Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is a persistent scalding or burning sensation on the tongue, gums, lips, or inside the mouth, often linked to estrogen changes.
How to track
- Log burning episodes with timestamp, location (tongue, gums, lips, palate), and intensity (1-10).
- Note duration and whether it's constant or intermittent throughout the day.
- Track context such as meals, beverages, stress, and HRT timing.
- Capture any relief strategies that help (cold water, ice, specific foods).
Common context
Estrogen receptors exist in oral mucosa, and declining hormone levels can disrupt sensation pathways. Burning mouth syndrome is more common during perimenopause and menopause but often goes unrecognized.
What to bring to a clinician
- What daily or weekly pattern appears in burning sensation intensity?
- Does symptom timing align with HRT changes, meals, or stress events?
- Which relief strategies provide the most consistent improvement?