Menopause and paresthesia?
Posted , 157 users are following.
I would love some input on my strange symptoms.
I'm 50 years old. For many years, my periods have been very close together, very long, and with 2-3 days of exceptionally heavy flow. I know this weird period stuff is normal in peri menopause. Then, after one of these "normal" (for me!) periods in April, I didn't have one for 60 days - and when I did it again, for the first time in years I didn't have the heavy days. That was over 60 days ago and so far I haven't had another one since.
My FSH level in a blood test two weeks ago was very high - 117.
I tell you all this just as a little background - I already know I'm obvioulsy in peri menopause and nearing actual menopause.
But here's the reason I'm posting. Starting mid-May, all of a sudden I started having very consistent paresthesia in my feet and legs - a mixture of tingling, pins and needles, slight burning, static sensation outside skin, pricking... no numbness. It has been with me every single day since then - 3 months now. It's worse at some times than others, but always present to some degree (and usually very annoying and concerning). It is definitely in BOTH legs and feet.
I'm slightly low in B12 and hoped that was the cause - however, after 10 B12 shots over 5 weeks, I have no improvement. I've had various other blood tests, all normal. I had an MRI of my spine (all 3 sections) yesterday and it showed nothing. No MS lesions, no transverse myelitis lesions, no compression/stenosis, no disc problems, no tumors. Now I need to get a brain MRI and of course I'm concerned this one could show MS. However, doctors have told me - and my research confirms this - it would be most unusal for MS to present with paresthesia equally on BOTH sides, stay around consistently for so long without going away even briefly, etc... And I have zero other MS sypmtoms.
So assuming (hopefully!) that's NOT what it is, then it's becoming a real mystery. I've done some reading that suggests these weird tingling sensations CAN be caused by menopause - due to extreme hormone imbalance. Also, my hormones could have been out of whack for a long time what with all my irregular periods, AND about 12 years ago I had my hormone levels checked and supposedly at that time I had the estrogen level of "a post-menopausal woman." At the time my doc said that was a little odd, but ok, no cause for concern. Anyway, I say all this as a way to say perhaps I've been a little bit of a unique case as far as my hormones.
Does anyone think these symptoms COULD actually be attributed to menopause? Or has anyone had something similar happen to them? I've asked my doctor a couple times and she immediately says no, menopause couldn't cause this. I realize it's not typical, but is it possible? So far I have no hot flashes or night sweats, thank heavens, but maybe this is my own personal type of menopause hell?!
Any insight would be so very much appreciated. Maybe I'm grasping at straws, but it DOES seem an interesting coincidence that all these issues have come up right as I'm going through this different timing in my periods, obvious continued hormone changes, etc...
Thanks in advance for any help people might be able to offer.
I think I'm going insane. If this could be blamed on menopause, I would be SO relieved and could deal with it!!!
12 likes, 501 replies
michelle05240 molly54321
Posted
Hello,
I'm going through the same thing. I received a query 'MS' diagnosis 18 months ago and my neurologist said to wait until the next lot of symptoms and it would be like joining the dots. I have had pins and needles in both feet continuously. It is worse after standing and lying down at night. It came on after running and getting really stiff calves that wouldn't soften once I got home and for a few days after. I've had blood tests, MRI of the spine and brain, and nerve conductor tests. All normal. I have one area of high signal strength (not specifically named as a lesion). I also get bouts of vertigo, focal displacement and tinnitus. I came across your thread and have wondered why my neurologist wouldn't even mention this was a possibility, given my age. In fact, my menstrual cycle was not relevant in the questions. He just sat there and said 'there doesn't seem to be any obvious explanation so we just have to wait as it could be MS. That then started an investigation into that, changing my diet and all sorts for no real reason!! I started HRT at the end of January for the night (and day lol) sweats and lack of sleep and no libidio whatsover so am waiting to see if there is an improvement. There is in the libido area thankfully!!! I find it disappointing that we have to wait to get to this stage (if it is menopause related) rather than being given this information in earlier life! My periods stopped 12 months ago and I'm 56. I too find Menopause Taylor (Barbie) a great source of information - made me feel a lot better about going on HRT although she doesn't mention anything about neuro issues that I can see. It's helpful to know that others are going through the same thing. I'd love to know if anyone has managed to get rid of this completely either through HRT or other medication. I might give the magnesium a whirl for my calves. After a weekend of gardening they are so painful. It's actually worse lying down than standing. xx
katrina12440 molly54321
Posted
Hi Molly,
I am 48years old and have been enduring these symptoms for a couple of years now. It first started off with tingling and electric shock sensations all over my body, but it is now moved to my head.
