Which symptoms are most common during menopause?

Joint and muscle pain is the most widely reported physical complaint during the menopause transition worldwide. In a meta-analysis of nearly 482,000 women, an average of 65% were affected¹. European and American surveys confirm this with figures of 68 to 69%. Back pain is also part of this picture: in Taiwanese research 58% reported back pain, and in Spanish research lower back pain was even identified as the most bothersome complaint.

Hot flushes and night sweats are the most characteristic complaints. Yet the percentages vary considerably: in high-income countries around 50% are affected, compared with 66% in low-income countries². The further the transition progresses, the more they increase: severe hot flushes were reported by 9% before menopause and by 37% in the late perimenopause³. They affect both daily activities and work performance.

Fatigue and sleep problems largely go hand in hand. In large international surveys, 66 to 75% of women felt tired or exhausted. Difficulty falling or staying asleep was reported by 60 to 69%^1,4. Hormonal changes and hot flushes both contribute to those poor nights. After menopause, the risk of sleep apnoea also increases, probably due to hormonal changes and fat accumulation⁵.

Vaginal dryness almost doubles after menopause: from 21% in premenopausal women to 45% in postmenopausal women⁶. This is directly linked to the decline in oestrogen. Weight gain is not the most common complaint, but it is rated as the most bothersome in European and American surveys.

On the mental health side, memory loss ranks high on the list: 67% of women in Taiwanese research named this as a top complaint⁷. A low mood was reported by 59%; in South America, rates of depression are notably high compared with other regions. Persistent hot flushes and sleep problems are also possible predictors of later cardiovascular problems, which is an additional reason to consult your general practitioner or gynaecologist if symptoms are severe⁸.