Restless Legs and Menopause in Women

Written by: Harmandeep Kaur Grewal – MA (Psychology)
Last updated date : January 19, 2023

If you are in your menopause then you may have experienced sleep problems. You should understand that restless legs syndrome is a neurosensory problem. Your brain and muscles of the body are involved in the restless legs. If there is some injury or change in the body then you could suffer from restless legs. Your restless legs and menopause are connected. Also, during menopause body undergoes a lot of changes that affect the muscles and brain. Moreover, you may question that is restless leg syndrome common in perimenopause?

Consequently, the body responds to age and menopause. You may experience insomnia, night sweats, and restless legs. You can visit a doctor when your symptoms worsen. When you experience a lot of symptoms, you should not resort to over-the-counter medication that can give side effects. So, the best way is to manage the symptoms and live a better life without unhealthy habits of smoking and drinking.


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Chapter 1:

Causes of Restless Legs and Menopause

Your restless legs can be caused by many reasons. Also, restless legs and menopause are connected. Moreover, restless leg syndrome is common in perimenopause.
  • Your genes could be one reason for the restless legs syndrome during menopause.
  • If you are anemic and there is less iron in the body then your body will lack dopamine. When you have a lack of dopamine then it leads to restless legs syndrome.
  • Additionally, lack of magnesium in the body can cause restless legs syndrome. You should visit your doctor and check your level of magnesium. Also, magnesium is responsible for muscle function in your body.
  • Your brain areas are responsible for muscle movement. If there is some kind of legion to the area then you may have restless legs syndrome during menopause. You can get MRI and PET scans for the brain. But, you should only take up these physical tests if a doctor suggests. should not waste yourYou money and time doing tests monthly. These tests can harm the body.
  • During perimenopause you can get restless legs syndrome.

Chapter 2:

Medication to Manage and Stop Symptoms

Your doctor can propose medicine for your restless legs. Moreover, restless legs are due to menopause, so the doctor will deal with related issues. Also, restless leg syndrome is common in perimenopause. You should only the medicine which is prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, don’t buy over-the-counter medicine that can give side effects on your body.
  • Also, you can get restless legs if you are taking antidepressants. This medicine can make changes in your body. You can take your doctor’s suggestion to stop taking medications that have side effects.
  • If you are a menopausal woman who smokes and drinks, it can get restless leg’s syndrome. You should reduce your intake of drinks during menopause. Your body is not the same, and you need to adapt to stay healthy. When you are following an unhealthy diet and drinks, then you will experience different problems.
  • Your doctor may give medicine to stop the twitching of the legs at night. But these medications can make you dependent on them. So, you should only take such medicine when it is completely necessary.

Chapter 3:

Ways to Stop Restless Legs​

There are several ways to stop and manage restless legs. If your restless legs are due to menopause, then you can learn to manage the symptoms.

  • You can try a magnesium supplement to increase muscle function. You can ask your doctor first before consuming any medication or supplement. Never should you consume too much of medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Also, some medications can cause side effects. So, don’t buy over the counter medicine.
  • Moreover, you can try yoga exercises for your restless legs. These exercises will help you in increasing control over your muscles. Yoga can also help in sleeping better than before.
  • Additionally, there are stretching exercises to help lower tension in your muscles. These exercises can help you release knots formed and relax muscles.
  • Also, some experts suggest taking a hot bath to reduce tension in the nerves of the body. Moreover, hot water can calm the stress acquired in the body and give relief to the symptoms.

Chapter 4:

Managing Restless Legs Problem

It is very important that you manage the symptoms of restless legs without taking medicine. When body changes during menopause, you can experience restless legs.

  • You can exercise your legs to strengthen them. If you do not move around much then your muscles will weaken.
  • You can take care of overall well-being, health, food, and exercise. Moreover, you should eat a healthy diet to gain the optimum amount of nutrients and energy. You must avoid oily food items which have high saturated fats.
  • Furthermore, you should be hydrated all the time. Drink a lot of water. You can add lemon juice and ginger to the water for better health.
  • Also, avoid refined sugars. You must remember that eating bakery items can lead to inflammation in t body. So, there will be more restless legs.
  • Moreover, you should stop drinking alcohol. As alcohol can worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Your self-control will help you to adapt to the changes happening in your body.
  • You should try to maintain healthy sleep habits. By sleeping at a routine time, you can relax more than before. If you eat sugars, they can cause inflammation in the body which could lead to diseases.
  • Also, you can get a massage over your body. But, you should leave massage therapy to experts. Massage can increase blood circulation and make muscle movement better.

Chapter 5:

Is Restless Leg Syndrome Common in Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a time period when your body is transitioning and there are experiencing changes in the body. One of the symptom during menopause is restless legs.

If you are a woman in her 50s and your body is trying to make a transition then you may get restless legs. Your body’s reproductive organs may be changing so you will face some issues. We all need adequate sleep. But, during the perimenopause period, some women face insomnia. When your sleep is disturbed you will face certain body and cognitive problems. Furthermore, you will not be able to feel relaxed and calm. Consequently, you will experience restless legs.

Additionally, there are hormonal changes in the body. Your body will produce less estrogen than before. Such changes are responsible for restless legs, sleeping disturbance and mood changes. If your symptoms are mild or moderate then you can manage them at home. When your symptoms gets severe then you can talk help of a doctor.

There are several courses which provide elaborate explanation in various issues. One of the courses titled, ‘Coping with Chronic Pain can provide useful information.


"Quick online learning, thanks!" Susan

92 sections

6-Weeks Self-Paced

  • Educational Content
  • Quizzes
  • Self-reflection material
  • Suggestions & feedback
  • Worksheet, tips & tools to use

$9.00 $12.00

25% discount