I experience headaches, with lots of tingling and strange sensations all over my head. Like everyone else is saying, this can be so stressful and worrying. I have had 2 MRIs and 1 CT scan and nothing significant has been uncovered.
I am so worried and fed up with it, I also have a weakness in my left arm for time to time...
Doctors say it is nothing, I hope they are right!!
edith99275 molly54321
Posted
hi, ladies
here another app for women to get and more understanding it's call perry perimenopause. go on your store app and download.
caroline10845 molly54321
Posted
I fully appreciate this is a very old thread but I have these symptoms...heavy numb legs...on both sides...visual disturbances...brain fog...numbness and tingling in hands and feet...terrible anxiety..perhaps related to this ...or menopausal
its affecting my job...my life ...wondering how you got on and how you are now x
noel58310 molly54321
Posted
I am 58 - wish I found this last year when my symptoms started. I have never had the buzzing, or the creepy crawlys, but have experienced vertigo; which I figured was hormone related, and most recently major pain in my feet. I can't even run in the yard with my dogs anymore! I am not a fan of Dr.'s and after reading all the "Got nowhere at the doctors"....I feel better. (No insurance)
So starting the other day, I have burning on my lower back and today it has progressed to my stomach where my pants sit. No rash, not even red....just feels like a sunburn...but it does not come and go, it is constant.
I am disappointed with the medical community, telling women nothing. Why wouldn't they keep track of all of the ailments women have complained about regarding menopause, and reassure women that we are NOT going crazy!!!?? Guess they have drugs to push....
Just wanted to post to let you all know that you are not alone, and I wonder how the women are who started this post years ago? Hope they check in....I am not looking forward to years of this pain.
caroline57718 molly54321
Edited
Hi Molly. I am 56. About 4 years ago I had 3 or 4 electric shock-type sensations in my right ankle. Shortly after, the prickly, tingly feeling started in my shins and feet. Since then, I have constant, varying levels of paresthesia in both feet & hands and I occasionally experience this feeling around my nose/mouth. These feelings can be tingly, itchy, numb, cold, hot & sometimes make it difficult to sleep or sit at peace - a water bottle with cold water helps. Along with this I also have achy joints and sore muscles - I have never had hot flushes. I am attending a neurologist and have nerve conduction tests to look forward to having had an MRI of my neck which showed usual, age related wear and tear. I'm beginning to think that my symptoms are menopause related. When I told my mother about this, she said that she had never heard of altered skin sensation being a symptom of menopause, however after reading on this forum and various other websites, I think that hormones could be the cause. Hot flushes and mood swings are not the only symptoms of hormonal imbalance, I believe. I'm now researching natural source for hormone replacement. I think that the medical profession often bark up the wrong tree and, when test results come back negative, label you as having stress.
denise76311 molly54321
Posted
Hi Molly,
i have not been on here for a while, but when i read your message i just felt like bursting in to tears. I am 59 yrs old and in the 4th year of the menopause, since October 2020 i went down with exactly the same symptoms and problems, i have had every blood test you can think of but nothing, in the last 2 weeks its got worse the burning on my skin is driving me crazy its above my knee in the muscle area, and my feet, same as you both sides , do your feet get painful as well sometimes?. My anxiety is not helping at all and has made my skin now feel like sunburn in other areas. I have been to neuro doctors hospital appointments so many times, i tried an MRI twice but panicked as i got claustophobia. I have another appointment on Wednesday in an open MRI, so fingers crossed i can do it, this is the same as you a brain scan, and like you i am so nervous and worrying it might be MS. You have given me hope after saying because its in both legs and like you having no other symptoms it is hopefully not MS , this has helped my anxiety a little. I have googled so much that it has not helped at all with the stress. I also have had tight calves and thighs which is so uncomfortable , i loved to walk and because of this i have had to stop. I am also thinking its the menopause as some of the symptoms i have read seem to match.
i would love to hear any update you have it is so nice to be able to talk to someone with the same symptoms and understanding of what it is like.
