mccarthynj
Dec 5 2003, 12:08 AM
I learned a new word to describe my problem from Dearest and it is formication. It's that constant itching or bugs crawling on your skin caused depletion of estrogen. Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't think a soy bar is going to cut it.
MaryO
Dec 5 2003, 01:34 AM
Actually Revival soy shakes did it for me. I had terrible formication, random itching all over my body. It drove me nuts day and night.
There are tons of posts on this topic, some of them with my own terrible experiences, in the topic called
Itching/Hives down in the
Other Menopause Issues area.
MaryBeth
May 18 2004, 07:23 PM
Thank you Mary - Was just looking for where to read about this, I'll see ya in th Hives arena!

-Mary Beth
Kona
Aug 10 2005, 06:56 PM

I have been experiencing 'FORMICATION' (bugs under the skin) for about 3 months. It comes in waves and has just about pushed me over the edge. I have just started a homeopathic remedy given to me by my Nathurapath. It is Lachesis. It has worked amazingly after only 4 day. I am a very, very happy lady!
sonig
Jul 25 2006, 04:54 AM
QUOTE (Kona @ Aug 11 2005, 08:56 AM)


I have been experiencing 'FORMICATION' (bugs under the skin) for about 3 months. It comes in waves and has just about pushed me over the edge. I have just started a homeopathic remedy given to me by my Nathurapath. It is Lachesis. It has worked amazingly after only 4 day. I am a very, very happy lady!
Hello kona, I'm having the same thing as you. Some moments worse than other coming as you say in waves. Is this Lachesis still working on you? Let me know please, i live in Sydney, will i find that remedy here also? Thanks. (i want to be happy too!!!)
Kona
Jul 25 2006, 02:28 PM
[font=Comic Sans Ms][size=2]
QUOTE (sonig @ Jul 24 2006, 10:54 PM)

Hello kona, I'm having the same thing as you. Some moments worse than other coming as you say in waves. Is this Lachesis still working on you? Let me know please, i live in Sydney, will i find that remedy here also? Thanks. (i want to be happy too!!!)

[font=Comic Sans Ms][size=3]YES, IT IS STILL WORKING. I HAD TO RE-DOSE A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH A NATURAPATH TO GET THE RIGHT DOSE, AS IT WILL COME IN DIFFERENT POTENCIES. ALSO, I TAKE A MAINTAINANCE DOSE OF PHYTO-B, A NATURAL ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT. I WAS TAKING THAT BEFORE THE FORMICATION SYMPTOMS, THOUGH.
TAKE HEART, I HAVE ONLY HAD ONE DAY OF 'CREEPY CRAWLY' SINCE I LAST WROTE.
AH, THE JOYS OF MENOPAUSE...
Kona
Aug 3 2006, 02:57 PM
QUOTE (sonig @ Jul 24 2006, 10:54 PM)

Hello kona, I'm having the same thing as you. Some moments worse than other coming as you say in waves. Is this Lachesis still working on you? Let me know please, i live in Sydney, will i find that remedy here also? Thanks. (i want to be happy too!!!)

[font=Comic Sans Ms]
'sonig', please let me know how you are doing? Kona
themom
Aug 25 2006, 10:19 PM
hello all, after reading some of the post on this sight i had to become part of this. i have been sure that i have some kind of bugs and that i have some kind of illness that is deadly. after reading some of the postings. i am sure now i am not crazy i am just changing. i have a question though i have a rash that burns, and is itchy on my chest and back it also feels like it has bugs crawling on the skin. i dont have lice or anything else. what do you do for this?? i am so uncomfortible i dont know what to do with my self.
Spalady
Aug 28 2006, 12:25 PM
Hi theMOM,
I have been dealing with this for 4 weeks and feel like I am losing my mind!
I have the same thing but mine is under my breasts to about 2 inches below my bra line. It started out on one side then spread th the next, but now I sm starting to feel itchy all over my body but no rash anywhere else.
On top of that I get a hive appearing randomly every so often in that same area. Which makes it even worse!!!
Not sure if the itchy, crawling skin feeling is causing this too but I feel COLD alot......
Anyhow you are not alone but I too feel like I am at my WITS END.
I have had missed periods off and on for about a year and a half now and my age is 49. Not on any hormones at the moment.
I don't know if my obsessing about the itching or thinking sometting is going to start itching is causing my nerves to skyrocket causing me to feel cold, or even creating the itching but its such a vicious circle..... that I can hardly stand it.
I even went to the doctor whoi prescribed an anti-fungal cream but it seems to come back at the least amount of stress I feel, just when it appears to clear up.
Talk about depressing.......
doodle
Sep 3 2006, 05:39 AM
Started to experience what it seems like formication a few days ago. It feels like ants crawling all over my body : arms, legs, back and neck. I am not sure whether it is formication or tingling/numbness. Anyone knows how to differentiate ? Sorry for the stupid question.
What can be done to relieve the symptom ?
Kona
Sep 5 2006, 09:45 PM
QUOTE (Spalady @ Aug 28 2006, 06:25 AM)

