Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: holidaylover on August 05, 2014, 08:56:51 AM
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Morning Ladies
Posted a few weeks back re. tingling in my feet and at the tip of my nose. Bloods all fine and doc decided it was anxiety and prescribed AD. I am very anxious with terrible panic, but my problem is that I am still finding it very difficult to believe my tingling symptoms are caused by the anxiety. I do understand about the tingling whilst hyperventilating, but my tingling is almost constant. Was on holiday a couple of weeks ago and it just never ceased at all. In fact whilst away I developed a tingle at the tip of my tongue. When I walk and it tingles I start to sometimes feel a small vibration in my foot. When I was away I also had a strange sensation up the back of my calf which came on every 5 mins of so, just for a split second, but made me stop in my tracks, (and bring on a panic!). My feet are terrible today and I can feel the pulses at the end of my fingertips. My nose tingles and it feels like I have hairs stuck to my tongue. Also, the inside of my mouth is sore (sides of cheek) and I, now and again, feel like my lips are on fire. My question is this...
Has anyone else had these symptoms and found that Citalopram helped, or... has anyone else had these symptoms and found something else that helps. I am absolutely petrified of taking the AD, as I seem to react badly to any form of medication. I took some Kalms last week (thought I'd give that a go first), and felt absolutely spaced. Even Camomile Tea, which I am drinking at the moment, makes me feel like I've had a sleeping tablet! I feel like going back to the doc and asking one more time for more tests, but I know they'll just tell me to take the ADs first. I've even thought about going private for tests. I am sitting feeling like I have ants crawling all over my feet and I'm starting to reach the end of my tether. I know tingling is a symptom of menopause, but can't understand if this is the case why I would be given ADs for it. Advice please?! (Doctor has never mentioned the word Menopause or hormones ever!!!, just anxiety)
Thanks for taking time to read.
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One of my first meno symptoms was tingling in hands, feet, nose and back of neck. I still get the back of neck and occasional nose tingling but am on hrt and think it is definitely hormone related for me. How old are you and have you any other meno symptoms? X
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Hiya Lesley
I'm 50 and other symptoms are that periods are completely haywire. That is, they just never seem to go away. I'm now into my third week of a bleed, having had a two week break between the last. Not particularly heavy, more now brown and mostly when wiping after having the loo. Really sore boobs today too!! Panic (almost an agrophobic feeling of spinning when in open places, supermarkets, etc.) and anxiety really bad and unable to shift my horrible wobbly tum!!! Not fun at all, but it's defo the tingling that is my worst symptom. It has been almost constant every day for the past two months. I don't, though, seem to get flushes or night sweats (YET!!).
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http://greatgraves.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/pernicious-anemia/
Not saying you have PA - but you said bloods were fine - but did they check you B12 levels?
Lowered B12 can be more likely if we avoid milk, cheese, eggs, red meat, fish and fortified cereals.
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Very interesting peegeetip,
A couple of years ago I had the same symptoms and was B12 was checked then. When I went back to docs this time, she looked at my notes and said that as my B12 was fine then, she was sure it would be fine now. I didn't actually get tested again. Don't know whether I should go back again and ask for the testing. Feel such a hypochondriac. Don't really know if when you are B12 deficient the symptoms perhaps would remain with you constantly rather than disappear.
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Poor you, it is horrible when all sorts seem to be happening. It may be worth asking for a hormone test at doc to see if you are menopausal. I know for me that my periods were as you are describing and then they stopped altogether. I had a few years of hot sweats then was hit by all sorts happening, thought I was going mad. I use hrt and a low dose of amitriptyline which helps me.
Lesley x
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I have had tingling mostly in scalp but odd one over body. I was also told anxiety which no anxiety meds helped. Eventually got estradot and it disappeared over night. Unfortunately Only lasted fir 2 months then returned. Still trying to get a hrt to settle but if I do get anxious it does make it worse. Thought I was going mad my gp argued it was not hormonal. It's hard to explain to someone how distressing the feeling is. Good luck x
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I also have been driven mad with tingling but mines is in my head & scalp very occasionally in body. I know mines is hormone as started a patch hrt and disappeared. Unfortunately it has returned and trying to get an hrt that helps. I also through time know that anxiety does make it worse but not the cause. It seems to be trial & error ti get one that works for me. Good luck I thought I was the only one to get this as doesn't seem common. See if you can get a referral to a consultant ir a menopause clinic x
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Just wanted to send you some sympathy as I have had this a lot too, and know how disturbing it can be - especially as it's not a well known hormonal symptom, so you can't help asking yourself if it's 'something else'. I did try Amitriptyline which is an old fashioned AD known for helping with nerve pain but, to be honest, the side effects were horrible - increased appetite, tiredness and palpitations (plus it didn't help the tingling, though it did help my back/arm/rib ache).
