List of Symptoms of Dehydration

Here’s a laundry list of symptoms:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Kidney and urinary problems
• Thirst
• Bad breath
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps
• Compromised skin health
• Decreased immunity
• Mood and mind problems
• Sugar cravings
• Asthma and allergy symptoms

These symptoms may seem like a random assortment, but they’re all signs of dehydration—some of which may be more surprising than others. A person can experience dehydration at any age for a variety of reasons, but if you’re anywhere from 40 to 50 years old and/or experiencing menopause, you may be wondering if menopause can cause dehydration.

Experts In This Article

• Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, board-certified OB/GYN at the Mount Kisco Medical Group
• Brandye Wilson-Manigat, MD, board-certified OB/GYN, menopause expert, and Cure medical advisor
• Michael Green, MD, OB/GYN and chief medical officer at Winona
• Taniqua Miller, MD, Taniqua Miller, MD, FACOG, MSCP, is the founder of TaniquaMD and an Evernow clinician

Before we dive into the potential connections between the two, it’s important to understand what menopause is in the first place. Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of reproductive years for people with uteruses, usually occurring in their late 40s or early 50s. It is defined by the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, which can start anywhere from mid-30s to mid-50s, hormonal fluctuations occur, leading to irregular periods and various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

Factors that can make dehydration more likely during menopause

There are several physiological changes to the body that happen around the same ages that perimenopause and menopause begin. Here are some factors to consider:

• The amount of water that we hold onto declines as we age, leading to a higher risk of dehydration
• Less muscle mass means less body water content, and thus a higher risk for dehydration
• People typically experience less thirst when they’re older, making it more challenging to stay hydrated
• The kidneys become less efficient at concentrating urine, leading to increased water elimination and further depleting the total body water level

Menopausal symptoms that may cause dehydration include an overactive bladder, hot flashes, night sweats, and a decreased sense of thirst. These symptoms can exacerbate the risk of dehydration during menopause.

At what stage of menopause does dehydration ramp up?

Dehydration during menopause can begin at any stage, but it may become more noticeable during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in the urinary system.

What helps with menopause-related dehydration?

There are several strategies to combat menopause-related dehydration:

• Set water goals and aim for the recommended daily intake
• Pay attention to your bathroom habits and other symptoms to monitor dehydration
• Increase your electrolyte intake through foods and drinks
• Eat more fruits and vegetables with high water content
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption

It’s essential to recognize that dehydration can result from a combination of factors, and menopause may exacerbate existing risks. By being mindful of your fluid intake and bodily symptoms, you can combat dehydration during menopause and ensure your overall health and well-being.