Hi theMOM,
I have been dealing with this for 4 weeks and feel like I am losing my mind!
I have the same thing but mine is under my breasts to about 2 inches below my bra line. It started out on one side then spread th the next, but now I sm starting to feel itchy all over my body but no rash anywhere else.
On top of that I get a hive appearing randomly every so often in that same area. Which makes it even worse!!!
Not sure if the itchy, crawling skin feeling is causing this too but I feel COLD alot......
Anyhow you are not alone but I too feel like I am at my WITS END.
I have had missed periods off and on for about a year and a half now and my age is 49. Not on any hormones at the moment.
I don't know if my obsessing about the itching or thinking sometting is going to start itching is causing my nerves to skyrocket causing me to feel cold, or even creating the itching but its such a vicious circle..... that I can hardly stand it.
I even went to the doctor whoi prescribed an anti-fungal cream but it seems to come back at the least amount of stress I feel, just when it appears to clear up.
Talk about depressing.......
Kona
Sep 5 2006, 10:05 PM

My understanding is that the word 'formication' is used by doctors to imply an imaginary itching. My dermatologist told me not to use the word because it has a negative connotation...and she believed I was experiencing the 'rolling creepy-crawlies' that I described to her. She was not, however able to help me at all.
When I, in tears, asked my Naturapath if she had heard of the symptoms I described,she responded brightly with an "Oh, sure." My next question was...and can you help me? "Absolutely, here you go!"
She said that it is something that occassionally is experienced during menopause. She gave me Lichesis 200c (I think) to be taken twice a day. I took it and within 4 days I was symptom free.
My symptoms were felt all over my body, like a wave of something under my skin. I sware, I thought I was loosing my mind. As well, living in the tropics I thought my house was infested. I had the exterminator out, everything I could think of.
My symptoms went on for about 4 months, constantly but in waves every few minutes.
This was over a year ago. I had to re-dose, as I said in an earlier email, once this summer.
For me, have the sense that it is wholly hormonal. And what isn't at this time of my life.
Just for reference, I have been about 9 months without a period. I've been peri-menopausal for about 7 years. I have been having amazing hot flashes and night sweats for about 5 years. What I have just started for the sweats is Black Cohash. It seems too be helping, too.
Oh, and I wish I had known about this website when I was out there loosing my mind!!!
Kim0822
Sep 25 2006, 07:34 PM
QUOTE (Spalady @ Aug 28 2006, 11:25 AM)

Hi theMOM,
I have been dealing with this for 4 weeks and feel like I am losing my mind!
I have the same thing but mine is under my breasts to about 2 inches below my bra line. It started out on one side then spread th the next, but now I sm starting to feel itchy all over my body but no rash anywhere else.
On top of that I get a hive appearing randomly every so often in that same area. Which makes it even worse!!!
Not sure if the itchy, crawling skin feeling is causing this too but I feel COLD alot......
Anyhow you are not alone but I too feel like I am at my WITS END.
I have had missed periods off and on for about a year and a half now and my age is 49. Not on any hormones at the moment.
I don't know if my obsessing about the itching or thinking sometting is going to start itching is causing my nerves to skyrocket causing me to feel cold, or even creating the itching but its such a vicious circle..... that I can hardly stand it.
I even went to the doctor whoi prescribed an anti-fungal cream but it seems to come back at the least amount of stress I feel, just when it appears to clear up.
Talk about depressing.......
Hi Everyone - I've been battling this for many months (I'm 47) and am using Effexor (75mg) - my gyneocologist said the itches/tingles might be associated with hot flashes and the Effexor (even though it is an antidepressant/anti anxiety med) helps reduce hot flashes. I've been on it for 6 weeks and it definitely helps. I still have some relapses so will be trying the homeopath mentioned in this thread to see if I can get rid of all of it. One thing I noticed is that I feel cold most of the time when I get the itch/tingles as well. I started realizing that it sort of felt like when you first start getting a cold/flu so started taking my temp every time I itched. Sure enough I run a temp of about 99.2 when this happens. I take a couple of Tylenol to help break the temp and that seems to help as well. Also, I've started walking to "run off" some of this anxiety that comes with the tingles. It helps a bit. Does anyone know if low grade fevers are associated with hot flashes or peri/menopause in general? Kona - how long did you take the Lachesis and what was your dosage?
DeeAnn
Oct 25 2006, 06:19 PM
QUOTE (Kim0822 @ Sep 25 2006, 06:34 PM)

Hi Everyone - I've been battling this for many months (I'm 47) and am using Effexor (75mg) - my gyneocologist said the itches/tingles might be associated with hot flashes and the Effexor (even though it is an antidepressant/anti anxiety med) helps reduce hot flashes. I've been on it for 6 weeks and it definitely helps. I still have some relapses so will be trying the homeopath mentioned in this thread to see if I can get rid of all of it. One thing I noticed is that I feel cold most of the time when I get the itch/tingles as well. I started realizing that it sort of felt like when you first start getting a cold/flu so started taking my temp every time I itched. Sure enough I run a temp of about 99.2 when this happens. I take a couple of Tylenol to help break the temp and that seems to help as well. Also, I've started walking to "run off" some of this anxiety that comes with the tingles. It helps a bit. Does anyone know if low grade fevers are associated with hot flashes or peri/menopause in general? Kona - how long did you take the Lachesis and what was your dosage?
I am still new to this site and don't know exactly how it works but I will reply to this post as well as in other areas of board dicussion, since my issue is all about creepy/crawly skin. I am at my wits end. As I write this it feels like ants are all over me. I will take hot flashes or night sweats over this any day. I have tried benydrel, progestron cream, magnesium, anti itch creams and tylenol. This has been going on for one month and I have not had a decent nights sleep since it the creepy, itchy symptoms started. I have been to 2 doctors who offer nothing except ambian so that I can sleep through the itching. It is worse at night and the sleep medication helps a bit, but the sensations also comes during the day, and I just want this problem gone. It is making me crazy! Any other suggestions?
Signed,
An itchy DeeAnn
ayeshasi
Nov 10 2006, 07:57 AM
well well well, mines had gone since the past 3 weeks and guess what....ITS BACK AGAIN! Im going crazy, trust me.
Its so bad....got a docs app this afternoon....lets hope they dont hand me allergy tablets AGAIN! it took 2 1/2 weeks to kick in last time and i am so not prepared to let this go on again!
katana
Nov 10 2006, 09:17 AM
When this started with me I thought I had fleas in the house. It seemed worse at night. I never thought that much of it till my partner said one night whilst relaxing watching tele 'what on earth is the matter with you?' I then realised I was constantly itching - to me it is still like fleas - like the odd one jumping on you at various points on your body - very irritating - we must look right idiots scratting all the time!!! How many symptoms can one person have at once - it is truely amazing! I hope you get sorted out - mine isnt anywhere near as bad as what you're suffereing petal
ayeshasi
Nov 13 2006, 03:32 PM

