Chemical messengers called hormones are found all across the human body. They are in charge of both physical and mental well-being. By modifying serotonin and dopamine levels, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels during menstrual cycles have a substantial impact on brain function in women.
Among other things, serotonin affects mood and memory, whereas dopamine provides motivation, pleasure, and emotions of fulfilment.
Women with a history of depression or perfectionist tendencies are more likely to exhibit the symptoms of hormonal changes, according to Dr Mukesh Kumar, Director and Head, of the Department of Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket (New Delhi).
Here are a few symptoms to look out for:
1. Hormonal shifts can cause serotonin levels to rise excessively, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, widespread body pain, and paresthesia—a tingling or numb sensation that can affect the whole body or specific areas. In severe cases, these sensations may mimic stroke, paralysis, or other neurological conditions.
2. Many women report numbness in the hands, feet, or face, accompanied by pain in the neck and back regions.
3. Early morning stiffness is also common, typically improving after getting out of bed and moving around. However, the pain often worsens when the body is at rest, such as during relaxation or while lying down.
4. The conditions associated with these symptoms are medically classified as anxiety episodes, panic reactions, or fibromyalgia (a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body). These are functional disorders, meaning they arise from how the body processes and reacts to stress rather than from structural abnormalities.
These symptoms tend to worsen during menopause when hormonal fluctuations can lead to chronic issues such as early morning headaches, persistent body aches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and episodes of anxiety or panic.
While not life-threatening, these symptoms can mimic serious medical conditions like strokes, cardiac episodes, or paralysis. In extreme cases, the pain and discomfort may lead individuals to consider surgical interventions, such as spinal surgery, despite the root cause being unrelated to structural problems in the spine.
When these symptoms strike, know that they will resolve within 24–48 hours, especially with proper rest and good sleep. If you understand that then you will experience lower stress levels and anxiety.
How can one manage the hormonal changes?
During menopause, a combination of lifestyle changes, stress management, and, if necessary, medical support works best.
While these symptoms can be distressing, they are generally manageable with rest, awareness, and targeted care. By understanding their underlying causes, women can take proactive steps to alleviate discomfort and maintain their well-being.
