Menopause Electric Shocks

Some women experience electric shock sensations during menopause, as the nervous system becomes affected by hormonal changes. Often described as a “snapping” or “zapping” feeling, this menopausal symptom can cause discomfort, pain and irritability during menopause.

Definition of Menopause Electric Shock Sensations

Snapping sensations are traveling or jolting pains throughout the body that occur on – or under – the surface of the skin. When electric shock sensations occur around the head and neck, they are often referred to as “brain zaps.”

During menopause, this symptom may cause short-lived feelings of electricity to suddenly occur throughout the body. In some cases, electric shock may occur in a localized area, while other women experience them throughout the body. Women may feel as if they are being “pinched” or “zapped” below the surface of the skin, or experience sharp, brief burning sensations that last a matter of moments.

Because menopause electric shocks sometimes precede hot flashes and night sweats, women may also battle feelings of overheating as symptoms occur. Persistent episodes may lead to insomnia and irritable moods as electrical sensations tax the body. In some cases, muscular issues can arise as women make sudden movements surprised by the feeling of electric shocks.

Symptoms of Menopause Electric Shock Sensations

Causes of Menopause Electric Shock Sensations

As women approach and enter menopause, hormonal changes can affect the body’s tissues and nerves. Because the brain regulates the nervous system through electric impulses, hormonal fluctuations may lead to neurological symptoms such as electric shock sensations – particularly as estrogen levels begin to change and decline. Some women even experience electric shocks just before a hot flash episode occurs.

In some cases, electric shocks may occur during menopause for non-hormonal reasons. Other causes of this symptom may include cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, physical trauma, prescription medication side effects, shingles or malnutrition. Electric shock sensations may also be linked to other serious and chronic health conditions.

Menopause Electric Shock Sensations Treatments

For the vast majority of women experiencing electric shock sensations during menopause, effective relief comes with hormone balancing. Once hormone levels have been safely restored and estrogen levels resume their natural production states, many women find these sensations disappear entirely.

In cases where malnutrition is responsible for electric shock sensations during menopause, nutritional assessment and increased vitamin and mineral intake may be needed. Physical therapy or specialized medications may be ordered if electric shock sensations are found to be unrelated to menopause, and from another cause, such as chronic disease or injury.

Menopause Electric Shock Sensations FAQs

Q: What causes electric shock sensations besides menopause?

A: Another form of electric shock sensations that may occur during menopause is known as “Lhermitte’s sign,” an electrical sensation that travels down the spine, neck or head. Most commonly, sensations of this type are associated with intense chemotherapy, drug withdrawal, spinal injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Risks of Menopause Electric Shock Sensations

This menopausal symptom occurs due to hormonal imbalances often are simply disruptive in nature. However, it can also occur in conjunction with hot flashes, leading to temporary elevations in temperature and night sweats. As the body reacts to these sensations, back or neck pain may occur due to twisting or twitching. Menopause electric shock sensations can also create psychological symptoms in response, causing irritability and insomnia.