I went to the docs and got prescribed Telfast...and

it worked!!! i felt free of worms within 4 hrs! It is amazing....but not sure what will happen once i stop taking them..in the meantime, im a very happy woman.
Earthflower
Nov 15 2006, 01:41 PM
Hi Ladies,
I'm still new to this so I am learning soooooooo much from all of you. I just wanted to tell you that you all are my "sanity" and I thank you so so much for being here.
About the itiching thing....when I first started having that problem I thought for sure I had some bug/fleas crawling on me, and at the same time I thought I was losing my mind. It seems like I was the only one on the planet with that problem. No one had any answers for me. I had to do my own research and find some answers. I still experience this "weird" feeling but now understand it better. And yes, it does get worse for me at night ... when I lay down to sleep the itching starts and it drives me insane. Starst out with like fleas jumping on my face first and the rest of my body starts to itch. I have to jump out of bed before I lose my mind and divert my attention elsewhere. It's all too weird for me. I'm trying to accept this feeling as part of the "change" process. Wish it would stop because I can't stand it! Drives me to the point where I just want to scream sometimes. Why does this happen anyway? Is there like a in-depth explanation to this? Why do some women have this problem and others don't? Thank you everyone and God Bless!
DeeAnn
Nov 15 2006, 04:56 PM
QUOTE (Earthflower @ Nov 15 2006, 12:41 PM)

Hi Ladies,
I'm still new to this so I am learning soooooooo much from all of you. I just wanted to tell you that you all are my "sanity" and I thank you so so much for being here.
About the itiching thing....when I first started having that problem I thought for sure I had some bug/fleas crawling on me, and at the same time I thought I was losing my mind. It seems like I was the only one on the planet with that problem. No one had any answers for me. I had to do my own research and find some answers. I still experience this "weird" feeling but now understand it better. And yes, it does get worse for me at night ... when I lay down to sleep the itching starts and it drives me insane. Starst out with like fleas jumping on my face first and the rest of my body starts to itch. I have to jump out of bed before I lose my mind and divert my attention elsewhere. It's all too weird for me. I'm trying to accept this feeling as part of the "change" process. Wish it would stop because I can't stand it! Drives me to the point where I just want to scream sometimes. Why does this happen anyway? Is there like a in-depth explanation to this? Why do some women have this problem and others don't? Thank you everyone and God Bless!
Hello,
I wish I knew the answers to your questions, as I would love to figure this out to help myself and the rest of you. Misery loves company so I am glad that others are also having bugs crawling on them too, as this helps to know that I am not a freak. This sensation has been going on for the past 2 months, and I have done all that I can try to rid myself. Three doctors later, natural herbs, vitamins, lotions and allergy meds have not been able to assist in curbing this problem. At this point I am trying to learn to live with the problem, knowing that it is a hormone issue and not insanity, makes it a bit easier. I can tolerate the feeling during the day, but losing sleep over this is really the worst. If I take Tylenol PM than I can usually sleep through the itching, although I hate to be dependent on sleep aids. If so many of us are having this problem why isn't the medical community up on this problem?
One of my doctors thought I had restless leg syndrome, but the sensation is all over my body, including by face and scalp. It is a maddening problem.
Best of luck to all my creepy crawly lady friends,
DeeAnn
ayeshasi
Nov 16 2006, 07:14 AM
QUOTE (DeeAnn @ Nov 15 2006, 08:56 PM)

