Burning or tingling feet during menopause? Hormonal changes may play a part in unusual sensations such as pins and needles. But persistent burning, tingling or numbness can also have other causes, including nerve problems, diabetes, low vitamin B12 or thyroid issues.

So don’t assume it’s “just menopause.” Let’s look at what might be going on -and when it’s worth getting your feet checked. NIDDK: peripheral neuropathy

Burning, tingling, feet? It feels weird, right?

If this strange sensation is keeping you up at night or making you question your circulation, you’re not alone – and it’s more common during menopause than most people realise. In fact, burning or tingling sensations can pop up in other areas of the body too, like the mouth (burning mouth syndrome) or even the va-jay-jay (yep, it’s a thing).

These sensations may be connected to a lesser-known but very real menopause symptom called paresthesia – aka tingling extremities. It can feel like pins and needles, buzzing, crawling skin, or a hot-foot feeling that just won’t quit. While it’s uncomfortable (and a bit alarming), one possible cause is something you’ve probably heard a lot about: fluctuating estrogen levels.

3 Reasons You Could Be Struggling:

1. Could it be as simple as…dehydration?

Fluctuating estrogen may be one reason for burning feet, which can be uncomfortable and alarming.

As you may know, unstable and declining estrogen is one of the hallmarks of perimenopause and menopause.

And though it’s not well-understood, estrogen shifts can affect the nervous system. In fact, the nervous system plays a central role during menopause. As well as that, the coating that surrounds our nerves – the myelin sheath – becomes thinner.

Believe it or not, not drinking enough water can be a surprising trigger. These weird foot sensations can sometimes accompany night sweats or appear after a long day when your body is running on empty.

Another reason to drink up! We’ve made it easier with a free Water Tracker printable [click here] – because hydration is so important.

2. Hot, Burning, Tingling Feet & Vitamin B

Another possible cause of burning or tingling feet? A lack of key B vitamins, especially B6 and B12.

These essential nutrients help support the nervous system, and because they’re water-soluble, your body doesn’t store them – you need to top them up daily.

Here’s a quick rundown of the B-vitamin family:

B1 – thiamine
B2 – riboflavin
B3 – niacin
B5 – pantothenic acid
B6 – pyridoxine
B7 – biotin
B9 – folate
B12 – cyanocobalamin

A high-quality B-complex supplement can be a helpful support during menopause. These vitamins don’t just support your nerves – they may also help support hot flushes and boost energy.

P.S. Our LotsaLocks® formula includes biotin (B7) for hormonally-driven hair loss and scalp support, too.

Food sources include:

Avocado
Citrus fruit
Eggs
Leafy greens
Legumes such as beans and lentils
Meat & poultry
Salmon
Whole grains

Note: High doses of vitamin B6 have been linked with neuropathy, even causing burning and tingling in rare cases, so always check with your medical professional first².

3. Burning Feet & Underactive Thyroid

Did you know that an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can sometimes be behind burning feet?

Some studies have linked the sensation to low thyroid function. And since the thyroid is incredibly sensitive to stress and lower progesterone, it’s no surprise it might act up during perimenopause.

Unfortunately, thyroid issues often go undiagnosed in midlife because many of the symptoms – fatigue, weight gain, low mood, tingling feet – overlap with menopause.

Tip: If you suspect a thyroid issue, ask your doctor (or better yet, a functional medicine practitioner) for a full thyroid panel. including free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and ideally thyroid antibodies too.

Final Thoughts

Hot, tingling, or burning feet might not be the headline menopause symptom, but you’re definitely not imagining it. In fact, many women in our community have shared their experiences – and thank goodness, because it’s one of those lesser-talked-about signs that deserves more attention.

Whether it’s hormonal, hydration, vitamin B, or your thyroid, there are several possible causes of burning, tingling feet. Listen to your body and talk with your healthcare provider if this sensation keeps occurring, worsens, comes with weakness or loss of balance or you have diabetes.

Not sure what stage of menopause you’re might be in? Take the quiz.

Disclaimer: our articles are a guideline only. Any signs and symptoms you are experiencing could be due to a number of reasons. And burning feet can be linked to a medical condition known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome or diabetes. For this reason, this should not take the place of medical advice. If you’re experiencing ongoing signs, please see your health professional.

And just so you know: this article is written by a real person who has studied the physiology of menopause and women’s healthy ageing. While we muse AI as an assistant, the research, insights andheart behind every piece comes from us.

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References:

Hanna M, Jaqua E, Nguyen V, Clay J. B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine. Perm J. 2022 Jun 29;26(2):89-97. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.204. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35933667; PMCID: PMC9662251.
https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-alerts/health-supplements-containing-vitamin-b6-can-cause-peripheral-neuropathy