How to recognize tingling extremities

The effects of aging and menopause change your body both inside and outwardly. As your skin loses its elasticity, you may notice a duller color, dryness, numbness and frequent tingling sensations. While not life-threatening, this symptom can be bothersome and irritating. If tingling extremities are making you want to step out of your own skin, read on to find out how you can alleviate it.

What causes tingling extremities?

Among estrogen’s many jobs, this female hormone is in charge of maintaining your skin’s vitality and suppleness. Receptors of this hormone located in the skin enable estrogen to attract more blood flow to the skin and stimulate the production of collagen. However, during menopause, your estrogen levels may be depleted, leading to thinner skin which is more susceptible to cracking and wrinkling. Weak skin also becomes more sensitive, giving way to tingling, burning or numb sensations.

Are tingling extremities a real medical condition?

Surprisingly, yes. Tingling extremities is the primary symptom of a condition called paresthesia. This condition, which many menopausal women develop, is characterized by a variety of tactile experiences. You may feel like your arms or legs are just recovering from “falling asleep,” or you might feel like you’re being pricked by tiny pins. Burning, tingling and loss of sensation altogether are also common in people who experience paresthesia.

Although it is most often experienced in the arms, legs, hands, and feet, many women have reported paresthesia in various other body parts, such as the face and neck.

How can I treat paresthesia?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for tingling extremities, but there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the discomfort they cause. Regular exercise will help improve blood flow to your dermis. Avoid habits that interfere with collagen production, such as smoking. Make sure to moisturize with lotion or skin cream every day. Also, keep moving throughout the day. This advice is especially important for women with deskbound jobs.

More Information about Tingling Extremities during Menopause:

If you experience chronic tingling, rather than episodic sensations of prickly or burning skin, you should contact a doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious condition, such as a stroke or carpal tunnel syndrome. Click the following link for more information on treatments for tingling extremities.