A friend of mine told me her doctor had said water retention can 'touch' nerves and cause these sorts of pain. I think that could well explain why I get it worse before I come on.
Hope it's calming down for you now? B
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Hi Briony,
Thank you for your concern. Tingling still a problem unfortunately. Had B12 check and that was fine, had hormone levels checked and nurse said I would hear if there was anything noteable, and have heard nothing! The tingling is, perhaps, slightly better (I bet I wish I'd never said that) but what I have now is an almost constant feeling of crawling and ****ling under the skin which turns into the most horrendous itch. It feels like I'm being bitten all over at random spots from head to toe and everywhere inbetween. Clawed myself stupid in bed last night much to hubby's annoyance, and did have some slight sweats going on. I think my period is coming too (really sore boobs and feel very bloated). I do agree that because it's not one of the 'normal' symptoms that you tend to think it might be something else, you google, you panic, anxiety sets in and on goes another list of symptoms!! I did have an MRI and am awaiting an appointment with a neurologist, as doctor thinks I will be less anxious when he rules out all the serious illnesses I think I might have. I know if someone told me that what I have is DEFINATELY menopause I would feel a bit better in that my anxiety may not be so bad. (If that makes sense). Hope you are well.
Take care x
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I don't know if this is relevant, but for the past three months I've had a tingly left foot and my body feels like it is vibrating. I saw GP who said it was anxiety and post-meno (I'm 56). He gave me ADs, but I haven't taken them. Strange things is, I don't get any symptoms when I'm driving, going for walk, deeply engrossed in a film/tv/good book. When the symptoms started, I was quite worried about both my children, but things have settled down with them now, but I still get the tingling.
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Hi Holidaymaker
I wondered if you were still getting the tingling symptoms or you'd found something to help. I would be interested to know.
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Marge, Hi,
Unfortunately I'm still getting the tingling. Although it doesn't seem to be so bad in my feet (at the minute), I feel it in my legs and up my arms, like I'm getting ****ed by needles and ants crawling on my skin, which then turns into an itch. Like you my Doctor said anxiety, although this was for the tingling in my feet. The skin crawling is a newer symptom, but all my bloods were normal. My Ad's are still sitting in the cupboard, untouched, as I'm yet to be convinced this is all down to anxiety, although I do admit to suffering from anxiety and panic attacks (just dont think the creepy crawlies and tingling are that). Tingling and 'formication' (the crawling feelings) are less common symptoms of menopause, and even though you are post meno, perhaps you are experiencing some sort of dip in hormones. Like you too I had a wee bit extra anxiety at the start of the summer, when probably the first of my symptoms started, but that also has gone, but symptoms still here!!
And no, I also don't notice it as much If I'm up and about. I've started taking a good Omega 3 supplement and also a 50+ multi vitamin as I cant see them doing any harm. I see the Neurologist in 4 weeks so I will be interesting to here his views on this. Will keep you posted.
Take care
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Thanks Holidaymaker, one of the comforting things is to know you're not the only one, although I wouldn't wish it on anybody. Do let me know how you get on and good luck!
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How are you getting on Holiday Maker? Have you had your MRI yet? Every time I read one of your posts, I think I could have written it! I too get the crawling skin - it's like 1000 ants running across my back. I did find one site which said this is uniquely a low estrogen symptom. I also get a horrible, tight squeezing sensation at the top of my arm which really scares me. I went for a nerve conduction test and the physician who did it could find nothing wrong, but said he'd come across many ladies in the their 40s with similar symptoms who linked the pain to their menstrual cycle. At the time I dismissed this and headed back to my doc determined to find out what dreadful disease was causing it, but looking back, it makes sense. Still no hot flushes for me - I so wish there was a definitive peri test so that I could stop worrying! :o x
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Just wondering how you got on with your Neurologist Holidaymaker? Things any better? I've had a big improvement with my tingling feet; hardly notice it now. I think, as it's a very busy time of year, I've got too much else to do and think about.
