Eyelid twitching and menopause
A twitching eyelid may sound like just a minor annoyance. But when it happens many times a day, it can be a frustrating problem. An eyelid twitch is a repetitive, involuntary spasm in an eyelid muscle. Is there a link between menopause and twitchy eyelids? And what can you do to stop eyelid twitching?
The throbbing has stopped since I’ve started taking a magnesium supplement. I can even work at the computer for long periods of time without any problems. - Anke (age 55)
Eye twitches are one of the most common eye symptoms that people experience. Studies have shown that eyelid myokymia is more common in women and that cold weather can make symptoms worse.
Although eyelid twitching may sound like just a minor, harmless annoyance, when it happens many times a day it can affect your quality of life. Eye twitches can be distracting and prevent you from focusing on tasks such as driving, reading or working at the computer. If twitching is frequent, it can cause eye irritation, redness or dryness. In some women twitching lasts for days or weeks, leading to chronic eye problems or irritation.
What is happening in your body?
First of all, you need to understand what causes your eyelid to twitch. An eyelid twitch, in medical terms referred to as eyelid myokymia, is caused by overactivity of the facial nerve (also known as the seventh cranial nerve) or by involuntary spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for closing the eyelids. The facial nerve controls muscles of your eyelids, face and mouth, allowing for various facial expressions. When branches of your facial nerve become overactive, this can lead to facial muscle twitches.
In menopausal women, eye twitching is usually a sign of stress, fatigue, poor sleep or lack of energy. Being exhausted or strained can trigger involuntary muscle contractions. No need to worry though, these contractions or twitches are usually harmless.
Other causes
Stress can also play a role, as the body consumes more magnesium during periods of anxiety, depleting its stores. Magnesium is involved in many vital functions in the body, including muscle function. It has an important role in muscle movement and relaxation. This explains why magnesium deficiency can trigger muscle spasms and twitches, including in the eyelids.
Medication use and underlying health conditions that you may not be aware of can also be contributing factors. Other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings can also cause or make eye twitching worse.
What other factors may cause eyelid twitching?
Factors that can also cause or trigger eye twitches include:
- Eye strain due to eye coordination problems. This may be an indication that you need glasses or a change in your current prescription.
- Excessive consumption of caffeinated products or beverages (cocoa, coffee, cola, energy drinks).
- Eye strain due to focusing on a task for long periods, like staring at a computer screen or reading.
- Studies have shown that histamine, a chemical that is released in response to an allergic reaction, can also lead to eyelid twitching.
What can you do?
Minor dietary and lifestyle adjustments can drastically reduce eyelid spasms. Some things you can do that might help:
- Make sure you get enough magnesium. Magnesium is essential for proper muscle function, including the muscles around your eyes. Support your body by eating magnesium-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, fish, dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, dairy products and dried fruit.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Both caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can cause eyelid and nerve spasms.
- Make sleep your number one priority. Fatigue can trigger eye spasms. Go to bed on time, avoid looking at screens within two hours of going to bed, and make sure your bedroom is dark and cool. More sleep hygiene tips.
- Reduce stress and get plenty of rest. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and anxiety. Set priorities and accept that you cannot juggle all the things in your life at all times. If your work involves sitting at the computer for a long time, take regular breaks. Take your eyes off the computer screen every 20 minutes and look at something in the distance to relax your eyes.
- Gently massage your eyelids. Gently massage your twitching eyelid with your index finger, using light, circular movements. Do this several times a day to relax the muscles and reduce twitching.
- Use eye drops for dry eyes. Do you have dry eyes as a result of twitching? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about for eye drops for dry eyes.
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What treatment is right for you?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help with some of the symptoms of menopause. HRT has improved the quality of life of many women with severe symptoms.
Can hormone therapy help?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces lost hormones to counteract severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sleep problems. Do you also have other symptoms besides eye twitches? Then hormone therapy might be an option for you.
Sources
- Lee, S. Y., & Lai, S. C. (2017). Clinical and Electrophysiological Analysis of Chronic Eyelid Twitching. Acta neurologica Taiwanica, 26(4), 177–183.
- McCarty, C. A., Livingston, P. M., Taylor, H. R., & Stanislavsky, Y. L. (1996). Eyelid myokymia and lifestyle factors. Ophthalmology, 103(7), 1093-1097
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FAQ
Could a twitching eyelid be a sign of something more serious?
In most cases, eyelid twitching is harmless and occurs as a result of stress, fatigue or other (temporary) causes. However, if eyelid twitching persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor to find out if there is more to it.