Hello,
I wish I knew the answers to your questions, as I would love to figure this out to help myself and the rest of you. Misery loves company so I am glad that others are also having bugs crawling on them too, as this helps to know that I am not a freak. This sensation has been going on for the past 2 months, and I have done all that I can try to rid myself. Three doctors later, natural herbs, vitamins, lotions and allergy meds have not been able to assist in curbing this problem. At this point I am trying to learn to live with the problem, knowing that it is a hormone issue and not insanity, makes it a bit easier. I can tolerate the feeling during the day, but losing sleep over this is really the worst. If I take Tylenol PM than I can usually sleep through the itching, although I hate to be dependent on sleep aids. If so many of us are having this problem why isn't the medical community up on this problem?
One of my doctors thought I had restless leg syndrome, but the sensation is all over my body, including by face and scalp. It is a maddening problem.
Best of luck to all my creepy crawly lady friends,
DeeAnn
well, the bugs have returned once again! Im going mad! I got bloods taken and everything came back normal. I dont know what to do. I certainly am not going thru the menopause at 25! What must be casuing this problem!!!
Earthflower
Nov 17 2006, 01:02 PM
DeeAnn,
You are not a freak! After reading tons of stuff on this wonderful site I'm just accepting and going with the flow of this "weird" and "strange" sensation of bugs/fleas crawling/jumping on me. At least I know what it is and know that someday it will stop. I have never experienced this "strange" feeling in my life. I'm 46 going on 47 and this is the first time in my life I felt anything like it. I didn't even have a clue something like this was possible to experience. It's weird. No one told me about it and I just recently found out that other women experience this as well. And that I am not a freak either! LOL.
You bring up a good point . . . if so many women experience this feeling then why doesn't the medical community have any answers for us in better understanding what this is? Or even treating it?
God Bless!
mrsb76
Nov 17 2006, 02:05 PM
Personally, I think it's because it is women experiencing this. If it were men,I'm betting it would have been solved a long time ago!
treefr0g
Jan 15 2007, 12:49 AM
QUOTE (mrsb76 @ Nov 17 2006, 01:05 PM)

Personally, I think it's because it is women experiencing this. If it were men,I'm betting it would have been solved a long time ago!

I had to jump in and comment...I have a very close male friend whom I've known for 20 yrs. We are both on the "change of life" adventure, and what an adventure it is! It is a very interesting experience to not only have to deal with ones own perimenopause issues, but also those of a best friend of the male persuasion. While I haven't experience the itchyness problem, my male friend has! Drives him absolutely crazy at times...he literally scratches himself raw. For him, it's confined to his arms. It comes and goes mysteriously. He's not taking any medications, so the cause is unknown...but, some men can also have some weird symptoms due to hormonal changes. He mirrors some of the same symptoms I experience, some a little different, but much the same in many respects. I suspect that there are other men out there who experince "the itchies" due to hormonal changes, but that they just don't make the connection.
Duch
Jan 15 2007, 01:01 PM
Does your friend have an annual check-up? It may be related to his hormones.
http://www-DOT-clinicalgeriatrics.com/article/4922oh geez, I'm sorry, Dearest. I tried to make it not a link, and it isn't, but it gives the appearance. sorry.
minsue232
Jan 22 2007, 02:47 PM
Hi - I was looking up crawlies and found this site...I have them like everyone else - the bouts come and go. It is usually when I first get into bed. When this first happened I flipped the lights on, to find nothing. I stripped the bed and vacuumed the mattress anyway. I was having hot flashes where they would wake you up out a sound sleep. My tummy would feel funny, then the hot flash would come. I would drink 1 or 2 cups in the morning before work - well - we ran out for about a week and I did not any hot flashes! I take Black Cohosh for mood and another health supplement. All of this site I have been on looks familiar to what I have been going through for about 7 years now. Thanks to all who have contributed to the understanding of this process in our lives.
QUOTE (Kona @ Sep 5 2006, 09:05 PM)


My understanding is that the word 'formication' is used by doctors to imply an imaginary itching. My dermatologist told me not to use the word because it has a negative connotation...and she believed I was experiencing the 'rolling creepy-crawlies' that I described to her. She was not, however able to help me at all.
When I, in tears, asked my Naturapath if she had heard of the symptoms I described,she responded brightly with an "Oh, sure." My next question was...and can you help me? "Absolutely, here you go!"
She said that it is something that occassionally is experienced during menopause. She gave me Lichesis 200c (I think) to be taken twice a day. I took it and within 4 days I was symptom free.
My symptoms were felt all over my body, like a wave of something under my skin. I sware, I thought I was loosing my mind. As well, living in the tropics I thought my house was infested. I had the exterminator out, everything I could think of.
My symptoms went on for about 4 months, constantly but in waves every few minutes.
This was over a year ago. I had to re-dose, as I said in an earlier email, once this summer.
For me, have the sense that it is wholly hormonal. And what isn't at this time of my life.
Just for reference, I have been about 9 months without a period. I've been peri-menopausal for about 7 years. I have been having amazing hot flashes and night sweats for about 5 years. What I have just started for the sweats is Black Cohash. It seems too be helping, too.
Oh, and I wish I had known about this website when I was out there loosing my mind!!!
psavast
Jan 12 2008, 10:11 AM
QUOTE (mccarthynj @ Dec 5 2003, 04:08 AM)

I learned a new word to describe my problem from Dearest and it is formication. It's that constant itching or bugs crawling on your skin caused depletion of estrogen. Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't think a soy bar is going to cut it.

I feel like I am going to die of some dreaded disease!!! The creepy tingling, crawly, sometime feeling like tiny biting is making me feel sick.
My doctor attributes it to anxiety........and perscribed ATIVAN!! Does not help...but knowing other women are going through this is somewhat calming to me....
Does anyone also feel a sense of numbness?
Arianna
Feb 20 2008, 12:03 AM
QUOTE (psavast @ Jan 12 2008, 09:11 AM)

