from those who are living with it
Anxiety, brain fog and loss of libido are just a few of the myriad of potential menopause symptoms.1 Learn the language of menopause from those who are living with it, so you can tell your GP how you’re feeling, in your own words.
Help us grow the language of menopause by sharing your definition for a chance to feature in the Language of Menopause vocabulary.
Anxiety
Definition
by Lindsey, 49, from Manchester
Feeling like your chest is gonna explode. Fine one minute, overwhelmed the next. Feeling nervous and jittery. Deep breathes and close your eyes and take time for yourself.
Headaches
Definition
by Hannah, 53, from Skipton
Migraine: When your brain does a mandatory re-boot in the middle of an important life event.
Night sweats
Definition
by Jacquie, 58, London
Hot like an atomic nuclear reactor
Brain fog
Definition
by Anna, 47, London
My cognitive ability just feels broken. I just don’t know how else to describe it. Focus, concentration, figuring things out takes a lot of energy, mental labour and time. This isn’t helpful at work when you to perform and be dynamic. I may need to problem solve and generate ideas and form opinions on the fly and it can be a struggle at times.
Night sweats
Definition
by A, 46, London
When you are constantly second guessng your expertise and strengths at work. Paranoia that you are not feeling in control and messing up even when you’re not.
Depression
Definition
by Jenn, 45
I had a pretty good week, but then one day I just wake up and feel so much grief. No cause. I just can’t stop crying from the moment I open my eyes. Currently on day 2 of this and unable to complete tasks or talk to friends. I literally have no idea why I’m so sad.
Irritability
Definition
by Allison, 51, Dunstable
What used to be the silliest of things like dropping my keys now make me so cross and want to scream.
Low libido
Definition
by Niamh, 49, Cambridge
I no longer produce oestrogen, and don’t care if you like me enough. Help me raise kids. I’m tired of being a people pleaser.
Anxiety
Definition
by A, 46, London
When you are constantly second guessng your expertise and strengths at work. Paranoia that you are not feeling in control and messing up even when you’re not.
Palpitations
Definition
by Paula, 51, Exeter
I’ve been getting more palpitations in the last month. I was still getting periods then this month I should have one and nothing. I wonder if they are linked? I hate palpitations, they scare me and I think I’m going to have a heart attack
Irregular periods
Definition
by Nancy, 47, Bedfordshire
It can go from several months without a period to 3 bleeds within 6 weeks. No rhyme, reaason or warning. Heavy, debilating and a fundamental lack of understanding in my workplace when I’m incapacitated and fatigued
Brain fog
Definition
by Anna, 47, London
I used to be able to think on my feet very easily in the workplace. Sometimes, I no longer recognise myself professionally and as well as in my personal life because of my memory and thinking letting me down
Anxiety
Definition
by Sarah, 46, Sussex
Feeling useless at my job
Irregular periods
Definition
by Stacey, 51
I’d gone 8 months without a period, and now I’ve just started spotting for six or seven months. I’ve never experienced that before. I’ve gone 6 months and then another 6 months with no period. When it got to 8 months I thought I was finally free, but it looks like I still have more of this journey to go 🙁
Vaginal pain
Definition
by Tash, 49, Luton
Even though I was relatively lucky in terms of my peri symptoms this last month or two I’ve now been suffering from vaginal dryness. It’s so annoying and limiting my bedroom abilities. Lubes last about 20 seconds, then dry out again.
I feel frustrated as I was just starting to get my mojo back after my divorce, and it’s really starting to push me back.
Not fair 🙁
Anxiety
Definition
by Jennifer, 46, Cambridge
Was visiting my in-laws and had a random panic attack about what to wear to dinner. I was inconsolable. This isn’t something that’s ever bothered me before
Depression
Definition
by Debbie, 57, from Glasgow
When you’re used to being chirpy, then you get to your 40s and suddenly the world seems a very dark place.
Fatigue
Definition
by Maxine, 49, from Macclesfield
In the office when the afternoon slump hits, and all I can think about is taking a nap under my desk.
Headaches
Definition
by Conchita, 57, Aberdeen
When you almost literally want to bang your head against a brick wall, because the pain is so intense…
Irritability
Definition
by Chasnae, 51, Southend
When everyone around you is full of the joys of spring and you want to wring their necks.
Joint pain
Definition
by Clare, 48, Chelmsford
When you’re walking around the house and you realise the creaking sound you can hear is your knees, not the floorboards.
Night sweats
Definition
by Paula, 53, Newquay
My husband keeps joking about having a really hot wife in bed. He thinks he’s hilarious…
Brain fog
Definition
by Jennifer, 45
I use my phone to make notes so I don’t forget things, but lately I’ve lost the idea before I can even get the app open.
Thank you for sharing your definition and helping us grow the Language of Menopause vocabulary.
Got another definition you’d like to share?
of us may be experiencing symptoms of menopause right now2
