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| photo@amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
For me it is the tingling and aching joints.
Ok I have not experienced much of a hot flush or flash yet, I guess that might be annoying. Well actually come to think on it, all of it is more than annoying, but today as I write this it’s the tingling and joint pain that is giving me greatest discomfort.
This symptom was one of the first that I felt although I
didn’t associate it with menopause for a long time. This week it just seems to
be constant and night time is when it strikes most.
I can’t sit it is so uncomfortable. I can’t move around
much it is too painful and sleep is so out of the question.
Even my hands and fingers are tingling and sore as I write this, but I am determined I need to keep on. I feel as if there has been 40 years added to my life overnight!
Even my hands and fingers are tingling and sore as I write this, but I am determined I need to keep on. I feel as if there has been 40 years added to my life overnight!
Although not the most common symptom of menopause or
perimenopause tingling is very bothersome, sore and unpleasant. It mostly affects feet, legs, arms and hands
but can affect any part of the body. I feel it mostly in my legs and more
recently it seems to affect my hands and forearms.
Apparently, and I am sure this sounds very familiar, it
is down to hormone fluctuations! A decline in oestrogen, a hormone that has a
complex effect on the central nervous system, blood circulation, and the health
of the skin can lead to thinner skin and misdirected signals from the nervous
system sometimes causing these episodes of tingling and aching joints.
Medically the tingling, we may know as pins and needles,
is called PARASTHESIA. Another symptom some women, including myself, experience
is the sensation of creepie-crawlies on the skin and this amazingly has a
medical term, it is called FORMICATION. It feels as if there is a creepie-
crawlie or insect crawling on your skin but, in fact, there is nothing there.
When I first started sensing this, I, being the drama queen as ever, began to
be reminded of Sigourney Weaver in Alien!
While for most women during this season of life
menopause is most likely to be the cause of such symptoms however don’t rule
out other causes and it is always worthwhile checking with the doctor
particularly if you experience other symptoms alongside such as paralysis, loss
of bladder/bowel control, loss of feeling on one side, and vision changes.
These are not exclusive and if you experience unexplained symptoms along with
the tingling it is wise to make that visit to your GP.
In most cases a good balanced diet, drinking plenty of
water, adequate rest and of course the all-important exercise are the most
effective ways to manage menopause.
However don’t rule out some alternative treatments such as ginseng, turmeric or another additional vitamin supplement.
However don’t rule out some alternative treatments such as ginseng, turmeric or another additional vitamin supplement.
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| Photo:amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
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| Photo:amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
I hadn’t planned this at the start of this post but
having reached the end I feel led to give myself a challenge to read a verse a
day over the next month and post it in this blog with my thoughts - if I have
any, join me if you wish by posting your verse and thoughts in the comments.
I really feel God is telling me to look at my attitude in
this season of life, to entrench the truth that I am made in His image – ME – yes me- and even in this mixed up confusing and
painful time He has a purpose for me.
Menopause does not mean pause life and God but rather it
may be a time to pause and reflect upon my Creator and Saviour, the giver of
life and purpose.
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| Photo:amanda'sdivinelywovenwords |
