Creepy-Crawly Skin

Many women experience this sensation after their hysterectomy during perimenopause. It can make you feel like you are going crazy, but you are not. The “creepy-crawlies” are caused by fluctuating estrogen levels, which can affect the nervous system. These tingling sensations are most common in the extremities (arms and legs), but they can occur anywhere on the skin. The sensation can be a light, tickly feeling, like ants crawling, or it can be more painful, like a hand “waking up” after momentary loss of circulation.

Such tingling is harmless if it is simply a result of hormone changes. However, since tingling extremities can occur as a symptom of some serious medical conditions, you should mention it to your physician just in case. Nerve injuries, diabetes, migraines, multiple sclerosis, strokes, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems all involve tingling extremities. Once these are ruled out and you and your doctor are confident that the tingling is a symptom of perimenopause, you can probably tolerate the sensations better. If they become truly bothersome or affect your ability to function normally, ask your gynecologist about estrogen supplements to help minimize your symptoms.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other hysterectomy patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Creepy-Crawly Skin

Shutterstock.com/aleks333