Like you i am going crazy with worry, i hope to hear from you again
Regards Dee
Eli20 molly54321
Posted
Molly:
i have had the same symptoms, all of them. The doctor check my B12 level and ir was fine. I also have pain in my hands and feet.
i too will have an MRI for my brain. aome of my siblings are telling me it is menopause related. I am an otherwise healthy, and workout. So like you. I am a but concerned. i have an IUD to control my menopause symptoms and I am 52.
Keep us updated!
dee17428 molly54321
Posted
Hi Molly54321
It was very interesting to read your post and also reassuring to see someone else is experiencing the same leg/feet tingling sensations as I am during the menopause.
I'm sorry you're experiencing these sensations - I feel your discomfort. It's not pleasant and is worrying but it's good you're having it checked out.
Mine started in March last year- when the big lockdown began and I'm still experiencing it. I'm 54 and going through the menopause and have been for about 3 years now.
I reported this to my doctor and, as I was having many blood tests to investigate another matter, my tingling feet and legs was attributed to the menopause.
It was due to my research that I discovered this can occur during the menopause . I suggested this to two doctors who agreed with me as all my other blood test results were fine.
I find that lying down with my legs up the wall and any position were my legs are elevated ( I do yoga so there are a few different postures like this) helps to alleviate the tingling.
I am going to return to my doctor to express my worry again as it's been continuing for over a year now
I hope that all your tests are negative and that this uncomfortable feeling subsides for you.
sarah93184 molly54321
Posted
I'm new to this community and joined for this very topic! I'm so encouraged to find that it's not just me! I've been having a strange tingling in my face, that comes and goes, for a few years, and it coincides with menopause. It recently spread to more of my body and has become pins and needles in my limbs and extremities. I hope it doesn't keep getting worse and stops as I reach the post menopausal stage. I had my first appointment with a neurologist the other day and have some testing scheduled.
Jony69 molly54321
Posted
Hi everyone,
I am new here.I have had pins and needles,numbness,pain in calves and tingles plus bouts of nausea for 2 and a half months now.
I am post menopause 4 years now.
My gyno wanted to put me on hrt back then but I resisted for fear of breast cancer.
I have now relented and been using hrt for 7 weeks now but not felt a change yet.I am on low dose of estridiol (Lenzetto spray) testosterone and will have to take progrsterone every 3 months to stop the lining from getting to thick.
I have had blood tests which are normal and normal EMG.Waiting for results of brain and back mri.
Does the hrt take time? I am at my wits end with all this.Making sleep difficut with constant anxiety.
Much love to all you ladies out there suffering.
susan99696 molly54321
Posted
wow! it certainly feels good not to be alone...
i have been llooking into these symptoms with no success. i also had several MRI showing nothing. Will have one of brain and spine ( 3 sections) with a traditional doctor.
i also do acupuncture and today my chinese doctor suggested this could be due to pre menopause. he has given me a chinese medication called Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan. i am to take it fir a month. fingers crossed.
and yes, all my blood work is normal ...
Jony69 susan99696
Posted
what are your symptoms Susan? I too have had brain and back MRI and both normal too.
Coccinella molly54321
Edited
dear Molly,
I have your same symptoms: paresthesia, pins and needles, burning sensation.
I am worried to have a rare disease so next week I have planned a visit with a neurologist.
I am wondering if it could be menopause because I am reading many articles in that.
did you solve your problem?
coccinella
penny53388 molly54321
Edited
hello i turned 50 last year and havent had a period for over a year, for months know i have been having pins needles burning in both my legs sometimes my arms to, some days are really bad, easys of a bit when i stand up, but cant stand up for ever, i only just came across your post, have they managed to sort you out know and if so what did they do thankyou