Hot Flashes [happen at any time (more common at night) at unpredictable intervals lasting a few minutes, sudden sensation of flushing/heat centered over upper chest/face that rapidly becomes generalized, may be accompanied by palpitations and followed by chills/shivering or anxiety].
Night Sweats
Poor Sleep
Irregular Periods
Weight Gain. Improves with estradiol.
Fatigue. Might be misdiagnosed as “chronic fatigue syndrome.”
Palpitations
Migraines
Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or irritation.
Increased urinary frequency or urge to urinate. Painful urination. Might be misdiagnosed as “over active bladder” or “UTI.”
Anger/irritability, anxiety/tension, depression, loss of concentration, and loss of self-esteem/confidence.
Forgetfulness, “brain fog,” trouble with word retrieval. Trouble learning.
Less sexual desire and function, with possible painful intercourse. May or may not need testosterone.
Joint and muscle pains. Often improves with estradiol. Might be misdiagnosed as “fibromyalgia.”
Breast tenderness.
Dry skin, eyes, or mouth.
Reduced skin collagen.
Thinning hair.
Bloating, indigestion, or change in bowel habits.
Thinning of the bones.
Increased risk for heart disease. Estradiol reverses this if started early.