Experts Reveal 22 Weird Symptoms Women Over 40 Experience—and What They Mean
As you get older, your body changes. And you might start to experience unexpected symptoms. Sure, thinning hair and hot flashes are par for the course during your menopause years. But what if you suddenly have trouble sleeping or start feeling cold all the time? How do you know if what you're experiencing is no big deal—or worth mentioning to your doctor, stat?
Sometimes, these symptoms are just signs of getting older. Aging offers all kinds of upsides, but it sneaks in some pesky surprises as well. Other times, they may signal a more serious health condition and warrant additional testing to understand what's going on.
Here, experts share 22 weird health symptoms women over 40 often experience. They also decode exactly what those symptoms mean, so you know what next steps to take if you relate to anything on the list.Weight Gain
After 40, your metabolism tends to slow down about 5% every decade. This makes it harder to lose weight and easier to gain weight—meaning you have to be more intentional about diet and exercise. 'As your metabolism changes, your portion size and activity level play a much more significant factor in weight maintenance and weight loss,' explains Jessica Shepherd, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN. 'The decrease in estrogen during menopause causes changes in metabolism, hormone maintenance, and heart health.'Exhaustion
Feeling tired is nothing new. But as you age, you may get worn out faster. This is often due to hormonal changes from menopause, but since it's associated with a range of other health conditions, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. In the meantime, do what you can to get enough sleep. Taz Bhatia, M.D., a board-certified integrative medicine physician and women's health expert, recommends 7 hours a night at least 5 nights a week. 'Consistent sleep is a key factor in rejuvenating and replenishing the body,' she adds.Chest Pain
Aches and pains happen, especially as you age. But if you experience pain in your chest, neck, jaw, upper stomach, or back—especially with fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath—talk to your doctor. These could be signs of cardiovascular disease. 'This is the most common cause of death in American women,' says Kecia Gaither, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN and women's health expert. She recommends getting routine cardiovascular exams to catch the condition early.Low Sex Drive
Many women in their 40s experience a low sex drive. And everything from hormonal changes to vaginal dryness could be the cause. Often, the solution is as simple as using an estrogen cream. But be sure to mention the symptom to your doctor, especially if it's impacting your quality of life.Swollen Breasts
When you turn 40, it's time to start getting routine mammograms. But be on the lookout for common breast cancer symptoms between annual exams. 'Breast and cervical cancer are the two most common cancers affecting women,' Dr. Gaither says. While it's often normal to have swollen breasts before your period, breast swelling, pain, dimpling, or discharge can also be signs of breast cancer.Headaches
The older you get, the more likely you are to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension. The condition often presents without any symptoms. But in some cases, you may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. Be sure to flag any of these symptoms to your doctor, in addition to getting your blood pressure checked at your annual exam.Trouble Sleeping
Struggling with insomnia? You're not alone. One study found that 20% of women aged 40-59 had trouble sleeping at least four nights a week. The culprit was thought to be menopause, because night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings can all affect your sleep patterns.Stomach Cramps
Bloating, gas, and stomach cramps can occur for a variety of reasons. But if they start getting more common in your 40s, it's probably because of—you guessed it—hormones. If you often experience digestive issues or stomach cramps when you're on your period, you may experience the same thing during menopause. But since abdominal cramps are linked with many other health conditions, it's worth mentioning the symptom to your doctor.Peeing Constantly
If you constantly find yourself chugging water and running to the bathroom, you may want to mention it to a doctor. Increased thirst and urination can be signs of diabetes, especially if you're experiencing fatigue and weakness too. As you age, your risk of developing type II diabetes increases, and being overweight makes the condition more likely, says Dr. Gaither.Thinning Hair
Hair loss is mainly hereditary for both men and women, but hormones can play a role as well. Menopause often causes your estrogen levels to drop, making your hair thin, fall out, or take on a new texture. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned. They may be able to recommend a supplement or some other kind of treatment.Heavy Periods
Although it sounds counterintuitive, heavy periods are actually a sign of menopause. Your fluctuating hormones can throw off your menstrual schedule, causing some of your periods to be heavier and last longer than others.Feeling Cold All the Time
If you're sweating less and struggling to stay warm, bring it up with your doctor—these could be signs of thyroid dysfunction. 'Thyroid dysfunction is the most common hormonal imbalance in women,' Dr. Shepherd explains. Other symptoms include dry skin, thinning hair, fatigue, and weight gain.Mood Swings
Women often deal with mood swings from puberty. But as menopause creeps up, the hormonal changes—and emotions that accompany them—can feel unbearable. Dr. Bhatia says learning how to manage stress is essential to maintaining your quality of life. 'Stress drives cortisol, which drives disease,' she says. 'Managing stress … is a skill that everyone needs to learn and practice to stay healthy.'Vaginal Dryness
