I first experienced, what I can best describe as a zap of electricity, when I began perimenopause. They seem connected to hot flashes as I sometimes feel this brief, sharp shock before a hot flash begins – great early warning system, lol, though it doesn’t happen every time. These shocks really surprised and confused me at first, but since you can track them in this app, I can’t be the only one who’s been feeling these zaps! I’m very curious who else has experienced this symptom and if they also get them before a hot flash?
– Adi, St. Louis
Oh don’t lol I got them in the middle of my chest then the hot flash then the panic attack….. now get them all over and the head is the worst, but now they happen without a hot flash….. I get the crawling sensation along with them also
I’m currently in Menopause and get symptoms described but have been to see a Specialist who diagnosed SVT (Suparventricular Tachycardia) all perfectly normal he says but when they occur have been given medication to slow down palpitations! Went to A&E 6 times as was very scary!
What medication did you take and were there side effects?
I log my symptoms as “tingling” in my daily log but I refer to them as “porcupine hugs” because it literally feels like a porcupine is hugging me. Then I get really warm but not a really bad sweaty hot flash. I get them at the end of the day for some weird reason. If this happens a lot more I will get an estrogen patch because it’s just not comfortable.
This is the closest description to what I have. It’s all over my arms and it feels like a porcupine!
Hi Adi. I have experienced internal shaking / tremor-like feelings in my head and chest. I can’t find much info on the net about this symptom and I don’t know if I should worry about it. I am Currently on bio identical HRT. Has anyone experience this?
I’ve had that buzzing/tremors inside my chest and it always comes at night When I’m lying down. Doesn’t seem connected to hot flashes though – I’m not really having them yet.
Yes, same. Have you found any resources? You are the first person that confirms the same symptom and only one link from the thousands that talk about menopause. Good to know that I’m not crazy ?
I’m being driven crazy by internal buzzing. I get it all over but mostly in my legs. It doesn’t seem to be associated with hot flushes but as the weather where I am is now colder, I wondered if it’s connected to cold flushes.
This happened to me last night inside like electric shock in my chest then broke out in massive sweat afterwards and heart palpitations today – I’m 49 so assuming it’s menopause 😳
Same, I get really warm inside, feel like I’m sweating but not, and the heart palpitations, it’s crazy cause it comes and goes
I also have the internal shaking/tremor feelings in head and chest. I’ve had every test imaginable and all came back clear. I just chalk it up to crazy hormones. It’s very unsettling and makes it very difficult for me to sleep.
I just got the name for this -brain zaps! I had the first serious episode Monday night, thought I was having a seizure orr stroke. Saw my Dr and I explained to him that it is a weird sensation and it feels like my brain is flipping and my blood drains away. Super scary, but doc explained …. Hello menopause ?
I also get that inside my head it’s like a flash shock used to get them across my chest all the time but not now always in my head so scarey never happens any other time of day jus at night wen I dozing to go of to sleep
I get brain zaps just as I’m drifting off to sleep. This only started after my last period. Has anyone else had this problem? I’ve had every test there is and they all come out normal. I’m 53 and not on any medications. It disrupts my sleep!
I’m the same but I’ve noticed a pattern when I would usually be on my period but depression and anxiety is terrible
Yes me too!!! I only had a few “zaps” in the brain. I am peri menopausal super healthy 47 years old. I thought I was also having a stroke and my last though was … well that’s it, it’s game over for me!.. like kinda funny but not really. So important that we all talk about this as much as we can to help navigate through a time that seems so lonely and super scary.
Im experiencing the same exact symptoms as i just turned 51 and i noticed the shocks and tremors starting at age 50 now its almost nightly right before i tend to fall asleep but no hot flashes that i know of i thought i was going crazy trying to explain these symptoms until i started doing some digging on the internet….i also get occasional dizziness and wierd vision problems occasionally also.
I get those sensations in my head. I thought I was losing my mind until I saw it as a symptom on this app. Glad to know I’m not alone.
OMG I’ve had the zaps in my chest and I thought I was dying. I didn’t know they were related to perimenopause until I saw them listed on this app. Mine aren’t connected to hot flashes so far.
I get a weird tingling shock sensation across my chest/breast area & only in the morning before u get out of bed. I was panicking thinking I may have MS or something. My GP hadn’t a clue.
