Part 2: Perimenopause & Menopause: Recognizing the Early Signs

Part 2: Perimenopause & Menopause: Recognizing the Early Signs

While menopause is the official term used once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, perimenopause is the time up to that point, when hormonal fluctuations, changes in the menstrual cycle, and various symptoms linked to estrogen and progesterone levels begin to change. During this perimenopause phase, which can last anywhere from five to ten years, many women are not aware that the health and dental issues they are facing may be tied to their hormones.

The Early Signs of Perimenopause

Perimenopause is often misunderstood. It is an assumption that perimenopause begins when they begin experiencing irregular menstrual cycles. The reality is that many may experience early warning signs indicating hormones are fluctuating long before periods are affected. For most women, perimenopause begins sometime in their 40s and can start as early as their 30s. Unfortunately, most women don’t recognize some of the earliest signs of hormonal changes or begin talking to their doctors until perimenopause has been underway for months or even years.

The following are typical symptoms, and if you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms below, speak with your doctor or gynecologist.

• Mild menstrual changes: In the earliest stages, the initial changes may be subtle. Periods may be slightly shorter or longer, or the cycle may change by a few days (from a 28-day schedule to 30, for instance).
• Feeling warmer. At this stage, they aren’t full-on hot flashes, but you may feel warmer in general. Hot flashes, those sudden bursts of excessive heat around the chest and face, unfortunately, will come later.
• Skin and hair issues. Many women notice mild acne, drier skin, and dry, thinning hair during perimenopause. Developing excessively dry skin and thinning hair is sometimes the first sign of estrogen fluctuation.
• Lower Libido: A tough discussion, less interest in sexual activity can be linked to hormonal changes and mood changes.
• Brain fog. Difficulty concentrating can be attributed to the hormonal changes of perimenopause, as well as the accompanying emotional challenges (mentioned below). Lists may be needed to stay organized, and forgetting where the keys may be more of an issue. Fortunately, the fog clears when hormones stabilize.
• Anxiety and irritability. Between hormonal fluctuations, body changes, and stress, many women going through perimenopause experience anxiety or depression that manifests itself as irritability, a short fuse, or tears. Reacting more emotionally to events or even a Hallmark card commercial or feeling “on edge” all the time is a symptom that many women don’t discuss with their doctors but should. It’s very real, and there is help.

5 Unexpected Dental Issues of Perimenopause and Menopause

Your oral health, just like mental and cardiovascular health, is impacted by hormonal changes. While you may notice the more typical symptoms, dental issues crop up as well. Unfortunately, dental health is often overlooked due to the numerous responsibilities and commitments, causing these issues to fall through the cracks. But during perimenopause, it is crucial to take extra care of your teeth and gums and prevent serious problems from developing.

1. Increased Cavities: A dry mouth is common during perimenopause. If your dentist sees more cavities at your checkup than usual, it may be due to a lack of saliva.
2. Toothy Smile: When you look in the mirror, do your teeth seem longer? Your gums may be receding, exposing the delicate roots to infection, and increasing the likelihood of gum disease.
3. Altered Sense of Taste: Do foods taste strange to you at times? If your sense of taste is changing, it is likely due to hormonal changes, much like it affects the sense of taste when pregnant.
4. Puffy, Sensitive Gums: Gum disease can be treated by your dentist, but be aware that if you’re seeing this as a new issue and you’re in your 40s, gum issues may also be a sign of perimenopause.
5. Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS): This is a sensation of burning, stinging, or tingling in the tongue, gums, lips, or throat, often accompanied by thirst or a metallic taste. It may come and go or be constant.

How to Talk to Your Dentist About Perimenopause

Trust is important in the relationship between you and your dentist. Having a helpful and productive conversation about perimenopause depends at least partially on how prepared you are and how comfortable you are with your doctor. When going to your appointment, arm yourself with information about your symptoms and concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Be Prepared and Write Down Your Questions

Document your symptoms using a symptom tracking app or journaling. Record details such as the onset of symptoms, their intensity, and duration. Also include your medical and, for your dentist, your dental history. Include a list of all the medications you take, particularly any that could affect your dental health or hormones, including herbal supplements and vitamins.

Don’t forget to bring the information and your questions to your visit. It’s easy to forget when you’re in the room with your doctor or dentist.

When seeing your dentist, be sure to tell them that you are or that you think you are going through perimenopause so they are aware of the hormonal changes that could be affecting your oral health. This will put them on alert to watch for common dental issues that could arise during this time. Ask questions such as:

• Are my symptoms related to perimenopause?
• How can I relieve my symptoms?
• Is bone density a concern at this point?
• Should I be concerned about my heart health?
• Can we check the bone density in my jaw?
• What can I do to protect my oral health during this phase of life?
• Is there anything my gynecologist/doctor should know about my dental care?
• How can I prevent or eliminate a dry mouth?
• Do I need more frequent dental appointments during perimenopause?

Talking to your dentist about the earliest signs of perimenopause will help them stay ahead of your symptoms and develop effective treatment plans to minimize your discomfort and protect your health as you move through this new phase of life. If your doctor or gynecologist recommends hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications, share that information with your dentist, as they can affect your teeth and gums. Collaboration between your doctors and dentist can ensure that you care for every aspect of your health during perimenopause.