Caused by low levels of estrogen, vaginal dryness is incredibly common during middle age. If the dryness is bothering you, talk to your doctor. They can help you avoid products that cause irritation, and they may even recommend a prescription estrogen cream.Anxiety or Depression
If you're feeling worried, upset, or unlike yourself, mention it to your doctor. Your symptoms may be the result of hormonal changes during menopause, or they could signal a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression. Other conditions, like Alzheimer's, can also cause you to feel anxious or depressed, Dr. Gaither says.Fractured Bones
Women tend to lose bone density over time, which can lead to osteoporosis—a condition where your bones become weak and brittle. This makes your bones fragile and easy to break. And since osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms, a fracture or break may be the first sign you have it.Brain Fog
If you're struggling to concentrate and generally feeling out of it, you may have menopause to thank. But because brain fog is associated with a range of health conditions, it's worth mentioning your brain fog to your doctor—especially if it's persistent.Trouble Seeing or Hearing
As you get older, you may not see or hear as well as you used to. That doesn't necessarily mean anything dire, but it's still worth mentioning to your doctor. Getting your sight and hearing checked annually is a great way to adapt to your changing needs and set yourself up for success.Bleeding Between Periods
Spotting between periods isn't unusual during menopause. But it can also be a sign of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. Other symptoms of cervical cancer include pelvic pain, discomfort during sex, and unusual discharge. Dr. Shepherd, Dr. Bhatia, and Dr. Gaither all recommend getting routine pap smears. And be sure to mention anything unusual to your doctor.Hot Flashes
Suddenly feeling your skin flush, your palms get sweaty, and your face turn red is never fun. But hot flashes are a very normal part of menopause. About 75% of women experience them. And in some cases, they can cause your heart to race or make you feel dizzy. If your hot flashes last more than a few minutes or you consistently feel overheated, talk to your doctor—trouble cooling down can be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction.Diarrhea or Constipation
While the occasional bout of diarrhea or constipation is probably nothing to worry about, experiencing either for more than a few days can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Since routine colonoscopies aren't usually recommended until you turn 50, it's worth mentioning concerning GI symptoms to your doctor any time you experience them.Getting Sick All the Time
If you feel like you're getting sick more than usual, you may not be imagining it. Our immune systems tend to grow weaker as we age, making us more likely to catch common colds and other infections.
You Might Also Like
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss?
Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Solve the daily Crossword
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Barack Obama Has Eye-Opening Take On Parenting Girls vs Boys—He's Right
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Barack Obama appeared on wife Michelle Obama's podcast this week, and the conversation turned toward parenting—specifically, how boys are being raised in today's world. The father of two daughters—Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23—admitted that he might have struggled raising a son and suggested that a lack of emotional support and guidance for boys is creating ripple effects across society. "Those of us with daughters, we've got to have good guys out there... not necessarily to get married, but to make sure that what we're learning isn't undermined," Obama said on the "IMO" podcast. "If you're not thinking about what's happening to boys and how they're being raised, that can actually hurt women." He went on to argue that boys who feel unseen or undervalued are more susceptible to harmful ideologies. "That then makes them more interested in appeals by folks who say, 'The reason you don't feel respected is because women have been doing this, or this group has been doing that.' And that is not a healthy place to be," he said. Obama's comments—which had amassed 9.1 million views at the time of writing after being shared to wife Michelle's Instagram account—come amid growing public discussion around masculinity, emotional development and male loneliness. Clinical Director at New York Behavioral Health, J. Ryan Fuller, Ph.D. agrees with the former president's statement and warns the stakes are high. "Failing to properly raise boys will have deleterious effects on their mental health, economics, procreation and life expectancy," he told Newsweek. "In recent years, we have seen dramatic increases in young men living at home, unemployment, and significant increases in loneliness, isolation, opioid use and suicide." Indeed, a UK Biobank study found men living alone had over twice the risk of dying by suicide compared to men living with partners, independent of loneliness levels, which was also linked to self-harm. Furthermore, a Gallup poll covering 2023-2024 showed 25 percent of young American men under 35 reported feeling isolated—a higher rate than their female peers. Fuller explained that the problem lies not just in neglect, but outdated parenting norms that treats boys as emotionally stoic or naturally aggressive. Essentially, the "boys will be boys" blanket statement still lives on. But ignoring boys' emotional development are wide-ranging and deeply personal. Erik