I feel like I am going to die of some dreaded disease!!! The creepy tingling, crawly, sometime feeling like tiny biting is making me feel sick.
My doctor attributes it to anxiety........and perscribed ATIVAN!! Does not help...but knowing other women are going through this is somewhat calming to me....
Does anyone also feel a sense of numbness?
This creepy crawly sensation is NO FUN...!!!! Have been suffering from it for 4yrs - it seems to love keeping me awake, night after night - I'm 54 - nearly over it maybe. My sis has advised me that it's a sign of an overworked liver (just so much work to do during the meno phase). It also says this in Susan Weed's absolutely wonderful book - "Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way" - (under formication - "related to an overworked and 'overheated' liver"). So, I'm going to try a liver cleanse with St Mary's Thistle etc (***), veg juices (esp beetroot/carrot) & some homeopathic remedies, including Rhus Tox & Caladium (mentioned in Susan Weed's book). Hope this helps lots of women; wise to focus on the cause & not just the symptoms, which is what I've been doing for too long....!!!!! Angel
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Arianna
Feb 20 2008, 12:08 AM
QUOTE (Arianna @ Feb 19 2008, 11:03 PM)

This creepy crawly sensation is NO FUN...!!!! Have been suffering from it for 4yrs - it seems to love keeping me awake, night after night - I'm 54 - nearly over it maybe. My sis has advised me that it's a sign of an overworked liver (just so much work to do during the meno phase). It also says this in Susan Weed's absolutely wonderful book - "Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way" - (under formication - "related to an overworked and 'overheated' liver"). So, I'm going to try a liver cleanse with St Mary's Thistle etc, veg juices (esp beetroot/carrot) & some homeopathic remedies, including Rhus Tox & Caladium (mentioned in Susan Weed's book). Hope this helps lots of women; wise to focus on the cause & not just the symptoms, which is what I've been doing for too long....!!!!! Angel
ps forgot to say that I don't seem to experience numbness - just very cold legs at times....!!!! And an overwhelming feeling of depression, whenever that chilly feeling kicks in - more FUN...!!!!
val1234
Jan 21 2009, 12:08 PM
Hi all, I get terribly scared at these crawly things (I can't really describe is any other way) under my skin. They are not itchy just crawly and seem to flit o from spot to spot,a second here then a second there it is not steady all the time though. Seems to be off and on. Mostly in my legs. Makes me very depressed and anxious as I think this is just a prelude to some terrible disease which then of course increases the dread and anxiety. I have been to the Doctors, he feels everything is ok but is doing blood work etc. It helps to know if others are feeling the same things sometimes so you don't feel so all alone and disconnected.
bimmergal
Jan 27 2009, 07:23 PM
QUOTE (val1234 @ Jan 21 2009, 08:08 AM)

Hi all, I get terribly scared at these crawly things (I can't really describe is any other way) under my skin. They are not itchy just crawly and seem to flit o from spot to spot,a second here then a second there it is not steady all the time though. Seems to be off and on. Mostly in my legs. Makes me very depressed and anxious as I think this is just a prelude to some terrible disease which then of course increases the dread and anxiety. I have been to the Doctors, he feels everything is ok but is doing blood work etc. It helps to know if others are feeling the same things sometimes so you don't feel so all alone and disconnected.
I always feel those creepy, flutters in the leg area too.. also buzzing..
ANYONE ELSE?
BestLife
Jan 28 2009, 11:53 AM
I don't feel the crawly thing really, but I do have buzzing. Bottom of both my feet sometimes, sometimes just the left. It changes around from day to day. I also get an icy kind of feeling in my outer calves (always both at once) once in awhile, THAT is really unnerving. I, too, am glad I am not the only one experiencing these weird sensations. Truth be told, I'd rather have hot flashes than these weird feelings. I feel as if I have something terrible that the doctors will discover too late. I really hate peri!
bimmergal
Jan 30 2009, 05:00 PM
QUOTE (BestLife @ Jan 28 2009, 07:53 AM)

I don't feel the crawly thing really, but I do have buzzing. Bottom of both my feet sometimes, sometimes just the left. It changes around from day to day. I also get an icy kind of feeling in my outer calves (always both at once) once in awhile, THAT is really unnerving. I, too, am glad I am not the only one experiencing these weird sensations. Truth be told, I'd rather have hot flashes than these weird feelings. I feel as if I have something terrible that the doctors will discover too late. I really hate peri!
I agree with you, hot flashes would be better but I have not had those yet.. just woke a few times sweaty and then got cold. Buzzing.. to me that is hard to describe I guess.. but my calves and feet must buzz and flutter and get that icy feeling too (esp. the calves).. I feel little twinges in them too.. yea this isnt fun and I know I go on and on about it but most days it is hard to stay sane... thanks all!
hugs!
Calamy
Apr 30 2009, 07:30 PM
I get the weird flu like chill/tingles through my body for a few seconds, just makes you feel so sick all over then goes away. I get hot and cold flashes. Last night I got up at 6 am and had the weirdest sensation of being cold but also being tingly like I wanted to rub my arms and make it go away. It felt like the kind of cold under your skin that won't go away even when you put a blanket over you. I get the whole extremely depressed feeling too:( And I get the weird tingles and actual goosebumps. Mostly I freak out about the cold and hot chill tingle sick flu sensation that comes and goes.
I have sensations like ants are crawling on me, too. It has come and gone quite a bit today. I'm always swatting at my body somewhere looking for ants. (We have ants in my apartment right now so it's not helping! I never know if it's my skin or a real ant! -- we had a big thunderstorm and some ants from outside have been seeking shelter from the patio:(
fluxe
May 17 2009, 09:11 PM
Hi all,
I typed in 'bugs crawling on my skin' on google and here I am. Thanks to all these post, I can sleep better now. Its 2 am and I have been on the internet all weekend trying to find a reason for what I am going through.
At first I thought it was itching and had been reading all about it. But I don't need to scratch all the time - a hard rub will ease the discomfort at times.
Like most of you, I thought I had been exposed to bugs and have read a lot about itching caused by them but i know that is not true. I dont have any rash and I have laid awake trying to see what was moving on my skin but to no avail. It seems like something moves between the hairs on my skin sporadically. Its now all over my body and it is worse at night time. Sometimes I get it on my back alone, and it'll be as if I am covered in sand. Or it could come lie pins on the sole of my feet, in between my fingers, my thighs, knees, face, nostrils, etc. It is driving me mad!
I took Piriton an off the counter anti-histamine and it worked for a day but i cant keep taking this because it makes me drowsy and i'll be useless for the day. I am off to see the doctor tomorrow and will keep you updated. I really hope it is not a sign of peri-men as I am only 37 and.... I am not ready.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences.
Eternal Sally
Jul 28 2009, 07:42 PM
Just found this thread. Coz the past couple of days I've been SURE I have lice!
LOL
(us poor women)
Eminar
Aug 9 2009, 01:47 AM
Now that I know what it is, I have stopped slapping at myself wherever I feel something. Instead I've trained myself to calmly glance at the affected arm or leg first and sometimes I won't even have to scratch it.
But I've had to invest in a backscratcher when the crawlies hit hard to see/reach areas.
moonlight
Aug 11 2009, 12:04 PM
I don't have the feeling of bugs under my skin,it's more like a random flea or bug crawling on my skin.Last night after i went to bed,it kept feeling like a(one) bug was crawling on my leg,i kept rubbing my leg,tried to find the critter,but couldn't....it kept happening,but in different places,sometimes on my butt,sometimes my leg,the side of my face,the back of my head....it about drove me crazy and i couldn't sleep....
amicrazy
Sep 1 2009, 11:36 AM
QUOTE (moonlight @ Aug 11 2009, 11:04 AM)

