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Menopause-Related Paresthesia
About Paresthesia
Menopause-related paresthesia may present as numbness (loss of sensation) or tingling (hypersensitivity) of the skin. Estrogen, which is significantly decreased during menopause, plays an important role in overall nervous system health. Sensations from the skin are carried through peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain.
When this system works properly, one knows to remove one’s hand from a candle flame because the brain responds to the stimulus by telling the hand to move away from the pain. When this system is not functioning properly, the brain may misinterpret the sensations reported by the skin, or may not receive accurate information.
Symptoms of Paresthesia
While tingling and numbness are the most common symptoms of paresthesia, other
symptoms may include a “crawling” sensation of the skin, pain, muscular weakness,
cramps, abnormal reflexes, warmth or cool feeling, paleness, redness, swelling, or rash.
Symptoms are most commonly experienced in the extremities, but can occur in the face or breasts, and may travel from one area to another or occur in multiple areas simultaneously.
Hormonal Causes
When a woman approaches menopause, her body chemistry changes dramatically.
Menstrual periods become more irregular, and eventually cease entirely. The ovaries
decrease the release of eggs. Levels of estrogen and progestin decrease precipitously.
These changes may result in heart palpitations, nervous system malfunctions, and other types of paresthesia.
Other Causes
Not all paresthesia is menopause-related. Nerve or spinal cord injury can disrupt the
body’s natural message-carrying system resulting in paresthesia. Hyperventilation,
anxiety, or panic attacks can effect the oxygenation of blood and reduce blood flow to the extremities. Strokes and seizures similarly affect the body’s ability to adequately supply oxygenated blood to the extremities. Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Repetitive Stress Injuries, whiplash, bursitis, and other skeleto-muscular injuries that
affect the surrounding nerves may cause paresthesia. Periodically, the symptoms may be the result of a simple vitamin or electrolyte deficiency, or an adverse reaction to
medication. However, these symptoms may also indicate a more serious disease such as Multiple Sclerosis or a malfunctioning thyroid gland.
Daily Lifestyle Changes
Several daily lifestyle changes may improve the symptoms of paresthesia. Smoking
reduces blood flow to the skin, so cessation may help. Increased use of moisturizers to combat dry skin may also provide relief.
Regular exercise not only alleviates the symptoms of paresthesia, but also improves
overall health. Exercise increases blood flow and improves brain function. It strengthens the heart and lungs, allowing them to oxygenate and circulate blood throughout the body.
Exercise improves muscle tone, which will decrease the likelihood of the muscle
adversely affecting the surrounding nerves. The exercise need not be intense – simple
stretching exercises, walking, and yoga all increase blood flow and improve overall
health.In addition to regular exercise, regular sleep is a vital component of overall health.
According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, a lack of deep sleep causes symptoms ranging from decreased mental capacity and mood swings to disease. Inadequate sleep also affects the metabolism and the cardiovascular system, both of which play a significant role in paresthesia.
Dietary Changes
Essential fatty acids such as are found in fish and nuts may have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to a variety of health problems,
including tetany, which may cause paresthesia of the lips, tongue and fingers. Foods rich in folic acid such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts encourage new cell growth. Foods containing thiamin such as fortified breads, cereals, pasta, whole grains, lean meats, peas and soybeans are essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.
Treating Paresthesia
As with any pathology, the simplest treatments are the best. Adequate rest, exercise and a healthy diet will improve all aspects of life, in addition to alleviating the symptoms of paresthesia.
However, if diet and lifestyle changes are not adequate to manage symptoms, medical treatments are available. For mild symptoms, over-the-counter anti-inflamatories may help. For more severe symptoms, antidepressants such as Elavil may be used to calm the nervous system, alter the body’s perception of pain, and reduce symptoms. Additionally,hormone replacement therapy or estrogen replacement therapy may be indicated for the relief of these and other symptoms of menopause.
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