Menopausal and Peri-Menopausal Feet. (2024)

FAQs

Can perimenopause affect your feet? ›

In peri-menopausal women, before their periods have stopped, oestrogen levels begin to decrease drastically, and women can complain of muscle, feet, and joint pain. They can also suffer from swollen feet and may have to buy bigger shoes than they normally would.

What does menopause have to do with our feet? Estrogen affects our collagen production, which is the building block of structural and connective tissues. As our levels decline, our tendons become less supple. That's important because our feet are a hotbed of the body's connective tissues.

In this blog post, we will explore the lesser-known foot changes that can occur during peri-menopause and how to manage them effectively. One of the most common foot-related issues experienced during peri-menopause is swelling and fluid retention.

Consequently, experiencing overall leg pains, aches, and stiffness can be a consequence of these hormonal fluctuations. It is important to recognise that hormone levels in women undergo significant changes during the perimenopause and menopause phases.

Conclusion. The findings of the present study suggest that while the post-menopausal age group is at a greater risk of peripheral neuropathy, it is the decline in the serum estrogen levels which is critical in the development of peripheral neuropathy.

The only reliable sign that perimenopause is ending is infrequent periods. As a person approaches menopause, their periods will become further apart and eventually stop entirely. Doctors consider a person to be nearing the end of perimenopause when their periods are more than 60 days apart .

Your feet are an additional place to watch during menopause, as they can sweat and smell more than usual.

Physical symptoms

difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day. palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable. headaches and migraines that are worse than usual. muscle aches and joint pains.

These symptoms include fatigue, sleep issues, mood changes and feeling less able to cope. Many women experiencing these changes often are still getting regular monthly periods and don't have some of the more talked about symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

What are 3 symptoms of perimenopause? ›

Restless legs menopause

At menopause, it is not uncommon to experience unusual sensations. These can include tingling, pins and needles and the feeling of something crawling all over you.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms and the extent of your pain. Your doctor may recommend a period of rest followed by supports for your shoes. A course of physiotherapy and wearing night-time splints may also be suggested. Lifestyle changes, including losing weight, and drinking plenty of water can also help.

Arthritis is another reality for the aging foot. Osteoarthritis can develop after years of general wear-and-tear and stress or injury to the joints. Approximately half of older people will develop osteoarthritis in one or more of the 33 joints in their feet, although not everyone will experience symptoms.

Some people may notice minor changes in shoe size or height. This is not due to bony changes, but due to changes in the ligaments and muscles of your feet and spinal column. Feminizing hormone therapy does not have any effect on voice pitch or character.