How many menopause symptoms are there really?

Not 34, not 40... there are actually 76 identified menopause symptoms 

Head onto Google and at any time you will find articles and headlines talking about menopause symptoms - most commonly, 34 of them. At Jennifer Young however, our research has identified 76 menopause symptoms to date.

Our research was conducted when we set out to create our Menopause Plus brand, which offers skincare and hormone balancing touch treatments that proactively and holistically address the unwanted side effects of hormonal change. 

Alongside our work on The Menopause Million, the largest global research study into menopausal symptoms ever undertaken and dedicated to ensuring women and their healthcare needs are heard and addressed, these 76 symptoms feature across 12 groups, as opposed to the four groups typically reported: psychological, somatic, vasomotor, and sexual discomfort.

All of this is an indicator of one big thing - while much is now being done to talk about menopause and its impact on women's wellbeing, across the board women's health is woefully misunderstood. This is compounded by the lack of options for women when it comes to addressing the consequences of menopause. To date, advice is broadly limited to the use of HRT and/or antidepressants, neither of which truly address the cause of symptoms, nor are they wanted or suited to all women.

As an associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine, Jennifer uses her degree in Biology, her postgraduate qualifications in occupational health and law, and her professional qualifications in therapy and wellness to help women in hormonal crises. She does this through a combination of evidence-driven holistic resources including acupressure, aromatherapy, all natural skincare containing phytohormones, as well as talking therapies and a network of expertise across the wellness sphere.

"We have identified 76 menopause symptoms to date through our own extensive research, and I have absolutely no doubt that there are more. Women and their bodies are complex, interesting, amazing beings, and as a society we are only just beginning to acknowledge their uniqueness. It's imperative that we invest in research for women's wellbeing, especially when it comes to hormone change because it's only by doing so that we can give them the support they want, need and deserve, enabling them to thrive at a pivotal and powerful moment in their lifetimes."

Jennifer Young

Founder of The Menopause Plus, Jennifer Young Training, The Menopause Million & Member of the Royal Society of Medicine