Causes and Treatments for Menopausal Shaking and Tremors

Causes and Treatments for Shaking and Trembling During Menopause

Many women going through menopause experience uncontrollable shaking or trembling as a symptom. Referred to medically as tremors, these involuntary quivering movements can occur in the hands, arms, legs, head, face, trunk, or entire body. Tremors can be mildly embarrassing or interfere significantly with daily activities. Understanding what causes tremors during menopause and how to manage them can help regain control.

Hormone Changes and Tremors

Hormone fluctuations are the main culprit behind menopausal tremors. Estrogen levels decline rapidly during perimenopause and into menopause. This estrogen deficiency then triggers changes in the brain and nervous system that can cause tremors.

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When estrogen drops too low, these brain chemicals get out of balance, leading to tremor-causing over-excitation of neural cells. Lower estrogen levels also reduce efficiency of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.

Parts of the Body Impacted

Hormonally-triggered tremors can occur in different body parts such as:

• Hands - This is one of the most common locations for menopausal tremors.
• Arms - May occur in addition to hand tremors.
• Head - Can feel like constant shaking of the head.
• Face - Lip or eye twitching.
• Voice - Can cause a shaky or trembling voice.
• Torso - May feel like shakiness inside the core or lower back.
• Legs - Typically impacts older women experiencing hormonal changes.
• Full body - Generalized shaking all over.

Tremor Triggers

There are certain triggers that can bring on a tremor episode during menopause, including:

• Stress - Anxious thoughts activate the fight-or-flight response
• Caffeine
• Fatigue or lack of sleep
• Low blood sugar
• Cold temperatures
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Medications like asthma inhalers or decongestants

Types of Menopausal Tremors

There are a few main types of tremors that can arise during the menopausal transition:

Resting Tremor

This causes shaky hands or limbs while at rest. The tremors usually disappear with movement and get worse with stress.

Intention Tremor

Shaking occurs when trying to perform precise movements like drinking from a glass. The tremors get worse as the hand approaches the target.

Postural Tremor

These occur when holding the arms or body in a fixed position against gravity, like when standing with arms extended. The tremors worsen with fatigue.

Kinetic Tremor

This type involves involuntary shaking during voluntary body movements like writing, tapping fingers, or nodding head.

Medical Causes of Tremors

In some cases, menopausal tremors may be a symptom of an underlying neurological issue. Doctors may investigate other potential causes such as:

• Essential tremor - Common nerve disorder causing trembling hands.
• Parkinson's disease - Shaking is an early sign of this condition.
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alzheimers disease
• Medication side effects
• Hyperthyroidism
• High caffeine intake
• Alcohol withdrawal

Testing may include physical neurological exams, brain scans, blood tests, and family medical history checks. However, if no other cause is found, hormone fluctuations during menopause are the most likely culprit.

Tremor Diagnosis and Symptoms

To diagnose perimenopausal or menopausal tremors, doctors review symptoms and medical history. Possible questions include:

• When did you first notice the tremors starting?
• Do they seem linked to your menstrual cycle or menopause?
• Which body parts are impacted?
• Is there a pattern or trigger to the tremors?
• Do tremors disrupt your daily activities?
• Have you experienced other menopausal symptoms?
• Could medications or medical conditions be causing them?

Tracking tremor episodes and any correlating factors in a symptom journal can help identify patterns. Possible journal notes include:

• Date/time tremors occurred
• Which body part shook
• Whether resting or active when tremors started
• Suspected triggers like stress or skipping a meal
• Menstrual cycle details
• Other menopausal symptoms present

Treatments to Stop Menopausal Tremors

While hormonal tremors cannot always be cured, there are treatments to reduce severity or frequency. Possible medical, natural, and lifestyle remedies include:

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Estrogen pills, skin patches, gels, or vaginal creams may help if hormonal deficiency is causing tremors. This can stabilize estrogen levels and neurotransmitter balance.

