Burning Tongue Syndrome in Women & Menopause Connection

Burning sensations in the mouth can be attributed to a variety of health complications, including changes in hormone balance. If you are a woman who is struggling with frequent burning along the tongue, you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance or the beginning of menopausal symptoms.

Women, based on hormonal fluctuations, experience a vast array of symptoms that we often do not immediately relate to the issues of hormones and, instead, believe there is a greater health issue that must be addressed. But, because a woman's hormones plays such a vital role in metabolism and other neurological functions, many symptoms women experience in mid-life are related to hormonal changes.

When suffering from complications associated with a burning tongue, it is important to seek out medical attention immediately, to rule out any potential risk for complications involving oral infection or gum disease. Once your oral health has been examined and ruled out as an immediate issue, your physician may wish to run a series of tests for hormone levels - to determine if you have a risk for Burning Tongue syndrome. With hormone fluctuations, a change in saliva composition and nerve function can lead to the sensation of burning in and around the tongue, which can be quite painful and difficult to treat.

Like Burning Mouth syndrome, the presence of Burning Tongue syndrome is often confirmed by way of testing which rules out, or confirms, the presence of infection or hormonal imbalance. In women who are approaching menopause, these hormonal imbalances can often be addressed with hormone replacement therapy. Once therapy is provided, the burning sensation in and around the tongue often dissipates and other issues of health concern subside as well.

As with any health issue experienced by women approaching menopause, it is important to seek out medical treatment to rule out, or confirm, a hormonal imbalance. While you may not be inclined to believe that your burning tongue symptoms are related to hormonal issue, the fact is that many women experience these symptoms in response to natural age-related disease. When in doubt, seek out medical attention and ask about peri-menopausal testing.

Sources: Dr. John Lee's Hormone Balance Balance Made Simple, by John Lee