Larson, owner and PMHNP-BC at Larson Mental Health, told Newsweek that boys who are not taught to recognize and name their emotions grow up with a distorted perception of themselves and others. "In therapy, this manifests as difficulties with trust, shallow self-esteem and a desire for control in interpersonal relationships," he said. "Such men often do not realize how much they avoid vulnerability, even with themselves, until they are faced with a crisis." For boys who feel unseen or unheard, toxic ideologies can offer a seductive alternative. They provide defined roles, simple answers, and easy outlets for personal frustrations, drawing in those who grew up quiet but crave recognition. AI, Fuller argued, also adds fuel to the fire. "I am particularly worried about the levels of social isolation, loneliness and anger that are growing with the rise in social media use and the very real risk of AI chatbots replacing real friends," he said. "AI chatbots won't reject them and will endorse their ideas." President Barack Obama and his daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha, watch on television as First Lady Michelle Obama takes the stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of... President Barack Obama and his daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha, watch on television as First Lady Michelle Obama takes the stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of the White House, Tuesday night, Sept. 4, 2012. More HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty For parents seeking to make a change in the family home, both experts agreed that it starts with listening. "We need to start by learning to listen to boys, not to correct or direct, but to understand," Larson said. "This requires patience and specific skills from adults. The task is not to silence them, not to dismiss what they say, but simply to be present and listen." Fuller encouraged parents to go beyond "tough love" and instead embrace clear boundaries. "Teaching young men to develop a healthy set of values... express their feelings, problem solve... and be resilient can help prepare them to be healthy, happy, contributing members of society," he said. As Obama stated, boys may have historically benefitted from privilege, but assuming they'll be fine simple because they're male is no longer realistic.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows States With Higher Rates of Homelessness
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. America's homelessness crisis continues to grow despite the billions of dollars spent by federal and state authorities in recent years to address the problem, suggesting, experts say, that its root causes are not being addressed. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a record 771,480 people experienced homelessness on a single night in the United States in 2024—18 percent more than a year earlier. It was the highest number ever recorded by the federal agency. The surge happened all across the American population, involving families with children, unaccompanied youth and adults living on their own, people with a history of homelessness and those without. Veterans were the only ones to experience an overall decline in homelessness last year. However, when researchers at the American Enterprise Institute's (AEI) Housing Center examined the HUD figures, they discovered that homelessness rates were higher in states reporting the most acute housing shortages. America's Homelessness Hotspots Since 2020, the U.S. homeless population has increased by 33 percent at the country level. At the state level, the number of people experiencing homelessness has surged in 46 states since the pandemic, with Washington, D.C., Maryland, Wyoming, Mississippi, and Iowa being the only exceptions. "While homelessness has worsened almost everywhere since the pandemic, there are clear hotspots, particularly in the West, the Northeast, and Illinois," Sissi Li, senior Data and Analytics manager at the AEI Housing Center, told Newsweek. "When we look at homelessness per capita, the rates are the highest in Washington, DC, Hawaii, and New York, and lowest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia." There is a difference between homelessness rates per capita and the actual numbers of people experiencing homelessness in any one state. Looking at the rate, New York and Hawaii are the states doing the worst in the entire nation, with a displacement rate of 8.1 percent each, indicating the point-in-time homeless count per 1,000 people. The lowest rates in the country, on the other hand, were reported in Mississippi (0.4 percent), Louisiana (0.8 percent), and Virginia (0.8 percent). But when looking at the sheer numbers of people experiencing homelessness in each state, California dominates the list with a total of 187,084, at a rate of 4.8 percent. New York followed with 158,019 residents experiencing homelessness on any one night in the state last year. Not Enough Homes The main factor driving up homelessness across the U.S. in recent years, Li said, is a lack of supply in the country's housing market. This is most acute in states experiencing higher rates of people without a roof over their heads, like California, New York, and Washington. "Our research tested 54 different variables—from unemployment to climate—and found one single indicator with the most explanatory power: the median home price to median income ratio," Li said. "As the median price-to-income ratio exceeds 5.0, the homelessness rate increases exponentially. Consider California and Texas, with median price-to-income ratios of 7.7 and 4.0 respectively. Yet California's rate of homelessness is over five times higher." The solution to ease America's homelessness crisis, Li said, is to release housing pressure by building more homes. "For decades, restrictive zoning and land use laws have created an artificial scarcity of homes. Across the country, we estimate a shortage of about 6 million homes. But this is fixable," Li said. "Our case study comparing Los Angeles and Houston found that Houston, with lower minimum lot sizes, less onerous regulations, and more effective policies addressing homelessness, resulted in a more abundant housing supply, which in turn led to a homelessness rate of 0.5 compared to 7.8 for Los Angeles—15 times lower."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Illinois couple stranded in the Caribbean, facing $25K in medical bills after husband needed emergency surgery