I don't have the feeling of bugs under my skin,it's more like a random flea or bug crawling on my skin.Last night after i went to bed,it kept feeling like a(one) bug was crawling on my leg,i kept rubbing my leg,tried to find the critter,but couldn't....it kept happening,but in different places,sometimes on my butt,sometimes my leg,the side of my face,the back of my head....it about drove me crazy and i couldn't sleep....
I am now 40 years old and about 5 months ago (at age 39) I started to experience irregular menstrual cycles, not too bad, just not regular. Each month that passed I had something new, hot flashes, started losing my hair (A LOT!!), couldn't get to sleep and couldn't stay asleep. I would be up at least 4 or 5 times a night and it took me sometimes up to 2 hours to fall asleep. And finally, the mood swings which were much worse than they have ever been around the PMS time.... I went to the Dr. They thought I was crazy and just wanted sleeping pills until I had a hot flash right in front of her. We both decided that I would try and go back on the pill to see if that would help any of the symptoms... and it did... slightly. My hair is growing back in, sleep is not that much better but the hot flashes have subsided some. Okay, on with life.... until, I find a few fleas on my dog. Okay, I use to work for a vet, bought some foggers and was done with it.... then the feeling of bugs crawling on my legs. It started just on my legs and it happend to coincide with my dog having a random flea (needless to say, there are no fleas in my house after fogging, vaccuming a hundred times all the rugs and mattresses as well as washing the sheets at least 5 times in 7 days... thought I was going nuts). It went from my legs to all over my body... arms, legs, torso... everywhere. Terminex came in and exterminated the entire house. I thought the feeling would go away, NOT. It's been about 5 weeks since and I still have this horrible feeling that things are crawling on my skin. I only noticed it at night because there was nothing to occupy my mind... but when I started to think about it during the day to see if I felt it then as well, sure enough, I did. A co-worker told me that she read somewhere that it could be a symptom of perimenopause so here I am.
I seriously thought I was going crazy and I'm really, really, really glad I found this post....
amicrazy
Sep 1 2009, 11:40 AM
Oh, by the way... I had to laugh when I read some of the posts... I did almost everything that everyone else did....
Exterminate, scratch at the spots (even though they don't really itch)... I think they itch and there may be a bite there... but then the itch goes away... I would jump up out of be at all hours of the night, turn the light and and I thought for sure I would find the little buggers just jumping all over the place.... NOTHING...
It started very minimally on my legs... and then quickly spread to all over... it's really not fun and I have a call into my Dr... AGAIN!!
If I couldn't sleep before, I really can't sleep now.
dixiegirl
Sep 3 2009, 04:58 PM
[/size][size="3"]QUOTE (bimmergal @ Jan 27 2009, 07:23 PM)

