Request Appointment
Call Us

(303) 957 – 6686

Weird Symptoms of Perimenopause Your Doctor Might Overlook (and Why It Matters)

Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD

Reading time: four minutes When people think about the symptoms of perimenopause, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and irregular periods usually come to mind. But for many women, the changes go far beyond the common list. From prickling skin sensations to sudden voice changes, these unusual symptoms can be unsettling, especially when they are dismissed or misattributed by healthcare providers. Understanding the full spectrum of symptoms of perimenopause is essential for getting the right care and reclaiming your quality of life.

Key Takeaway

If you are experiencing unusual symptoms of perimenopause, trust your instincts. Even if they sound unrelated to hormones, they may be part of your body’s transition. A knowledgeable hormone specialist can connect the dots and help you find relief.

The “Weird” Symptoms No One Talks About

Perimenopause is a hormonal transition, and fluctuating estrogen levels can influence almost every system in the body. As these hormonal changes occur, symptoms can appear in unexpected ways:

  • Formication: A crawling or tingling sensation on or under the skin, often mistaken for allergies or anxiety.
  • Paresthesia: Numbness, pins-and-needles, or burning sensations, which may occur in the hands, feet, or face.
  • Electric shock sensation: Brief, jolting feelings that can occur suddenly, sometimes just before a hot flash.
  • Voice changes: Subtle lowering of pitch or hoarseness, linked to hormonal effects on the vocal cords.
  • Heart palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeats, which can be alarming but often resolve once hormones stabilize.
  • Dizziness or vertigo: Sudden feelings of imbalance or spinning sensations.
  • Burning mouth syndrome: A persistent burning or tingling in the mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Dry eyes or blurry vision: Related to reduced tear production during hormonal fluctuations.

These symptoms are real, not imagined, and they often improve with targeted hormone care.

Why Doctors May Miss These Signs

Many general practitioners focus on the most widely recognized symptoms of perimenopause and may overlook the less obvious ones, especially if they mimic signs of other conditions. 

For example, urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections may be linked to decreasing estrogen levels rather than solely to aging or childbirth history. Similarly, gum disease can worsen during this stage of life because hormonal changes affect the gums and oral tissues.

Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or mental “fuzziness”, is another frequently overlooked sign. Without comprehensive hormone testing, these unusual changes can be misdiagnosed or brushed aside.

The Broader Health Impact of Hormonal Changes

Perimenopause can also influence long-term health. Fluctuating estrogen levels can lead to shifts in cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular risk over time. Bone density also tends to decline during this period, which raises the risk of osteoporosis. 

Addressing these changes early with proper nutrition, exercise, and hormone therapy when appropriate can help protect your health well beyond menopause.

Why Proper Evaluation Matters

When these “weird” symptoms are addressed as part of a broader hormonal picture, it’s often possible to relieve discomfort, improve daily function, and prevent unnecessary worry. A thorough evaluation can include:

  • Detailed symptom history
  • Comprehensive hormone panel testing
  • Thyroid and adrenal function assessment
  • Lifestyle, nutrition, and stress analysis

By identifying the root hormonal shifts, treatment can be tailored to the individual, whether that includes bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutritional support, or other targeted interventions. Hormone therapy, when carefully monitored, can help restore balance, ease symptoms, and protect long-term health markers like bone density and cholesterol levels.

The Bottom Line

Perimenopause does not look the same for everyone, and its symptoms can be as unique as the women experiencing them. Dismissing these changes as “just stress” or “part of aging” can delay solutions that could help you feel better now. With the right evaluation and care plan, you can navigate this transition with greater comfort, clarity, and confidence.

Book a Hormone Evaluation in Denver, CO

If you are experiencing unusual or frustrating symptoms that you suspect may be hormone-related, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenton Bruice. 

To book an appointment at the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 55 Madison Street, Suite 575 Denver, CO.

📍Other locations:

St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri

9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.

📞(314) 222-7567

FAQs

Why am I experiencing urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections now?

Decreasing estrogen levels can thin the tissues of the urinary tract, leading to reduced elasticity and increased vulnerability to infections or leakage. Addressing hormonal changes can help improve urinary health.

Should I be concerned about bone density during perimenopause?

Declining estrogen levels can speed up bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. A bone density test can help you and your provider determine if preventative measures or treatment are needed.

Can perimenopause affect cholesterol levels?

Estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol balance. When levels drop, LDL cholesterol may rise, and HDL cholesterol may decline, increasing cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can help protect your heart health.

Where can I find a hormone specialist near me for perimenopause care?

If you are in or near Denver, CO, Dr. Kenton Bruice offers personalized hormone evaluations, bioidentical hormone therapy, and ongoing support to help you manage both common and unusual symptoms of perimenopause.

You May Also Like…