One of the creepiest feelings associated with menopause, without a doubt, is goosebumps. In fact, during menopause, a number of skin or nerve-related conditions can be experienced, such as itchy or dry skin, tingling sensations, and skin sensitivity. All of these conditions are normal, but there are also a number of treatments available for menopausal women experiencing pain or skin problems.
Flashback for a bit, probably around the time you were in high school. It doesn’t matter if you were a member of the cheerleading squad or spent most of your time in the library; most girls this age struggle with a common problem: acne. It is no coincidence that this disorder begins to occur around the time that girls begin menstruating for the first time. When this starts, the hormones in a girl’s body are changing rapidly and the skin reacts in a somewhat negative way.
Hormone levels in the body of an adult woman are no different. As menopause begins, her skin reacts to the changing levels in her body, and sometimes the results can be unpleasant.
The tingling sensation that many women experience is called pins and needles. Women typically experience this one to two years after their last period and during late perimenopause and early menopause. Although doctors are still unsure of its cause, the tingling goes away on its own in a relatively short period of time for most women. Many speculate that the cause of this is a hot and overworked liver, which occurs when hormones change rapidly, such as at the beginning of menopause.
However, sensitive, dry, itchy skin can last much longer and become painful if left untreated. For treatment, consult a dermatologist. Many times, the same remedies that worked when you were a teenager also work now: moisturizing your skin, washing sensitive areas like your face very gently and with special washes, using prescription acne medications, washing your pillowcases often, and use less oily makeup. .
Unlike tingling and sensitive skin, tingling in the extremities can be a cause for concern. Although many menopausal women experience tingling in their feet, hands, legs, and arms, it can also be signs of more serious problems, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency, calcium depletion, potassium depletion, or circulatory or blood vessel problems . Be safe: always see a doctor if you experience the tingling for an extended period of time.
Seeing a doctor is simply your best bet in the end for any type of menopausal problem, skin-related or not. He or she may suggest a number of treatment options, including medications, natural remedies, therapy, dietary changes, exercise programs, and alternative treatment options.
Proof of menopause is tough – your hormones during this time period change rapidly from day to day – but what doctors can do is rule out any other medical reasons for the skin problems you’re experiencing.
Menopause can sometimes be mistaken for the onset of a serious disease or disorder, so if you have any concerns, talk to a health professional about your skin tingling, prickling, dryness or tingling sensations.