Numbness and pins and needles in menopause: Causes and strategies

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Learn what causes Paresthesia, how to manage your symptoms and when to call your healthcare professional
Numbness and pins and needles in menopause: Causes and strategies

The medical term for pins and needles is Paresthesia, which covers abnormal tingling, prickling or numbness in your extremities

Table of contents

  • Paresthesia: What is it & the 4 main causes
  • Menopause and Paresthesia
  • How to manage your menopausal paresthesia
  • When to call your doctor

Paresthesia explained

Paresthesia expresses itself in three forms:

  1. Crawling, numb, tingling, itching or prickling feeling
  2. Hotness or a ‘burning’ sensation
  3. Increased sensitivity of your extremities

There are four main causes of Paresthesia

  1. Nerve compression: Placing your body in an unusual position can pinch or compress nerves
  2. Nerve damage: This can occur due to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated disk, or peripheral neuropathy1
  3. Poor circulation: Caused by conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, can lead to paresthesia2
  4. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, or E, or minerals such as calcium or potassium, can cause paresthesia3

So, if you are feeling tingly, blame those nerves!

Relationship between Menopause and Paresthesia

During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can lead to changes in nerve function and blood flow, resulting in menopausal woman having a greater predisposition to paresthesia4

The decrease in estrogen can also decrease the speed of nerve conduction velocity and decrease sensory perception, also adding to the likelihood of Paresthesia.

How to manage your symptoms 

Exercise::Regular aerobic exercise can significantly improve conduction velocity and sensory perception6, so get those running shoes on!

Stress: Deep breathing, relaxation techniques and supplements can decrease paresthesia symptoms7

Nutritional diet: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet with adequate B vitamins, Calcium and Magnesium

Hydration: Dehydration can cause decrease nerve conduction velocity and sensory perception8

Decrease smoking and alcohol: Sadly the alcohol might have to take a back seat for a while as it can cause decrease nerve performance9

 

When to call in the professionals

If your paresthesia symptoms are becoming more frequent, severely impacting your quality of life – it's time to call in the professionals. 

Your healthcare professional can swoop in and figure out what's causing the tingles, and uncross your wires

Don’t forget, Her Vitality is here supporting you all the way with education, support and menopause specific products.

Remember, like a fine wine, you only get better with age - embrace the changes, stay informed, and keep shining!

  1. Padua L, Coraci D, Erra C, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(12):1273-1284. 
  2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2019 abridged for primary care providers. Clin Diabetes. 2019;37(1):11-34. 
  3. Miller A, Korem M, Almog R, Galboiz Y. Vitamin B12, demyelination, remyelination and repair in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2005;233(1-2):93-97. 
  4. Ersoy GS, Gökmen Karasu AF, Özkan H, İnanç N, Özdemir Ö. Paresthesia in women with menopause: A cross-sectional study. Climacteric. 2017;20(1):43-48. 
  5. Zárate A, Basualto-Alarcón C, Varela D, Cifuentes M. Estrogen effects on nerve tissue: a review. Maturitas. 2017;97:45-51. 
  6. Kluding PM, Pasnoor M, Singh R, et al. The effect of exercise on neuropathic symptoms, nerve function, and cutaneous innervation in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2012;29(3):238-245. 
  7. Hung HM, Tsai PS, Ko MH, et al. Relaxation training reduces symptom distress and improves coping in women with menopause-related symptoms. Menopause. 2010;17(4):717-723. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3181cddc3f.
  8. Maughan RJ, Shirreffs SM, Merson SJ, Horswill CA. Fluid and electrolyte balance in elite male football (soccer) players training in a cool environment. J Sports Sci. 2005;23(1):73-79. 
  9. Jia H, Luben RN, Mulligan AA, et al. Alcohol consumption and markers of subclinical neuropathy in a general population. Am J Epidemiol. 2016;183(10):902-911
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