Menopause is often characterized by classic vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats. But there are other symptoms that are either uncommon or overlooked.
Two recent studies from the Menopause Society found that more education is needed for topics like sexual health, and bladder and urinary tract health during the menopause transition.
But there are other symptoms that are missed or dismissed —like nausea, migraines or restless legs syndrome.
"It is very few and far between that I see patients just cruise through menopause," said Dr. Desiree Brotsky, an OB-GYN with Pinnacle Women's Center in Peoria.
"A lot of doctors don't have these conversations with patients. They just shrug their shoulders and go, 'Hey, you're in your 40s, like live with it,'" said Brotsky.
Brotsky says social media has helped illuminate this issue, but that we have a long way to go. She says it’s important to bring up these symptoms with other women and your doctor.
"Just knowing that this isn't something they always have to live with, just because they're 40 and they don't feel as good as they used to," Brotsky said.
She says social media has helped bring many of these issues to the forefront.
