Tingling sensations in your body

• Some women going through menopause report tingling sensations in parts of their body, such as the hands, feet, or legs, particularly during perimenopause. This is often caused by hormonal fluctuations.
• As oestrogen production decreases during menopause, changes in the nervous system can occur. This may lead to numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
• It’s important to take more breaks. During menopause, you are more sensitive to stress and require additional rest. Stress and tension can exacerbate hormonal fluctuations and worsen the tingling sensations in your body.

Numbness or tingling in certain parts of the body can be caused by hormonal fluctuations during menopause. These sensations are often felt in the hands, legs, feet, or face. This is due to declining oestrogen levels. As oestrogen levels drop, your body seeks a new hormonal balance, which affects various processes, including the functioning of your nervous system.

Oestrogen protects nerve fibres and plays a role in maintaining good blood circulation in the body. When oestrogen levels decrease, changes in the nervous system can occur, leading to numbness, burning, or tingling sensations throughout your body. It feels similar to having “asleep” hands, legs, or feet.

Most women experience these tingling sensations during perimenopause. If hormonal fluctuations are the cause, the symptoms often subside during postmenopause when hormone levels stabilise. Other menopausal symptoms also tend to diminish during this phase. It is not known how many women experience tingling sensations during menopause.

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors can contribute. These include a pinched nerve, certain medications (including hormone therapy), allergies, a herniated disc, vitamin deficiencies, or radiation therapy. Tingling sensations can also be caused by conditions such as diabetes, Raynaud’s phenomenon, multiple sclerosis, migraines, or infections.

If you continue to experience tingling or burning sensations despite making significant lifestyle changes, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is especially important if the symptoms interfere with your daily activities or are accompanied by muscle loss, pain, vision changes, difficulty walking, memory loss, muscle spasms, trouble speaking, numbness in a large part of your body, or fainting.

There is no medication specifically designed to reduce tingling sensations caused by menopause. However, you can support your body naturally with healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest. These measures can help balance your hormones and prevent symptoms.

When your hormone levels change during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how you feel. Experts recommend the following for tingling sensations in your body:

• Take more breaks. Stress and tension can amplify hormonal fluctuations and worsen tingling sensations. Try to incorporate more pauses into your day and prioritise your tasks. Allow yourself to do nothing more often. As a woman in menopause, you are more susceptible to stress and simply need more rest. Maintaining the same pace as before can be challenging.
• Eat enough (healthy) fats, vegetables, and fruits. Hormones are made from fats, so consuming healthy fats is crucial. Regularly include fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, or olive oil in your diet. Also, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to provide your body with sufficient fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
• Reduce unhealthy habits. This includes smoking or consuming (excessive) alcohol. Both alcohol and smoking negatively affect the healthy functioning of the nervous system and other bodily processes.
• Exercise daily. Physical activity improves blood circulation and heart function. It also reduces tension and stress in your body. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily, in addition to your regular activities. Stretching and flexibility exercises are also beneficial for circulation and can help relieve pinched nerves.
• Stand up more often. If you sit for long periods, standing up every 30 minutes can help stimulate blood circulation. Did you know that standing burns twice as many calories as sitting?
• If tingling sensations persist or become severe, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying causes.

During menopause, your body’s processes for generating energy, building muscle, and repairing skin undergo changes. You can support these processes naturally with high-quality supplements. Supplements can help balance hormones and contribute to overall health. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for all women in menopause.

The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as your lifestyle and health and can vary from person to person. The quality of the product also determines its efficacy. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.