Beta Blockers

These medications like propranolol help by blocking adrenaline's effects and keeping nerves calm. They are sometimes prescribed for menopausal tremors.

Tranquilizers

Anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers can relieve tremors triggered by stress. Lorazepam or alprazolam may be options.

Botox Injections

Botox injections can relax muscles, prevent spasms, and reduce tremors in some cases. Effects are temporary.

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine practice may alter neurotransmitters and hormones to ease menopausal shaking episodes.

Herbal Supplements

Herbs like black cohosh, ginkgo biloba, valerian root, and primrose oil have qualities that may calm tremors.

Magnesium

Taking magnesium supplements or using magnesium oil can address possible nutritional deficiency contributing to tremors.

Vitamin B12

Some women are deficient in B12 during menopause, which could worsen tremors. Supplements may help.

Cut Caffeine

Lowering caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate can help eliminate a tremor trigger.

Reduce Alcohol

Drinking less alcohol allows hormones and neurotransmitters to stabilize.

Exercise

Physical activity like yoga releases endorphins that calm the nervous system.

Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, massage, and warm baths dial down the stress response.

Biofeedback

This mind-body approach helps teach control over physiological responses.

Certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may also decrease tremors during menopause. Supporting overall health can lessen the frequency and intensity of menopausal tremor episodes.

Coping with MS Tremors and Shakes

Tremors and uncontrollable shaking are common symptoms for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and body. This nerve damage leads to impairments like tremors, spasticity, pain, fatigue, and mobility issues.

Tremors caused by MS stem from lesions on the brain and spinal cord. These lesions disrupt the pathways that control coordinated muscle movement. The location, size, and number of lesions determines the severity of MS tremors.

Types of MS Tremors

There are several classifications of MS-related tremors that patients may experience:

Intention Tremor

Shaking that occurs during purposeful, voluntary motions like reaching for objects or drinking from a cup. Often called action tremors, these get worse as the body part gets closer to the target.

Postural Tremor

Involuntary shaking when maintaining a position against gravity, like holding the arms extended. Shaking usually diminishes if the position is relaxed.

Resting Tremor

Tremors that occur when the affected body part is relaxed and fully supported, such as the hands resting on the lap. The shaking stops during voluntary movement.

Cerebellar Tremor

Caused by cerebellar lesions, these tremors result in a back-and-forth or oscillating motion during intentional movements.

Common Locations of MS Tremors

MS tremors often first appear in the arms and hands, but can eventually affect other areas such as:

• Arms
• Hands
• Fingers
• Legs
• Feet
• Torso or trunk
• Head
• Neck
• Face
• Voice box
• Tongue
• Jaw
• Eyes

Triggers for MS Tremor Flare-Ups

Certain factors can temporarily worsen MS-related tremors and set off an episode of uncontrolled shaking or spasms:

• Fatigue
• Heat and high temperatures
• Stress and anxiety
• Low blood sugar
• Dehydration or fever
• Caffeine
• Alcohol use
• Smoking
• Some medications

Medical Treatments for MS Tremors

Doctors may prescribe certain medications to help reduce the severity of MS tremors, including:

• Beta blockers - Block the effects of adrenaline to keep nerves calm.
• Anti-seizure drugs - Help regulate misfiring neurons.
• Botox - Relaxes muscles and prevents spasms.
• Cannabinoids - Derived from cannabis, can have anti-tremor effects.
• Muscle relaxers - Used for stiff, spastic muscles causing tremors.

Lifestyle Remedies and Coping Strategies

While not a cure, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help minimize MS tremor symptoms:

• Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and stress when possible.
• Stay hydrated and don't get overheated.
• Use weights or splints to stabilize shaky limbs.
• Reduce use of affected limbs to avoid fatigue.
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle control.
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
• Consider occupational therapy to improve function.
• Adopt household gadgets to make tasks easier.

Living with MS tremors can be challenging, but being aware of triggers while finding adaptive solutions and accessible tools can greatly improve quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.