numbness and menopause

I have been having numbness and tingling in my left arm and hand, sometimes my left leg and even tonight a little in my right arm.  I have a family history of stroke (mother died of stroke, and grandmother on her side too), but I also read that menopause can cause numbness.   I admitted myself to ER two weeks ago due to these symptoms (and some indigestion), and since then have had a stress test (which was borderline), and am set up to do a heart cath.  Last night it really freaked me out because I woke up feeling numb in all three places.  I don't want to ingnore this, but if it is related to menopause, what tests should I have done to rule that out?  I know I should probably have  something done to check for stroke, but my family doctor just sent me to the cardiologist.  Weird thing is, I don't have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, but I do have heart issues in the family line (dad has had a quadruple and double bypass). I am in the early stages of menopause (I've only had about 4 periods this year, and lots of hot flashes this fall and spring).  I'm 49.  Any help you can give would be appreciated!

[SassyLassie]

I am glad that you are seeing a doctor about this. When it comes to having a history of heart disease and stroke, one can not be too careful. Being sent to a cardiologist for a stroke was a good idea on your physician's part, that is all related.

As to menopause causing the symptoms, I really do not think so, it can cause a lot of problems, but, I don't think this is one of them.

If these symptoms keep up or get worse, please do not hesitate to go the ER again and again, your health is worth it.

[Northcoast]

Hi, your post sounds like me a few years ago.  Was 48 and having strange numbness and tingling in my left arm and hand.  And tingling and spasms in my legs at times.  Went to the doctor who sent me to a neurologist.  Had 2 MRIs and other tests and all came back negative.  It all really freaked me out because my eye doctor suggested it could be MS (I was having trouble opening my eyes in the morning). Well, after that comment I was off to the races with health anxiety!  Anyway, after all was said and done we came to the conclusion that it was most likely a pinched nerve in my neck causing the numbness.  And the eye issue and other muscle spasms were due to severe stress and muscle tension.  I've never seen anywhere about menopause and numbness.  Where did you read that?  I'm curious.  

[Anne56]

I am in the throws of menopause and I have numbness not only in my legs hands and feet but also face.  I had what they called a million dollar workup.  Nothing wrong.  Went to a female specialist who said " yes " to numbness, tingling and other annoying symptoms that make you feel like you are headed for the big one. Stroke/heart attack.  It is good you are getting this checked out...if it all comes back negative I imagine you are having what so many women have with the symptoms.  Many more too.  Do not let it frighten you even though it is very frightening.
Anne56

[bossis]

Thanks for all of your responses.  I am still having that numbness, usually during the night or during excercise.  Don't know if I'm having a million dollar workup (yet :-)), but have had some commonsense things done - corotid arteries ultrasound, and blood retested for cholesterol, and hormones.  Still have yet to do the heart cath.  I can totally relate to your feelings northcoast, after one episode of waking up "numb," I was totally freaked out - shaking, etc.!  Was told by my GP that it was probably just a panic attack.  well, yes, I was panicking, but it certainly wasn't an out of the blue, unexplained episode, so no, I don't think it was a panic attack.  Since then, I haven't had any episodes of panic, but still get that numbness after excercise.  I DO need  to consider the idea of a pinched nerve, as I often have tightness in my upper back, lower neck area.  Regarding where I read about the tingling, numbness related to menopause - in several places on the internet - including this site.  I just googled it and found many responses - not necessarily from doctors, but from other women like myself.

[not_old_enough]

All, since October when I had to be rushed to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack I have been back in 2 other times.  Experiencing all of the above!!!!  I am 45 and just 2 days ago experienced my first REAL hot flash.  I have had several mild ones over the past 6 plus years, but this one was totally different.  Burning like you have never felt before across the upper back and chest and down the arms.  I also have the numbness and tingling,  Muscle twitches like when you run so much.  Don't worry!!  I finally am no longer worried that I am having a heart attack or dying.  I have experienced Anxiety related symptoms.  So glad to know that I am not dying and just getting older.........LOL  To you all who do have heart disease and stroke issues, please do go to your doctor or ER,  It is always better to make sure.  I do have a hiatal hernia and it will also pose heart attack symptoms.  Happy aging ladies.

[Flamingobell]

From what I have read on many sites, perimenopause and menopause can cause so many symptoms other than the typical hotflashes, night sweats, etc.  We all have varying degrees of hormonal changes which cause different symptoms although it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.  

[Akasha_D]

I've had the same thing I will be 43 in april I sleep like 4 to 6 hrs a night and I get the numbness and tingling in my legs and feet face and arms. It sux I still get my period I have anxiety too this pre menopause crap sux! Best wishes to all! Angel D