The Dervis family's vacation to the Dominican Republic was supposed to be a celebration, but things took a scary turn when an emergency trip to the hospital left two of them stranded in the Caribbean. The family joined about 30 people from the Johnsburg, Illinois area on a trip to celebrate their children's graduation from high school when Greg Dervis, the family patriarch, was rushed to the hospital with a brain clot that required emergency surgery. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it "He needed to go to the ICU, but the hospital wouldn't put him in ICU until I gave them $10,000," Greg's wife, Bonnie, shared with CBS News. Now, Greg and Bonnie are stranded in the Dominican Republic, staring at a mountain of debt as they wait for Greg to be cleared for a flight back to the U.S. 'Twenty-five grand total I've done so far' As the Dervises learned at the hospital, Greg's diagnosis was quite a serious matter. "They had to remove the whole blood clot and part of his skull to reduce the swelling," said Bonnie, who later realized that their travel insurance does not cover overseas medical treatments, including Greg's surgery. "I needed $15,000 just to give them to do the brain surgery. Twenty-five grand total I've done so far," said Bonnie, adding up the cost of Greg's admission to ICU along with the surgery. Greg received the surgery and was released from the ICU. He's reportedly talking and recognizes Bonnie, but due to the swelling from the blood clot, Greg is not medically cleared to fly on a commercial flight for at least six weeks. And while their son, Cole, has returned to the U.S., Bonnie and Greg are now stranded in the Dominican Republic until the latter is cleared for a flight home. "It's really hard on Cole because he feels bad,' said Bonnie. 'He doesn't know what to do either… and then he's worried about me, because I'm alone in a different country all by myself." With the Dervises in a tough situation, friends and family started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the family's mounting medical bills and living expenses in the Dominican Republic. As of July 16, the fundraiser had netted more than $33,000, with the goal of raising $100,000 for the Dervis family. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Why travel insurance is worth the cost According to a 2023 survey from Business Insider, only 38% of American travelers purchased travel insurance, while 14% said they purchased insurance but were not sure which kind. Of the 62% of travelers that didn't purchase travel insurance, 35% said they chose not to do so because they had traveled before and didn't think they needed it. But as the Dervis family learned the hard way, medical emergencies can pop up at any time during a vacation. Even travelers who do purchase insurance often don't read the fine print in order to completely understand their coverage, which is what may have happened with Bonnie and Greg. American travelers should also be aware of the fact that medical coverage standards and procedures abroad may differ significantly from what we're used to in the U.S. Additionally, medical costs can vary significantly, which is something the Dervises found out firsthand. According to Expat Financial, an online resource for Americans living abroad, healthcare in the Dominican Republic is expensive, particularly in tourist areas such as Sosua and Punta Cana, where the Dervis family was staying. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage typically costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost, according to industry data. For a $5,000 vacation, that means spending $250 to $500 on insurance, which might seem expensive but could end up being a lifesaver. How to protect yourself before traveling internationally Not all travel insurance is created equal when it comes to medical emergencies abroad. Many basic policies focus primarily on trip cancellation and lost luggage, with medical coverage as an afterthought. To make sure you're covered for medical emergencies, look for the following coverage: Medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000. Primary (not secondary) medical coverage. Coverage for pre-existing conditions. Direct payment to medical providers (so you don't have to pay upfront) If you're planning an international trip, the U.S. State Department also has a few recommendations: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with specific medical evacuation coverage. Bring documentation about your medications and medical history. Register with the U.S. embassy in your destination country through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Research the quality of medical care at your destination. Consider traveling with a credit card that offers robust emergency medical benefits. Keep digital copies of your insurance documents accessible from anywhere. The Dervis family's experience serves as a sobering reminder that even carefully planned vacations can quickly turn into medical and financial emergencies — and that spending a few hundred dollars on comprehensive travel insurance before your trip might be the best money you ever spend. What to read next This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