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Hi Lesley
Just wanted to send hugs and love to you I hope that good news comes your way regarding the MRI will be thinking about you x
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Ladies, Good Morning,
Just a review regarding my MRI and visit to the neurologist. MRI was normal and I saw the neuro yesterday. He checked reflexes and a few other things and confirmed that I don't have MS (which doctor has already told me, much to my disbelief!). He said it may be 'one of those things' where a diagnosis is not made, but he did agree, when I asked him, that symptoms could be hormonal. He suggested I see a physio regarding my breathing as this could help with my tingling, (not really understanding this), and he also did a blood test in connection with calcium, or lack of, in the blood (not really understanding this either!!). This would be rectified with tablets if the case. I have the feeling it, like all other tests, will come back normal, and really I'll be back to square one. He thought that me taking a multi vitamin along with the omega 3 fish oil was good ( I do admit to feeling a bit better after having taken these). My B12, he said was low, but not to the extent of needing injections or tablets. He thought it better to get this through the multivitamin. I have noticed that my tingling feet coincide with tight crampy calves and a stiff back, neck and a bit of a headache. I may have a period approaching (who knows), and feel like I have a bit fluid retention. I have water balance herbal tablets in cupboard so will give these a try now!
Hope everyone is well today x
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Hey there
I think if you breathing needs help it is to manage it effectively to avoid taking on too much Carbon dioxide as this in larger amounts can cause tingling through to our body xx
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Hi Holidaymaker
Glad that the MRI was 'normal' and nothing nasty. though you are probably gutted that it didn't find a cause for all your symptoms? I know I was. I have struggled for a long time to believe that the excruciating pain down my calves, the tingling, back ache and dizziness could be caused by'just' hormones. However, I can now see a connection with symptoms and my period. It's so frustrating, isn't it as there's always that little 'what if they missed something' niggle at the back of your mind. Did they offer any treatment/medication? Do you take anything already? x
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Hi Holidaymaker
Well, are you any further forward?? At least it's good to know that MS is ruled out. I had a few blissful weeks with no tingly and thought it was over, but just lately, it's been back. Maybe, a stressful time leading up to Christmas, but I'm not really sure. I've learnt to live with it and have stopped worrying - which, of course, helps too.
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I have been getting unexplained tingling in my legs, feet, arms, hands and up into my face for over a year now - sort of like a mild electric current running around my body, not painful just a bit worrying. Have had blood tests and last week had an MRI scan. Dr didn't seem concerned at all, but of course I googled tingling and the worst possible scenario always comes up first, which scared me to bits.
Have also noticed that since this started I get cramps in my calves and feet, especially at night.
Getting old is no joke is it :(
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I feel for you Melbury. Try to take reassurance from the fact so many others experience similar non-typical symptoms. If only the doc could recognise them as being hormonal as well as we have on here! Xxx
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I feel for you Melbury. Try to take reassurance from the fact so many others experience similar non-typical symptoms. If only the doc could recognise them as being hormonal as well as we have on here! Xxx
Thanks Briony, I just wish that we were all given a leaflet when we hit a certain age detailing all of the possible symptoms of the menopause. I only knew about the hot flushes and mood swings, hadn't heard of any others at all. It would have saved me a lot of grief if I had known that my dizziness and fainting episodes experienced years ago were probably peri-meno. Probably just about every horrible thing can be laid at the door of menopause >:(
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Cramp is usually due to lack of salt in the diet!
Tingling can be referred from other parts of the body so if one is tense it can travel all down the body. Pins and needles can also be due to trapped nerves. If there is a problem in the cervical spine it can reflect on the whole spine because the body compensates.
Lack of oestrogen is known to cause laxity of muscles which can have an on-going impact on how the joints 'work' ………. maybe self ref to a physio in the New Year for a discussion? Being reminded how to lift properly, sit correctly etc., even when driving, can ease symptoms.
Check shoe wear too!
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Electric shock symptoms ( like being pinged with an elastic band) madly itchy legs and odd patches of tingling were my first peri meno signs. If you know thats the cause then there is nothing to be scared of. They have all stopped now. ( Im 51)
And did me no harm other than sore legs!!
