Menopause brings a range of symptoms that affect various parts of the body, according to Jessica Rachel Starr, MD, an endocrinologist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). In comments shared with The New York Times, Dr. Starr explained that menopause can lead to hot flashes, dry mouth, heart palpitations, and recurring urinary tract infections.
She noted that while only a few symptoms are widely recognized, there are more than two dozen known symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause—the period leading up to and following the last menstrual cycle. The diversity in symptoms is linked to changes in hormone production as the ovaries reduce their output of estrogen and progesterone.
“Estrogen is the biggest factor: As it declines, tissues in many parts of your body get drier, your bone density decreases and your body changes in lots of other ways,” Dr. Starr said.
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