I always feel those creepy, flutters in the leg area too.. also buzzing..
ANYONE ELSE?
HEEBIE JEEBIES
I have just learned last night after finding this site that I also have "formication". For about 4 days I have been about to go crazy trying to figure out what was wrong...I have been itchy on my face ( the T area )..my ears..my left arm especially from the shoulder down to my elbow...my lower back. ...All Over!!! It has felt like bugs crawling. I even said it kind of felt like I had insulation on me ( fiberglass). And I have just recently in the last 4 or 5 months been having hot flashes...and I asked my BF if it could possibly be another symptom of menopause ...so I started searching and found Power Surge..I am so relieved to find out what is going on. Not that the itching has stopped because believe me I am going nuts down here in Georgia.LOL!!
psychopause
Oct 13 2009, 03:43 PM
[quote name='dixiegirl' date='Sep 3 2009, 04:58 PM' post='307597']
[/size][size="3"] HEEBIE JEEBIES
I'm so thankful I found this blog. I for sure thought I had something terribly wrong with me, but to my surprise it's just another pause symptom. I've been having them for a few years but didn't make the connection until this year when a co-worker suggested that my body may be preparing for menopause after countless trips to the doctor turned up nothing. I can just check this off my menopause symptoms list. I promise I have almost every symptom. It's funny because I've changed linens, sprayed the house for bugs, changed laundry detergent, used a variety of anti-itch creams, and sadly I blamed my poor dog Dwight! Well thanks ladies for letting me know I'm not alone on this rollercoaster ride.
travel_laughter
Oct 24 2009, 03:53 PM
I don't want to repeat things already covered on this topic, but wondered if others believe dropping levels of estrogen are at the root of the odd skin issues women have during perimenopause? I'm beginning to think there is definitely something to it. I haven't been diagnosed as being in perimenopause (I just turned 35) but have had odd skin issues ever since last spring when I had a very long & traumatic miscarriage while simultaneously weaning my 17 mo. old son from breastfeeding (I also had only had 1 menstrual cycle between my first & second pregnancy). Once the miscarriage finally ended (after 5 long weeks) and I ovulated (I practive natural family planning so I know when I ovulate) I began to feel strange -- tingling tongue & crawly/numbness around my mouth & near one side of my nose. Two days before my first post-miscarriage period began I had a full blown panic attack while driving & then had them all weekend for about 3 days afterwards. I was a complete basketcase. Throughout the past 6 mos. I've had night sweats some months, more sweating in general, more body odor, internal vibrations, sinking feelings, muscle twitches, tingling tongue, extreme anxiety, feelings of weakness & shakiness, & developed some OCD issues -- I don't have these things every month and they are all definitely much worse post-ovulation until my period comes & then for a few days into my new cycle; it seems like I get about 7 good days a month these days. I remember my Mom once told me that prior to menopause she basically had one "good day per month" but I believe most of her issues w/ PMS were mood related. I worry so much about the weird skin issues because I know they can be symptoms of other more serious diseases, but I've had every blood test known to mankind; a full thyroid panel, estradiol & progesterone testing (those came back basically in the ideal range), cortisol testing, neurotransmitter testing, a barium swallow test/x-rays & an MRI brain scan. The only things that have come back are very whacky cortisol levels (high when they should be low & low when they should be high) and quite low seratonin & epinephrine. My thyroid results (TSH & free T3 & Free T4) were all in the below normal or low-normal range. This past month (post-ovulation & during PMS & my period) I started getting tingling in my extremities and what feels kind of like little bugs not realy crawling on me but biting me. Things calmed down about 5 days before ovulation with the bug/tingling feelings stopping (although I still get this wierd crawly/numbness on spots on my face & next to one toe), no twitches, etc. and was beginning to feel "relatively" normal (normal for my life as I know it now!) and then yesterday I confirmed ovulation & today I woke w/ more tingling/bug bite feelings. I know estrogen drops after ovulation & stays low into the bleeding part of your cyle, so I'm wondering if there is a relationship? I honestly felt normal, healthy & all around pretty good before this all started; it sort hit me overnight or in a matter of about 10 days. It's like I'm a different person in a different body. I recently began seeing a holistic MD who has diagnosed me w/ adrenal fatigue & hormonal imbalance and says these issues are driving my very low thyroid numbers as well as the low neurotransmitter levels. She doesn't think I'm in perimenopause due to the ideal estrogen/progesterone readings whcih were taken via blood during the "right" time in my cycle. I'm sorry this post was so long, but I would love any input, ideas or just support. Some days I really feel like giving up. For most of the summer I had severe social anxiety and barely left the house except for work (this is NOT like me as I've always been referred to as a "social butterfly" type). That lifts from time to time & I am able to have fun, see friends & function, but it seems like just as soon as I feel "normal/good" this dark cloud descends over me again & I feel bizzare. Can others relate? Thanks.
denni
Oct 24 2009, 06:06 PM
I have this tingly sort of feeling like I have a heat rash under the skin, I get it in both arms on the under side and both legs and sometimes on the edge of my face naturally you start to think I'm having a stroke, I know Im not but my god give us all a break meno just give us the night sweats at least our brain can cope with that.
joyceveronica
Oct 28 2009, 10:12 AM
QUOTE (amicrazy @ Sep 1 2009, 07:36 PM)

