Q&A: are leg cramps part of perimenopause?
Question by tinkerbell: are leg cramps part of perimenopause?
what other symptoms are there?
Best answer:
Answer by syl c.
Yes. Joint pain and leg cramps, especially at night and upon awakening can be caused by decreasing levels of estrogen. This decline of estrogen can facilitate loss of both muscle mass and bone density, which puts more pressure on the joints. Estrogen enhances calcium absorbtion, so less estrogen circulating in your body during perimenopause can contribute to a calcium deficiency, which can cause leg cramps. Check with your GYN to see if you need to add hormones. Drink alot of fluids and make sure your potassium levels are normal to regulate these leg cramps. Always use stretching exercises for keep your calves muscles in shape. Try to sleep with a pillow between your legs in order to keep the stress off your back to prevent stress on the sciatica nerve which runs down both your legs. Other factors contributing to perimenopause are:
* Menstrual irregularity.
* Hot flashes and sleep problems.
* Mood changes. .
* Vaginal and bladder problems.
* Decreasing fertility.
* Changes in sexual function.
* Loss of bone.
* Changing cholesterol levels.
Hope this helped. Good luck.
What do you think? Answer below!
My husband suffered many lag cramps and is 59 years old this year. I don’t think it is perimenopause for him… lol. But just as a possible relief for you, he is taking a daily dose of magnesium mineral supplement and he has not had a cramp in months.
Perimenopause is more noticeable by mood swings, highly emotional states, sleeplessness, restlessness and of course, your menstrual cycle being altered. There are many more possible symptoms. Not all people suffer from the change of life, but some suffer quite badly. I have been through the change and most typically the hot flushes were a constant source of horror to me as well as a lack of libido and a lack of interest in life itself. Praise God, this has passed but I did use medication to help with my symptoms. Some do, some don’t. I needed to so that life was worth living. Which ever you choose to do, you don’t need to feel guilty by anyone who tells you that you mustn’t do this or you must do that. Ultimately it’s your quality of life that matters.
Best of luck and Happy Easter.
Kind regards
Lisa