Perimenopause is so much different that what I expected. I understand now why my sister found it so difficult for so many years.

The tingling/buzzing/electrical shock feeling in my feet and ankles is driving me around the bend. I'm on day 3 of my cycle right now and it's been so noticable this month since a couple of days before I started my period. If it follows the past 6 mths, I'm going to be driven absolutely bananas until it peaks around day 10. It will remain miserable until around day 13 and then slowly subside. I'll get a couple of good weeks where I feel great, am full of energy, barely any tingling and then it all starts again.

This month, the tingling is quite intense and of course, with it comes the anxious feeling that I have some strange illness.

I know deep inside that I've been checked over by the doctor, my health is great and still I worry.

Anyone found any great cures for the tingling in the feet and ankles. It's enough to drive a saint crazy. No wonder so many women in their middle 40's are considered a little nuts. These symptoms would drive anyone around the bend.

Jo

Have you tried calcium and magnesium? I have been dealing with perimenopausal symptoms for about 4 years and I still get that buzzing tingling sensation in my feet. Sometimes taking extra calcium/magnesium helps me. Hopefully you'll get relief soon.

I take 250 mg of magnesium before bed each night. Maybe I'll try some extra calcium as well and see if it helps. Good Lord I hope this doesn't last 4 years or my family will be visiting me on some insane ward.

I can relate to your frustration. This has been difficult road for me as well, but I found some relief in bcp's (for now anyway)... I think the key is to find what works for you, and it seems everybody is different, so you really need to work with your doctor to find what's right for you.
My advice to those just starting on this peri ride.... is don't wait a YEAR like I did just suffering and thinking it would quickly pass-- it doesn't, and there is help out there.

I have had this buzzing for close to a year, now that I think about it. I've had no other (noticeable) symptoms until the past month.

I knew I had felt this before and I do remember having this buzzing feeling to a much lesser degree when I had particularly bad cramps. I don't have cramps now and the buzzing can happen at any time.

It almost has to be hormone related, something I did not even consider until I started reading the posts on this board.

Carrie

but I found some relief in bcp's (for now anyway)... I think the key is to find what works for you, and it seems everybody is different, so you really need to work with your doctor to find what's right for you.


Sadly, BCP's and any kind of hormone treatment are totally out for me since I've experienced blood clot problems in the past. I would just love to be able to take a low dose BCP each month and just forget about meno. My best friend is exactly the same age as me, is using low dose BCP and is not experiencing a single peri related problem. I'm glad to hear it's working so well for you also.

My only choice is to find as many natural routes as possible and test every one along the way.

Gotta love being a woman. :)

Wizard I'm sorry to hear about the clotting problem. Do you mind me asking what kind of problem it is? Is it chronic?
Some here have found help with antidepressants, and antianxiety meds. I have klonopin that I can use if needed, but I haven't needed it the last month or so, but in the past it has helped.
On days when I have felt completely wiped out, drinking a red bull helped. On days when I felt wiped out AND a complete biotch, red bull with a splash of vodka helped :D But only one.

Also, exercise is a must. I have been guilty of not doing it because of feeling so crappy, but if there is one thing I've learned this past year, it is that exercise is essentual. A brisk walk can even do wonders.

Mystyeyze:

I have an immune issue called +APA's. It's directly related to hormones and causes blood clots to form when the hormones levels change drastically. It caused me have have 5 miscarriages, 2 premature sons and a late term loss just before my due date in one pregnancy.

My blood specialist feels that birth control pills and hormone therapy could cause blood clots the same way it did while hormone levels (particularly estrogen) were high when I was pregnant.

I have taken Clonanazapam in the past when my anxiety levels were really high but have managed to avoid taking it the last 5 mths. I seriously considered taking some yesterday but decided to hold off and see how things go.

I do exercise regularly. I do a step class 3 days a week and lift weights 3 days a week. The other days, I power walk. Exercise does heavily help keep the symptoms under control. I think I'd be much worse if I didn't keep up with the exercise regime.

I currently take Omega 3's, flax seed oil. B stress complex, magnesium, a multi vitamin and I've added in the calcium since yesterday. There are definitely days when I've considered the medicinal aspects of a little alcohol. :D

I think my next step has to be to say goodbye to the couple of cups of coffee I have per day and change my tea to a non-caffeinated one. That's going to hurt big time. :eek:

Thanks for all the advice. I think all we can each do is offer up what's worked for us and hope it helps others.