Lesser Known Menopause Symptoms: Electric Shock Sensations

Menopause has some common signs that most women expect as they make the transition—hot flashes, sleepless nights, and mood swings. Many women aren’t prepared to deal with the host of other symptoms that crop up. From changes in body odor to heart palpitations, the process of menopause is a wild ride.

Some of the lesser-known symptoms that women experience are nerve issues like tingling, numbness, and electric shock sensations, which are usually felt just under the skin. It can either be a crawling or stinging sensation or feel like a sudden jolt or snap of a rubber band. Although these sensations can occur anywhere, they are more commonly felt on the head or extremities.

Episodes of electric shock sensations (ESS) are typically short-lived, sometimes only a few seconds long, and may appear singly or in clusters. In many cases, these shocking sensations are a precursor to other menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.

When you first experience this sensation, you really think you are sitting in one of the massage chairs at the nail salon. I remember when I first experienced this symptom, I literally looked around to see what was causing this feeling.

This condition is believed to be triggered by the fluctuating hormone levels of menopause. The decrease in estrogen may trigger the neurons to misfire, but how it does this is still unknown. There isn’t always a clear trigger for when an electric shock sensation will strike. However, some circumstances, such as stress, a sedentary lifestyle, overuse of alcohol, or significant life changes, may increase the chances of experiencing shocks.

Preventing and Treating Electric Shock Sensations

From lifestyle changes to conventional medications, there are many viable options for preventing and treating these distracting and distressing jolts of pain. Let’s take a look at what options are available.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your lifestyle can help to reduce your chances of experiencing electric shock sensations. Small changes to your daily exercise routine, nutrition, and self-care regimen can profoundly influence many aspects of human health, including nerve health. In many cases, this reduces the likelihood of experiencing electric shock sensations.
Nutrition

There are many ways that we can adjust our daily diet to improve our nerve health and balance our hormones. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, or magnesium can lead to an increase in shock sensations. Supplementing your diet with foods high in these elements like nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish, and beans can help balance any deficits.

Certain plants, known as phytoestrogens, imitate estrogen in the bloodstream. They bond with the same receptors and sometimes reduce symptoms of estrogen imbalance. Phytoestrogens have a weaker effect on our systems than natural estrogen, however, as the bond to the receptor is weaker. Most vegetables and grains contain at least some phytoestrogens. Some vegetables and grains have more of these compounds than others, with soy, sesame seeds, tomatoes, turmeric, and flax seeds all near the top of the list.

Exercise

Staying as physically fit as possible will help to nourish your nervous system and endocrine glands. This reduces the chance that you will experience nerve-related symptoms like electric shock sensations. Exercising regularly can help counteract weight gain caused by shifting hormones and may even reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings. Individuals who are exercising to reduce electric shock sensations should blend cardio and strength exercises. Exercise practices like yoga and tai chi have added benefits, providing calm and focus as well as improving strength.

Self-Care

Stress is a major trigger when it comes to electric shock sensations. Finding ways to reduce stress in your life should help to prevent them from occurring. Those who have experienced electric shock sensations may find that getting more sleep and quitting any addictions to nicotine or alcohol may help. Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises are often beneficial in managing stress and have the added benefit of not requiring any special equipment to execute.

This symptom of menopause affects numerous women going through menopause or perimenopause and isn’t often discussed. While not life-threatening, it’s an uncomfortable condition that can make it challenging to get things done. If you are experiencing electric shock sensations regularly, contact a medical health professional. They can help to rule out underlying causes and discuss possible options for relief.

source: primewoman.com