Experiencing phantom scents, unexpected metallic tastes, or odd burning sensations can puzzle women over 40, leaving them second-guessing their health. While hot flashes and mood swings are the more commonly known symptoms of perimenopause, the condition encompasses a much wider range of effects. Jessica Shepherd, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Hers, highlights that perimenopause can bring about surprising symptoms often mistaken for other issues. Early recognition of these signs can significantly aid in navigating this phase with greater assurance and understanding.

What Is Perimenopause and When Does It Start?

Perimenopause is the period preceding menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels. Although it typically commences in a woman’s 40s, it can start as early as the mid-30s and may last from a few months to up to ten years. During this transition, menstrual cycles may become erratic, accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional changes. Many women remain unaware that symptoms such as phantom smells, joint discomfort, or heart palpitations are linked to these natural hormonal adjustments.

5 Surprising Perimenopause Symptoms Women Don’t Expect

While most women are familiar with the typical signs of perimenopause—such as vaginal dryness and sudden weight gain—fewer recognize the extensive list of lesser-known symptoms. These often-overlooked changes can easily be mistaken for stress, aging, or unrelated health concerns. Among these under-the-radar symptoms are:

• Phantom Scents: Some women experience detecting odors that aren’t present, such as burnt, metallic, smoky, or musty smells. These phantom scents are more common than realized and are frequently associated with estrogen level shifts.

• Metallic Tastes or Burning Sensations: A sudden metallic taste in the mouth or a burning feeling on the tongue or skin may also arise, again linked to hormonal variations.

• New or More Intense Migraines: Hormonal shifts can trigger migraines or make existing ones worse, sometimes for the first time in adulthood.​

• Morning Joint Stiffness: Waking up with stiff joints, especially in the hands and knees, is another symptom that’s frequently overlooked.​

• Heart Palpitations: Many women notice their heart racing or skipping beats, which can be unsettling but is often harmless and related to hormonal changes.​

Simple Ways to Find Relief from Perimenopause Symptoms

Experiencing perimenopause symptoms doesn’t mean you have to face them alone or endure discomfort in silence. Effective relief is within reach, and there are practical steps you can take to feel more in control and comfortable during this phase. Here’s what can help:

• Look for a Pattern: Tracking symptoms in a journal can help identify triggers and patterns, making it easier to discuss them with a healthcare provider.​

• Get Moving: Regular exercise, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, helps manage weight, improve mood, and reduce joint stiffness.​

• Be Open to Different Treatment Options: Lifestyle changes, supplements, and medical treatments like hormone therapy can offer relief, depending on the severity and nature of symptoms.​

Tips for Navigating Perimenopause with Confidence

Navigating perimenopause doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Building a support network—whether through friends, family, or online communities—can provide emotional strength and validation. Practicing self-care, such as meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies, can help manage stress and boost confidence. Setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing sleep are also essential for maintaining balance. Remember, it’s normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed at times, but with the right tools and support, women can move through this phase with resilience and grace.​

Perimenopause is a deeply personal experience, and symptoms vary widely. Recognizing the full spectrum of signs, including the less talked-about ones, empowers women to seek the right help and take control of their health.​