While not a common symptom of menopause and postmenopause, tingling extremities is an unsettling and unexpected symptom some women experience. This tingling can affect any part of the body though it commonly affects the feet, legs, arms, and hands. Tingling extremities during menopause are usually the result of fluctuations in hormones. Fortunately, most cases of tingling extremities during menopause and postmenopause do not indicate that something more serious is going on. Nonetheless, women who are experiencing tingling extremities and those who are curious about this menopausal symptom are wise to learn more about its causes and treatment.

Tingling extremities during menopause

Tingling extremities, medically known as paresthesis, can occur at any time. In more mild cases, tingling extremities can come about after a certain body posture pinches a nerve or presses on an artery, causing a limb to temporarily “fall asleep.” In these cases, the tingling extremities usually return to normal after compression is relieved. While tingling extremities are not usually cause for concern, these sensations can be a symptom of another condition.

What causes tingling extremities during menopause?

In most cases, tingling extremities experienced during menopause are the result of natural hormone fluctuations. Oestrogen, one of the primary hormones in flux during menopause, has a complex effect on the central nervous system. When this hormone is thrown off balance during menopause, it can affect the nervous system, producing symptoms like tingling extremities. While oestrogen fluctuations are a prime cause of tingling extremities during menopause, other medical conditions can trigger tingling in the hands, feet, arms and legs.

Source: 34 Menopause Symptoms. 2017. 34 Menopause Symptoms. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/tingling-extremities.htm.[Accessed 10 October 2017].

References:

De Azevedo Guimaraes, A.C. & Baptista, F. (2011). Influence of habitual physical activity on the symptoms of climacterium/menopause and the quality of life of middle-aged women. InternationalJournal of Women’s Health, 3, 319-328. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S24822
National Institutes of Health. (2015). Numbness and tingling. Retrieved May 20, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003206.htm

Tingling Extremities

Are you experiencing this symptom?