With up to 40 recognised symptoms of menopause, we’re highlighting 3 of the lesser known ones that don’t get much of a mention.

Ask the average person what they know about the menopause, you’re probably going to hear about hot flushes, mood swings, brain fog and maybe a diminishing sex drive. But we know there’s so much more to it than these well-known symptoms.

Let’s take a moment to shine a light on three common, but perhaps surprising, symptoms of peri- and postmenopause.

Dry Skin

In fact, we’re talking all skin changes including flaking, peeling, cracked, itchy, sore and irritated skin, as well as thinning skin that loses its plumpness and elasticity.

Estrogen plays a key role in the production of substances that keeps skin feeling smooth and hydrated, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, sebum and collagen. So when estrogen drops at menopause, it can cause skin to lose moisture more quickly, be less firm and less stretchy.

Your skin might also feel itchy and irritated, look dry, scaly and thinner, especially noticeable on the T zone of your face (forehead, nose and chin) and your elbows, but it is really a whole body issue.

There is also a specific symptom peculiar to some people in menopause transition called formication which is the sensation of ants crawling over your skin which also relates to low levels of estrogen in the skin

Here are some ways to stay on top of this:

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Every day, ideally twice a day, all over (including the vulva) after the shower and it doesn’t have to be an expensive moisturiser.
• Clean your skin with an emollient such as Hydromol or Zerobase and avoid the use of soap or shower gel 
• Use sunscreen every day, even on overcast days
• Have a diet with lots of fatty acids, like Omega-3s, and with plenty of vitamin C
• Have warm rather than hot showers or bath
• If your environment is dry, try a humidifier
• Using HRT, where appropriate, almost always results in improvements in skin symptoms

You’ll find more information on skin problems, as well as related nails and hair changes in our resource our skin, hair and nails guide.

Burning Mouth

Estrogen helps keep oral tissue healthy and the nerve endings in your mouth functioning well. When levels drop, this change can cause a number of potential issues such as a dry mouth due to less saliva production, a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth due to nerve function changes, and greater sensitivity or even pain. Your sense of taste and smell may also change.

It’s not only menopause that can cause these oral changes however, so it’s always best to consult a doctor if you’re bothered by these kinds of symptoms. Deficiencies in your diet, certain medications or medical conditions, or even stress can trigger some of these symptoms too.

For advice about enjoying a healthy diet during menopause, read our guide our eating well

Tips for keeping your mouth happy:

• Drink lots of water
• Avoid hot and spicy foods
• Try and minimise stress
• B vitamins may help, and/ or iron or zinc supplements
• If you don’t already take HRT, this may help

And remember to see your doctor if these suggestions don’t improve things for you.

Dry Eyes

It’s not just a lack of estrogen that can cause dry eyes, low testosterone can exacerbate this problem too. These hormones both work to help your glands produce the oily film that covers your eye, as well as the watery component of your tears. These are both essential to keep eyes feeling comfortable, clean and well lubricated.

When these hormones are lacking, eyes can feel dry, irritated, gritty, and you may get burning or stinging sensations.

How can you help your eyes?

• Try over-the-counter remedies for dry or irritated eyes and speak to the pharmacist for advice
• Use a warm compress and then gently massage the lower lid, as this will help unblock anything hindering the release of oil from your lower lid. (You can buy heated eye masks online)
• Have a diet rich in fatty acids
• Drink plenty of water
• Use a humidifier if you’re in a dry environment
• Blinking lots can help distribute the tear film more evenly
• Consider HRT if you don’t already take it
• See a doctor if the problem continues

Eyes are a sensitive part of our bodies, and too much estrogen or testosterone can also cause dry eyes, so if you take HRT and are suffering with your eyes, you may want to speak to your prescribing doctor or an optician about this.

Last updated: May 2026