What Diseases Should Perimenopausal Women Be Aware of When Experiencing Numbness in Hands?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Menopausal women experiencing numbness in their hands should be vigilant about potential underlying conditions, which commonly include cervical spondylosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cerebral ischemia, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Menopausal women are particularly susceptible to cervical spondylosis due to poor posture or bone changes. Cervical disc herniation may compress nerve roots, leading to hand numbness, often accompanied by neck stiffness and shoulder or back pain. Numbness typically worsens after prolonged sitting or when the head is bent forward.
Perimenopausal women experiencing numbness in the hands should be alert to possible underlying conditions such as cervical spondylosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cerebral ischemia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoporosis. Specific details are as follows:
1. Cervical Spondylosis: Perimenopausal women often develop cervical spondylosis due to poor posture or bone changes. Herniated cervical discs may compress nerve roots, causing hand numbness, usually accompanied by neck stiffness and shoulder or back pain. Numbness may worsen after prolonged sitting or when bending the head forward.
2. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Some perimenopausal women may experience abnormal blood glucose levels. Prolonged high blood sugar can damage peripheral nerves, leading to hand numbness. This is typically accompanied by tingling or reduced sensation in the fingertips, with symptoms often more pronounced at night or in cold conditions. Diabetes
3. Cerebral Ischemia: The elasticity of blood vessels in perimenopausal women may decline. If there is vascular narrowing or sluggish blood flow, it can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, affecting nerve conduction and resulting in hand numbness. This may be accompanied by dizziness and blurred vision.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Hormonal changes during perimenopause may cause swelling in wrist tissues, compressing the median nerve and leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include hand numbness, particularly in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Symptoms may improve with wrist movement.
5. Osteoporosis: Declining estrogen levels in perimenopausal women can easily lead to osteoporosis. Bone loss may affect tissues surrounding nerves, indirectly causing hand numbness. This is often accompanied by lower back pain, limb weakness, and, in severe cases, bone pain.
When perimenopausal women experience hand numbness, they should avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods. They should seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and follow medical advice for treatment. Additionally, they should focus on proper nutrition and moderate exercise to support overall physical health.
