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Are Cold Chills Part of Menopause Symptoms?

A squeaky wheel gets the grease, and when it comes to menopause, the most obvious symptoms get all the talk. But when hormone levels change, the effects are myriad. Chills are the flip side to well-known hot flashes.

  1. Menopause

    • According to MedicineNet.com, 12 months without menstruation when no other cause is evident is defined as menopause. Periods don’t suddenly stop. They taper off, then stop entirely as the body cuts its production of estrogen and progesterone.

    Chills

    • According to Discovery Health, the brain is constantly working to maintain a level body temperature. For many reasons, including hormonal changes, it may elevate the body’s ‘set point’ temperature. If you set your thermostat five degrees higher, you’re telling the sensor that the room is colder than it is supposed to be and your heating system must work to catch up. In the case of the human body, this may result in shivering as the brain spurs muscle movement in an effort to generate warmth.

    Why Menopause Can Cause Chills

    • Estrogen has a direct relationship with the hypothalamus of the brain, which controls body temperature. When estrogen levels fall, the hypothalamus can “stall.” A small percentage of women will experience chills when this happens.

    Associated Conditions

    • Thyroid function tends to diminish at the same age women are prone to menopause. When the thyroid is not functioning adequately, low body temperature can result. Don’t assume the cause of your chills is menopause. It might be worth having your thyroid function checked.

    What To Do?

    • Bundling up won’t help. The cold is coming from inside you. Menopause is the culprit, so you should consult your doctor for treatment appropriate for the level of discomfort and distress menopause is causing you.

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