Perimenopause & Leg Cramps/Joint Pain

Do Your Limbs have a Life of Their Own?

There are a number of uncomfortable neurological and rheumatologic symptoms often experienced by women in perimenopause. 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.

Note: You must see a neurologist or rheumatologist to rule out other illnesses if you experience the symptoms described below.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is no joke. Millions of women experience creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, heavy, or painful sensations in the legs when trying to sleep. While these sensations can occur in the arms as well, most sufferers find symptoms in the legs.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes Restless Leg Syndrome as follows:

"Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs ... most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Many people with RLS report that their job, personal relations, and activities of daily living are strongly affected as a result of their exhaustion. They are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks."

Twitching and Leg/Arm Cramps

It feels as if your legs and arms have a life of their own. Twitching, moving, it's very uncomfortable. Increasing certain vitamins may relieve these symptoms. Calcium, magnesium, B12, and B6 are important for keeping the nerves balanced. And there is anecdotal evidence that caffeine can actually cause the twitching!

Joint Pain

As we age, we're more prone to rheumatologic symptoms, such as arthritis. But there also appears to be a link between perimenopause and disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, which can increase these symptoms. See a rheumatologist if you experience joint pain to look for the underlying cause.

Note: Joint pain could be a signal of osteoporosis. See your doctor to determine if you should have a DEXA Scan.

A Personal Experience

"I have had to learn to live with a certain amount of joint and muscle discomfort. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 46, which was probably when I entered perimenopause. I am not sure which of the symptoms to attribute to which problem. However, I know that my legs sometimes tingle and feel uncomfortably heavy when I go to bed. That is usually a sign I have been pushing myself too much.
"Exercise makes a big difference in strength for me. And taking vitamin B6 really helped the twitching."

Tips for Relief

Other Resources