Symptoms of Breathlessness During Menopause

Menopausal dyspnea (shortness of breath) primarily results from a constellation of symptoms caused by fluctuations or declines in sex hormones before and after menopause. In women, this is mainly attributable to ovarian failure. Patients often experience sudden, wave-like sensations of heat rising from the chest to the neck and face. Concurrently, the skin in these areas may become locally flushed and sweaty; following sweating, patients frequently develop chills and cold intolerance. Episodes of dyspnea commonly occur during the early morning hours, at dusk, or at night—especially during physical activity—or may be triggered by eating, wearing or covering oneself with excessive clothing or bedding (leading to increased body heat), or emotional excitement.