**Majority of Women in the Dark About Unusual Menopause Symptoms, New Research Reveals**
A new survey has laid bare a significant gap in women’s understanding of the diverse symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, beyond the classic hot flushes and night sweats. The findings suggest not only a lack of awareness but a concerning sense of unpreparedness among women facing this inevitable life stage.
According to the study, conducted with 1,000 women who had yet to experience perimenopause or menopause, around 65 per cent admitted they do not feel ready for what lies ahead. While some symptoms – such as mood swings and irregular periods – are commonly discussed, the majority of women were unaware of other, more unusual signs associated with menopause, including electric shock-like sensations, burning mouth, tinnitus, and even changes in body odour.
Notably, as many as 94 per cent of respondents had no idea that electric shock sensations might be linked to menopause, and the same proportion were unaware that experiencing a burning sensation in the mouth could be part of the process. Tinnitus, which involves ringing or buzzing in the ears, was also an unfamiliar symptom to 93 per cent of those surveyed, while 86 per cent had never connected changes in body odour to hormonal changes.
Other lesser-known symptoms that failed to register on most participants’ radars include problems with dental health (not recognised by 89 per cent), dry eyes and dry mouth (both unrecognised by 84 per cent), and heart palpitations, dismissed by 73 per cent as unrelated to menopause. The research also uncovered broader impacts on wellbeing, with many women reporting anxiety over physical changes they could not explain.
In parallel, an additional 1,000 women currently experiencing or who have previously experienced menopause were questioned. Over half – 52 per cent – revealed they, too, did not feel equipped to recognise or manage the onset of menopausal symptoms. Perhaps more strikingly, many lived with symptoms for over a year before understanding what was happening, while 13 per cent remained unaware for two years or longer.
The study, which was commissioned by menopausal health brand CanesMeno, underscores just how overlooked the educational aspect of menopause remains. More than a fifth of those surveyed confessed to having never even considered menopause as a topic for personal reflection, while a quarter anticipated it would fundamentally affect their lives.
Leading specialists stress the need for enhanced education around this biological transition. Dr Anne Henderson, a consultant gynaecologist and menopause expert, highlighted, “Despite the variety in how symptoms manifest, far too many women remain unsupported and underinformed during this substantial phase of their lives. Reliable, balanced information is vital to empower women to recognise symptoms early and feel confident seeking support.”
Angela Cook, a psychologist based in Oxfordshire, added a personal note to the discussion by sharing her unexpected experience with gum ache during menopause – a symptom which not only caused her discomfort but also triggered anxiety around eating. “Previously, my dentist had always commented on my healthy teeth and gums,” she remarked, “so to suddenly encounter pain was distressing and confusing.”
Open conversation about menopause still appears to be a challenge for many, with three-quarters of those who had experienced it admitting they avoided discussing their symptoms with others. Embarrassment remains a critical barrier; 30 per cent of women said they felt too shy to approach even pharmacists, and 26 per cent doubted the professional expertise available in pharmacies. As a result, 38 per cent indicated a preference for seeking advice directly from their GP.
In response to these findings, CanesMeno has announced initiatives to better inform both pharmacists and the public, such as educational resources and a digital service aimed at empowering women to manage menopause more confidently.
Among the 20 most overlooked symptoms, the study identified issues such as frozen shoulder, tingling in the extremities, recurrent urinary tract infections, skin crawling sensations, and even changes to blood lipid levels, highlighting the vast array of possible manifestations.
Overall, the research paints a clear picture: despite improved public awareness of menopause in recent years, a significant number of women remain unaware of the full range of symptoms and feel unprepared for the physical and emotional changes that can accompany this stage of life. Experts and advocates are now calling for broader education, more open dialogue, and a reframing of menopause as a shared experience rather than a private struggle.