Feeling a burning sensation in your tongue, lips, gums, or the roof of your mouth can make it hard to eat or talk. In some cases, these symptoms are caused by burning mouth syndrome (BMS). This condition may affect women in perimenopause and menopause.

“I’m dealing with perimenopause, fibromyalgia, worsening mental health symptoms, rage, body aches, and a new diagnosis of burning mouth syndrome,” one ThisIsMenopause member said. “It could potentially be caused by both of those problems, or several others, or none at all!!”

If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn what causes a burning tongue or burning mouth in menopause. You’ll also find tips for managing this issue.

Share your thoughts.

🗳️ Have you experienced burning mouth syndrome?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

BMS is a term that describes long-term symptoms that include:

• A burning feeling that most often affects the tip of the tongue, but can also affect the roof of the mouth, gums, lips, or throat
• Increased thirst due to a very dry mouth
• Loss of taste
• Taste changes, such as a bitter or metallic taste
• Numbness, tingling, or a scalding or stinging sensation in the mouth

These symptoms may not happen every day. They may come and go, last for hours, or continue for months or years.

BMS doesn’t cause any physical changes to your tongue or mouth that your dentist or doctor would be able to see, such as a bump.

What Causes Burning Tongue or Mouth?

Some people have primary BMS, which means it’s not linked to any underlying cause. In primary BMS, symptoms are usually linked to nerve damage in the mouth and tongue.

In secondary BMS, mouth symptoms are linked to an underlying cause, such as hormonal changes during perimenopause. Several other possible causes may lead to BMS symptoms as well. Your doctor may need to perform several tests to find out what’s behind your BMS.

Hormone Changes During Menopause

Research suggests BMS is most common in women during and after menopause. Up to 20 percent of women in their 50s and older may develop the condition. Doctors believe this may be related to hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.

These hormone changes may make the mouth more sensitive to pain, which may trigger BMS symptoms. Lower estrogen levels may also reduce saliva, which can contribute to BMS symptoms. Although this is one possible explanation for why BMS is more common during menopause, more research is needed to better understand the connection.

Other Risk Factors for BMS

Additional conditions or triggers that may be linked to BMS include:

• Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid problems
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Allergies
• Mental health issues
• Dry mouth
• Geographic tongue
• Mouth infections
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Stress
• Certain medications

Some of these factors may also occur alongside perimenopause and menopause. Talk to your healthcare provider if you aren’t sure what’s causing your BMS. They can help pinpoint the cause and find solutions to improve your quality of life.