Wies: “The strangest things happen, but it’s comforting to know it’s because of menopause”

My colleague Josée always had a back scratcher on her desk, a sort of long fork she used about ten times a day to scratch her back. “This itch is driving me mad,” she said. “That stupid menopause.”

If I hadn’t sat next to Josée, I would never have known that menopause can also cause itching. The drop in oestrogen makes the skin drier and flaky, which can lead to itching. Not everyone experiences this—I’ve never had itching—but it’s good to know it’s related to menopause. Otherwise, you might keep worrying and wondering what’s going on.

I personally dealt with sticky, dry eyes. I went to the doctor because it wasn’t just annoying but also concerning. According to her, it had nothing to do with menopause. In hindsight, it turned out it did. Knowing that would have saved me a trip to the doctor and a lot of unnecessary worry.

You don’t need to memorise the entire list of lesser-known symptoms. But if you notice a strange change, websites like this one can help you better understand your symptoms. That can save you a lot of doubt and uncertainty.

I only found out later that the dizziness I experienced a few years ago could also be linked to menopause. I wish I had known that earlier because dizziness can be quite frightening. Fortunately, I don’t experience it anymore.

Electric shocks (also known as brain zaps), heart palpitations, hair loss, muscle and joint pain, or a changed body odour: these are symptoms that can occur during menopause. They are mentioned less often but can just as easily be linked to hormonal fluctuations.

At the same time, it’s important to stay alert. Not every symptom is related to menopause. Sometimes, something else is going on.

For example, a friend of mine thought her fatigue and low moods were due to menopause. She kept putting up with it until she finally went to the doctor. Blood tests revealed that her thyroid was underactive. With the right treatment, she recovered quickly.

That’s why it’s so important to recognise and take your symptoms seriously. If you’re unsure whether they’re related to menopause, an online menopause test can provide more insight. If symptoms persist or affect your daily life, it might be helpful to consult a doctor to explore possible solutions.

My best friend and I often jokingly blame menopause for everything that happens to us. Bad weather? It’s because of menopause. Didn’t get a promotion? Menopause. Feeling foggy-headed? Menopause.

Always menopause—it should be banned. Of course, that’s nonsense, but it always makes us feel better.

Wies Verbeek (58) is a journalist, founder of the website BLOW.nl, and author of the book ’n Beetje Leuk Ouder Worden, 101 verrassende en bewezen tips. And she’s right in the middle of menopause.