Menopause: A Constellation of Syndromes Across 13 Body Systems
Our short slide show outlines interrelated syndromes of menopause across 13 body systems, implicating therapeutic targets and approaches for clinical practice.
Neurologic Syndrome of Menopause
•Insomnia •Headaches •Neuronal atrophy •Decreased number of synapse formation •Memory loss (loss of concentration and attention) •Worsening ADHD •Cognitive impairment •Parkinson’s disease •Alzheimer & vascular dementia, brain density loss
Psychological Syndrome of Menopause
•Anxiety •Depression •Panic attacks •Irritability •Mood swings •Suicidal thoughts •Self-esteem loss •Dementia •Easy crying Symptoms of schizophrenia
Cardiovascular Syndrome of Menopause
•Hot flashes •Night sweats •Palpitations •Fatigue •Arteriosclerosis •Generalized atrophy secondary to decreased blood flow •Cardiovascular arterial disease
Gastrointestinal Syndrome of Menopause
•Microbiota alterations •Increased colon cancer •Dental deterioration •Low GI motility •Increased gut sensitivity •Gallbladder issues •Malabsorption syndromes
Metabolic Syndrome of Menopause
•Visceral fat gain •Insulin resistance •Abnormal cholesterol levels, dyslipidemia •Hypertension •Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Ophthalmologic Syndrome of Menopause
•Sjögren syndrome •Cataracts •Small-angle glaucoma •Retinal detachment •Macular degeneration •Optic nerve atrophy •Increased floaters •Decreased corneal thickness •Decreased lacrimal gland function
Tegomentry Syndrome of Menopause
•Dermo-mucosal atrophy, secondary dryness •Hair loss •Onychodysplasia •Poor mail growth •Increased wrinkles •Increased skin sensitivity •Chronic itching •Melasma
Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
•Osteopenia / osteoporosis •Sarcopenia •Osteoarthritis •Tendinitis •Myalgias •Fibromyalgia •Postural changes •Increased falls •Carpal tunnel syndrome
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
•Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) •Vulvovaginal obliteration (VVO) •Recurrent UTI •Urinary incontinence •Fecal incontinence •Dyspareunia •Loss of pelvic tone
Immunologic Syndrome of Menopause
•Decreased local, systemic immunological responses •Increased autoimmune disease •Allergic disorder, including asthma
Endocrine Syndrome of Menopause
•Hashimoto disease •Myasthenia gravis •Metabolic syndrome •Autoimmune diseases •Diabetes
Menopause has long been defined narrowly by vasomotor, sexual, and genitourinary symptoms. This limited view, however, overlooks the extensive systemic effects of declining sex steroid hormones. Receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are distributed throughout nearly every organ system, influencing neuroprotection, cardiovascular and metabolic regulation, immune function, and tissue maintenance.1
To illuminate this broader landscape, researchers presenting at The Menopause Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Orlando systematically mapped “syndromes of menopause” across 13 body systems, integrating evidence from endocrinology, neurology, cardiology, metabolism, and related fields.2 Their framework identifies distinct but interrelated pathophysiologic patterns—each a potential therapeutic target for hormone restoration and comprehensive care.2
As estrogen production declines, the hormonal network destabilizes, producing multisystem effects once viewed as unrelated. Cognitive changes, cardiovascular disease, visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and accelerated bone and muscle loss now appear as interconnected manifestations of endocrine deficiency. Even the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and oral cavity show hormone-dependent alterations.1
This evolving understanding reframes menopause as a complex, multisystem transition rather than an isolated reproductive event. Recognizing it as a systemic state of hormone deficiency helps clinicians interpret diverse symptoms, apply multidisciplinary evaluation, and deliver personalized, long-term care.1
The short slide show above outlines the the syndromes of menopause identified in the study, suggesting implications for integrated clinical management.
References
Patel P, Patil S, Kaur N. Estrogen and metabolism: navigating hormonal transitions from perimenopause to postmenopause. J Midlife Health. 2025;16(3):247-256. doi: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_75_25
Alame D, Dominguez-Bali AD, Dominguez-Bali C, Verma S, Dos Santos C. Menopause and its constellation of syndromes. Poster presented at: The Menopause Society 2025 Annual Meeting; October 21-25, 2025; Orlando, FL. Accessed October 21, 2025.
