Dr Amir Khan has warned of five menopause symptoms that many women “might not know about.” In a video shared on his Instagram page, the doctor explained that falling oestrogen levels during menopause can cause a range of lesser-known effects beyond hot flushes and mood swings.
Five Symptoms to Watch For
According to Dr Khan, these symptoms include gum inflammation and dry mouth, changes in hearing, coordination and balance issues, a heightened reaction to caffeine, and slower skin healing. He emphasized that knowledge of these signs can help women understand their symptoms and seek appropriate care.
Gum Inflammation and Dry Mouth
“Number one, your gums and teeth. Falling oestrogen can cause gum inflammation and dry mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Some women even notice their teeth feeling more sensitive or loose,” Dr Khan said.
Changes in Hearing
“Number two, your hearing. Oestrogen actually helps protect the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. So when levels drop, hearing can become less sharp, especially for higher-pitched sounds,” he added.
Coordination and Balance
“Now lower oestrogen affects the inner ear and muscle strength, both key to balance. One reason falls become more common after the menopause,” Dr Khan explained.
Reaction to Caffeine
“With less oestrogen, your liver breaks down caffeine more slowly, so that afternoon coffee can suddenly keep you awake all night,” he warned.
Skin Healing
“Your skin's ability to heal. Oestrogen helps maintain collagen and blood flow to the skin. As it drops, cuts and bruises can take longer to heal and skin becomes thinner and more fragile. Knowledge is power, so now you know these things, it might help explain some of your symptoms,” Dr Khan concluded.
Common Menopause Symptoms
The NHS lists common menopause symptoms as changes to periods, hot flushes and night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, poor memory and brain fog, weight gain, vaginal problems, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Women who suspect they have menopause or perimenopause symptoms are advised to speak to their GP.