I am now 40 years old and about 5 months ago (at age 39) I started to experience irregular menstrual cycles, not too bad, just not regular. Each month that passed I had something new, hot flashes, started losing my hair (A LOT!!), couldn't get to sleep and couldn't stay asleep. I would be up at least 4 or 5 times a night and it took me sometimes up to 2 hours to fall asleep. And finally, the mood swings which were much worse than they have ever been around the PMS time.... I went to the Dr. They thought I was crazy and just wanted sleeping pills until I had a hot flash right in front of her. We both decided that I would try and go back on the pill to see if that would help any of the symptoms... and it did... slightly. My hair is growing back in, sleep is not that much better but the hot flashes have subsided some. Okay, on with life.... until, I find a few fleas on my dog. Okay, I use to work for a vet, bought some foggers and was done with it.... then the feeling of bugs crawling on my legs. It started just on my legs and it happend to coincide with my dog having a random flea (needless to say, there are no fleas in my house after fogging, vaccuming a hundred times all the rugs and mattresses as well as washing the sheets at least 5 times in 7 days... thought I was going nuts). It went from my legs to all over my body... arms, legs, torso... everywhere. Terminex came in and exterminated the entire house. I thought the feeling would go away, NOT. It's been about 5 weeks since and I still have this horrible feeling that things are crawling on my skin. I only noticed it at night because there was nothing to occupy my mind... but when I started to think about it during the day to see if I felt it then as well, sure enough, I did. A co-worker told me that she read somewhere that it could be a symptom of perimenopause so here I am.
I seriously thought I was going crazy and I'm really, really, really glad I found this post....
Dear 'amicrazy'
No you are not! This feeling of bugs crawling over the body and itchy scalp plus stinging sensations are reported by many ladies during Hormone fluctuations.
So no you are not crazy or bug infested The sensations of having been bitten are very common during Menopause.I know this as I was fully Menopausal at 39 and it was amongst many of my horrific symptoms.It cleared up completely after going on HRT but came back to haunt me as I was trying to wean off HRT-which I never did.
Anyway during that time I swore I had lice in my hair and made my daughter search my scalp with a fine tooth comb.Nothing.I mentioned it to my Pharmacist who said an anti-histamine might help.It did and it had the added bonus of helping me to sleep better.
I hope this is some help to you,my friend
All the Best
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
joyceveronica
Oct 28 2009, 10:22 AM
QUOTE (travel_laughter @ Oct 24 2009, 11:53 PM)

I don't want to repeat things already covered on this topic, but wondered if others believe dropping levels of estrogen are at the root of the odd skin issues women have during perimenopause? I'm beginning to think there is definitely something to it. I haven't been diagnosed as being in perimenopause (I just turned 35) but have had odd skin issues ever since last spring when I had a very long & traumatic miscarriage while simultaneously weaning my 17 mo. old son from breastfeeding (I also had only had 1 menstrual cycle between my first & second pregnancy). Once the miscarriage finally ended (after 5 long weeks) and I ovulated (I practive natural family planning so I know when I ovulate) I began to feel strange -- tingling tongue & crawly/numbness around my mouth & near one side of my nose. Two days before my first post-miscarriage period began I had a full blown panic attack while driving & then had them all weekend for about 3 days afterwards. I was a complete basketcase. Throughout the past 6 mos. I've had night sweats some months, more sweating in general, more body odor, internal vibrations, sinking feelings, muscle twitches, tingling tongue, extreme anxiety, feelings of weakness & shakiness, & developed some OCD issues -- I don't have these things every month and they are all definitely much worse post-ovulation until my period comes & then for a few days into my new cycle; it seems like I get about 7 good days a month these days. I remember my Mom once told me that prior to menopause she basically had one "good day per month" but I believe most of her issues w/ PMS were mood related. I worry so much about the weird skin issues because I know they can be symptoms of other more serious diseases, but I've had every blood test known to mankind; a full thyroid panel, estradiol & progesterone testing (those came back basically in the ideal range), cortisol testing, neurotransmitter testing, a barium swallow test/x-rays & an MRI brain scan. The only things that have come back are very whacky cortisol levels (high when they should be low & low when they should be high) and quite low seratonin & epinephrine. My thyroid results (TSH & free T3 & Free T4) were all in the below normal or low-normal range. This past month (post-ovulation & during PMS & my period) I started getting tingling in my extremities and what feels kind of like little bugs not realy crawling on me but biting me. Things calmed down about 5 days before ovulation with the bug/tingling feelings stopping (although I still get this wierd crawly/numbness on spots on my face & next to one toe), no twitches, etc. and was beginning to feel "relatively" normal (normal for my life as I know it now!) and then yesterday I confirmed ovulation & today I woke w/ more tingling/bug bite feelings. I know estrogen drops after ovulation & stays low into the bleeding part of your cyle, so I'm wondering if there is a relationship? I honestly felt normal, healthy & all around pretty good before this all started; it sort hit me overnight or in a matter of about 10 days. It's like I'm a different person in a different body. I recently began seeing a holistic MD who has diagnosed me w/ adrenal fatigue & hormonal imbalance and says these issues are driving my very low thyroid numbers as well as the low neurotransmitter levels. She doesn't think I'm in perimenopause due to the ideal estrogen/progesterone readings whcih were taken via blood during the "right" time in my cycle. I'm sorry this post was so long, but I would love any input, ideas or just support. Some days I really feel like giving up. For most of the summer I had severe social anxiety and barely left the house except for work (this is NOT like me as I've always been referred to as a "social butterfly" type). That lifts from time to time & I am able to have fun, see friends & function, but it seems like just as soon as I feel "normal/good" this dark cloud descends over me again & I feel bizzare. Can others relate? Thanks.
Dear 'travel-laughter'
Yes at the age of 39 I could definitely relate to what you are going through now!
These dang Hormones have a lot to answer for as they fluctuate so often it is very hard to get an exact reading.
You know how badly you feel and that you need some help.That is enough medical proof for you
That is why I chose the HRT route.It really did and still does help.However I stress this is my personal choice and may or may not be what you wish to do.There are also the Bio-Identicals that you might consider or perhaps some Herbal remedies
The important thing is not to give up.
There is a lot more help out there than when I was your age
It will take time to find exactly what works for you but you will
Plus you are here with us and we understand
So please keep posting
Hopefully when your Thyroid numbers are balanced you will also feel better.This is one devil of a little gland and can lead to depression,fatigue,insomnia etc.
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
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