I cant rate enough ensuring you take good quality B vits ( holland and barrett do a lovely mouth spray one) vit C and maybe fish oil and something with a
Ittle iron in it if you have heavy periods.
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Estrogen causes laxity of tendons not a lack of it, which can effect joints. Estrogen and progesterone promote this laxity during giving birth. Its why women athletes are more prone to joint injuries. HRT or the Pill can effect laxity.
http://sock-doc.com/2012/11/ankle-sprains-ligament-damage/
Tingling is more likely to do with the nerves or over breathing.
Cramping can be due to anaemia, low thyroid, or imbalance of electrolytes
"Low potassium levels can affect your muscles and may cause cramping, leg pain, muscle weakness and fatigue. Because of the relationship between electrolytes and your body's water level, you also may experience severe thirst, frequent urination or constipation. If your potassium levels are extremely low, you may develop paralysis, an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing and/or confusion. If your potassium levels are just slightly below the normal range, you may experience no identifiable symptoms, but over time, your body will produce less insulin, and your blood glucose levels will rise.
If your potassium deficiency is slight or moderate, your doctor may recommend dietary changes or potassium supplements to increase your potassium levels and alleviate your symptoms. Tomatoes, oranges, bananas, spinach and other green, leafy vegetables are rich in potassium. Some sports drinks contain electrolyte replacements and may be helpful. If your low potassium levels are related to a medication you're taking for another condition, your doctor may switch you to another drug"
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:thankyou: I remember my Victorian Grandma telling us that we weren't eating enough salt if we complained of cramp - which I did a lot around ages 10/11/12 - also when I dived into the heated pool I would have to leave the water immediately due to cramp in the feet - then the body would acclimatise.
M in L was told that she was eating too much salt by her GP so kept cutting down, cutting down until it almost killed her :-\ - she wouldn't agree that my recommendation to eat more was correct because her GP had 'told her' >:( …… she became incapacitated for a while with clawing of the fingers and dizzy spells ……
I have electric zaps across my skull due to the medication I take ::)
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Karin, you're the first person I know of who had the same initial (and totally bizarre) symptoms as me - no hot flushes etc. For me, it was a feeling someone was pinging a band on my arm/shoulder. This turned into a feeling that I'd been plugged into an electrical circuit! The nausea, cold flushes and fatigue that affect me now didn't start until a long time after.
I ended up having every possible nutritional test done (all came back normal), had numerous scans and MRIs, saw a physio and spine consultant (by this point I had had to give up running and some days could not even cope with wearing normal shoes). I was initially told it was possible MS and sent to see a neurologist. That did my anxiety the world of good!
It wasn't until two years later that a different doctor actually suggested testing my oestrogen etc. (Had never occurred to my male doctor even though I pointed out I was perfectly fine until I'd had a miscarriage and since then, my symptoms got worse whenever I had a period). I so wish doctors were better educated on female hormone behaviour as I would hate anyone else to go through what so many of us on here have suffered.
I'm interested to hear what people have said about whether it's high or low oestrogen which exacerbates things, as I am convinced that mine is erratic rather than low (despite what the blood test said). Another friend with similar problems saw a specialist who said , for some women, water retention can niggle the nearby nerves and that can bring on weird sensations. That makes sense, I guess?
As always, thanks to everyone on here for contributing. Had a horrible day yesterday - and the support from you guys made such a difference. Really appreciated :) xx
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Cramp is usually due to lack of salt in the diet!
Tingling can be referred from other parts of the body so if one is tense it can travel all down the body. Pins and needles can also be due to trapped nerves. If there is a problem in the cervical spine it can reflect on the whole spine because the body compensates.
Lack of oestrogen is known to cause laxity of muscles which can have an on-going impact on how the joints 'work' ………. maybe self ref to a physio in the New Year for a discussion? Being reminded how to lift properly, sit correctly etc., even when driving, can ease symptoms.
Check shoe wear too!
I have tried Bowen therapy, chiropractor and osteopath throughout the year, but to no avail. Also tried vitamin B12 and magnesium supplements. My last blood test result did actually show that serum potassium level was 5.1, which is slightly above the reference range. Think I will give the B12 and magnesium another go.