Many women notice strange symptoms of perimenopause that go beyond hot flashes or missed periods. These unusual sensations – like tingling hands, dry eyes, or a burning mouth – can be confusing and even scary.
They happen because changing hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, affect the brain, skin, and nerves. Most of these symptoms are temporary and part of the natural menopausal transition. Knowing what they mean helps women find support and protect their quality of life.
SensIQ is a doctor-formulated system created by neurologists to help women through the changes of perimenopause. Led by Dr. Luke Barr, the program uses science-backed, nonhormonal support to help women maintain focus, calm, and emotional balance.
This article explains why hormonal shifts cause lesser-known symptoms and offers simple ways to restore balance.
Key Takeaways
- Many women experience strange symptoms of perimenopause, such as tingling, dry eyes, or a burning mouth, which result from natural changes in hormone levels.
- Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone affect the brain, nerves, and circulation, leading to a wide range of physical and emotional effects beyond common hot flashes or mood swings.
- Most unusual symptoms are temporary and harmless, but severe issues like chest discomfort, heavy bleeding, or irregular heartbeat should be checked by a healthcare provider.
- Lifestyle habits – such as balanced nutrition, regular movement, good sleep, and stress management – may help support comfort and stability during this hormonal transition.
- Doctor-formulated, nonhormonal systems like SensIQ focus on supporting mental clarity and emotional balance safely and effectively during perimenopause.
What Happens During Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause when female hormone levels start to change. The ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone, which affects the menstrual cycle and can cause new symptoms¹. Perimenopause often begins in a woman’s late 30s or 40s and can last for several years.
These hormone changes affect more than the reproductive system. They also impact the brain and central nervous system, which control mood, sleep, and memory. While hot flashes and missed periods are well-known, some women also feel dry eyes, muscle tension, or even burning mouth syndrome.
Hormone fluctuations affect everyone differently, so no two women experience perimenopause the same way.
Uncommon and Overlooked Symptoms of Perimenopause
Many women face unusual symptoms of perimenopause that seem unrelated to hormones. Tingling or “pins and needles” in the hands or feet may happen because of changes in circulation and nerve sensitivity. Some women experience dry or blurry eyes because lower estrogen affects tear production².
Another lesser-known sign is burning mouth syndrome – a burning or metallic taste that appears without visible irritation. Hormonal shifts can affect taste and nerve response. Itchy skin, chills, or a crawling feeling may also come from changes in temperature control.
Other overlooked symptoms include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), irregular heartbeat, and hair loss or thinning. These show how perimenopause and menopause affect many systems in the body. Although they can feel strange or worrying, they are usually normal signs of hormonal transition.
Why Hormonal Changes Cause So Many Symptoms
Estrogen and progesterone affect far more than fertility. Estrogen supports blood flow, nerve balance, and hydration. When estrogen levels fall, these systems respond, causing many different changes.
Hormone fluctuations also affect the central nervous system, which can lead to brain fog, sleep problems, and mood swings³.
Lower estrogen levels can make skin drier and may reduce collagen, while changes in progesterone can affect emotional stability. These shifts explain why the symptoms of perimenopause can be physical, mental, and emotional all at once.
You may have heard of the “100 symptoms of perimenopause.” While that number is not exact, it shows how many parts of the body depend on hormone balance. Understanding this connection helps women feel reassured and encourages them to talk with a healthcare provider if needed.
Severe or Alarming Symptoms to Watch For
Most perimenopausal symptoms are mild, but some need medical attention. Chest pain, new or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath can point to other conditions such as heart disease⁴. Sudden severe headaches, heavy bleeding, or fast weight gain should also be checked by a doctor.
Some women describe “horrible perimenopause symptoms” like panic-like feelings, severe fatigue, or sleeplessness. These can feel intense, but they are often linked to hormone fluctuations that affect the body’s natural balance.
Keeping a record of symptoms and menstrual changes can help your doctor understand patterns and provide support.
If these symptoms affect daily life or mood, speak with a gynecologist or neurologist. Dr. Luke Barr explains that recognizing unusual symptoms early helps women take preventive steps to protect cognitive health, emotional well-being, and cardiovascular balance.
Managing Strange Perimenopause Symptoms Naturally
Perimenopause is a natural life stage, not an illness. Simple lifestyle changes may help minimize strange symptoms of perimenopause and promote stability. Helpful steps include:
- Move often: Try walking, stretching, or yoga to improve circulation and reduce tension.
- Eat balanced meals: Include protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s to support hormone metabolism.
- Get regular sleep: Go to bed at the same time to help manage stress and mood.
- Calm the mind: Use meditation or breathing exercises to support relaxation and focus.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help some women, but it should only be used with medical guidance. Dr. Barr notes that nutrients such as amino acids, magnesium, and nootropic ingredients used in SensIQ protocols may help support mental focus and overall well-being as part of a balanced lifestyle*.
These nonhormonal options may promote comfort and brain health while staying FDA-compliant and safe.
If you experience vaginal dryness, water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can help improve comfort. Combined with good sleep, healthy food, and clinical advice, these changes can improve quality of life during the menopausal transition.
Expert Insight – What Neurologists and Gynecologists Say
Experts agree that perimenopause affects both body and mind. Because estrogen supports areas of the brain linked to memory and mood, some women notice small changes in focus or motivation.
Dr. Luke Barr says that supporting brain resilience during this stage requires caring for the whole person – including rest, stress control, and nutrition.
Gynecologists often see women who don’t realize symptoms like irregular heartbeat or burning mouth are linked to hormones. Talking openly with your doctor helps ensure you get safe and accurate care.
SensIQ was created to combine brain science with nutrition, helping women support mood, energy, and focus naturally. By addressing the brain–body connection, SensIQ promotes informed choices that help women feel balanced through perimenopause.
Reclaiming Balance and Clarity
Strange or unusual symptoms of perimenopause can make women doubt their health. But with the right understanding, these experiences can be seen as part of normal hormonal change. Recognizing how estrogen and progesterone affect the nervous system helps women see that these effects are often temporary.
Simple actions – like eating well, moving daily, and speaking with a doctor – help support long-term wellbeing. As Dr. Luke Barr reminds women, knowledge brings confidence. Understanding perimenopause helps you take control and feel like yourself again.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (2025, July 14). 29 perimenopause symptoms you may not know about. Health Essentials. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/weird-symptoms-of-low-estrogen
- UCLA Health. (n.d.). Sneaky symptoms of perimenopause. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/sneaky-symptoms-perimenopause
- Mya Care. (n.d.). 12 Perimenopause Symptoms That No One Talks About and How to Deal With Them. https://myacare.com/blog/12-perimenopause-symptoms-that-no-one-talks-about-and-how-to-deal-with-them
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Perimenopause. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.