusual Menopause Symptoms

Menopause occurs when a woman's body reacts to dropping levels of estrogen and other hormones, a gradual process typically developing around age 50. Some common symptoms are sleep disorders, mood swings, and hot flashes and night sweats. Other more unusual menopause symptoms also can occur, and any woman experiencing them should tell her physician.

Bleeding

• It is not uncommon for women approaching menopause to experience irregularity in menstruation, but certain types of bleeding are unusual enough to warrant mentioning to a doctor. These include exceptionally heavy bleeding or bleeding after there has not been a menstrual cycle for 12 or more months.

Breast Tenderness

• Breast tenderness sometimes occurs, often only on one side.

Hair Loss

• Another unusual menopause symptom is thinning hair.

Heart Issues

• Heart palpitations can occur as an uncommon symptom of menopause.

Mood Disorders

• Mood swings and feelings of anxiety are common menopause symptoms, but a long spell of depression is not. Anyone experiencing noticeable depression during menopause should talk to her physician.

Mental Issues

• Nutritionist and author Ann Louise Gittleman notes that although it is unusual, some women in menopause have a lack of alertness, trouble concentrating and short-term memory problems.