Hi there thought I was going mad I’m still having periods and have never really suffered with them I’m 54 and the last couple of months have been hell with mild headaches sinus trouble electric shocks in my chest tingling in my arms hands and feet panic attacks heart racing fatigue iv never experienced an hot flush yet thank you all for leaving your comments it really helps
I have weird flash feelings n my face goes red especially in the evenings
I get opposing shocks in very random places. What I’m experiencing is what I explain as a voodoo doll that someone is putting pins in me, and it’s very wild and random. Like for example, in my little toe on the right simultaneous with the back of my ear in the left, for an example. It’s never the same places twice, only lasts a second or so, and the pain is breathtaking. I’ve had shocks in my lady parts (left or right side) and then another opposite side shock in a shoulder. I’m thinking it was a neurological issue, but I’ve only recently had them since I started perimenopause symptoms. I didn’t consider they could be related, so thank you for this post!
Me too but my pain in my shoulder lingers almost like trapped wind
Yes! ? Thank you for sharing! Before reading these posts and this app, I had no idea what I was experiencing! I get the zaps randomly in my left shoulder! They don’t seem to be associated with hot flashes. Just random and a little frightening.
I, too, have had pinch-like tingles in my lady parts on one side or the other.
I also get weird heart stuff-sometimes ranges from strange palpitations to feeling like air bubbles trickling through my heart. Talked to my GP about it recently and had blood work and he said everything looks healthy. ?♀️ These stories have been so eye-opening!
My are on my left shoulder blade in my back they stop me in my tracks it’s a zap for a couple seconds and then gone. Then my left arm a tight band around my bicep. It freaks me out
Makes my anxiety so much worse!
Thank you for your commets!
I thought I was going to be diagnosed with MS the shocks are so intense. Thank goodness for this forum. My poor mother had to suffer in silence! My mom was convinced a spider was biting her at night. She took Benadryl every single night it never stopped and even plaqued her until she passed away. I now have the same symptoms! Because of reading this I know it’s estrogen levels must be tested. Im calling hormone doctor tomorrow!
I have the same things like a split second zap,throws me every time ,is women do have to go through it don’t we, I wander when they will pass,along with the fatigue and brain fog
I get ‘electric shocks’ a lot. In the night it’s worst, I frequently get them when I wake up, during the night, or in the morning. I get them during the day too. They are 100% followed by a hot flush but not all my hot flushes are started with electric shocks. I try hard to relax my body but I frequently feel nauseous after them, and so desperate that I just want to cry.
We have been in throws of the COVID-19 pandemic for the last year. I believe that all the stresses that that has brought, have made my symptoms worse.
I am nearly 53.
Thank you for the app and personal contributions. It’s does help to discuss it!
I had a zap yesterday on my breast, I had to look because I thought I was stung by a bee! Came and went all day, lessened in intensity as the day went on. I am still getting my period, and my monthly is at its end. Scarred me at first.
Same here, it is terrifying
Anyone get like jolts which I think are in my head at night when trying to get to sleep & sometimes on waking ?
Yes been getting those for months now. Very frustrating because I can’t get to sleep. Also if I wake up in the middle of night or in the morning when I wake. Worst symptom I’m dealing with now. Even worse then the heart racing and anxiety. Thanks for posting, makes me feel less crazy.
Gosh, I am new to this and on a steep learning curve! I am 53 and have had brain zaps over the past few days, hadn’t made the link to hot flushes but definitely a component. I thought I’d experienced the whole range of symptoms but this is new and extreme! I think medical practitioners need to educate more fully on these random menopausal symptoms because they a source of terrifying anxiety.
Mine feel like electric shocks and it’s only in the past 3 or so weeks I’ve experienced them! ⚡️
I get zapped loads. Always worst when I am on my period.
I kind of get what you mean. I get “pre fainting” feeling before a hot flash or sometimes randomly. It’s not dizziness like the room is spinning but it’s like when you’re about to pass out although logically I know I am not going to also ur. It’s not dry hydration either because I always drink lots of water and a glass including electrolytes. I remind my brain that we are safe, this is not a medical
Emergency and we are loved and grounded. But it’s like I’m always having to remind my brain not to be in constant fight or flight but yeah the “pre fainting” thing is concerning. Once happened too while driving, I actually pulled over!
I have also experienced these zaps recently. I only have about one a month and it only lasts about one second, but they are startling none the less. I’m serious considering HRT and will be talking with my MD about it at the next appointment in hopes that that this (and many other) symptoms will subside.
I would love to know what other people’s shocks feel like… please share.
I have been on hrt for years and only last month the shocking zaps started so if you go on hrt go to hormone doctor that tests your estrogen levels because after extensive reading it appears that estrogen low levels can cause this.
For years, I’ve had this little clicking noise in my nostril, right before a hot flash starts. Sounds bizarre, I know, but it has happened for seven years straight. Has anyone else ever experienced this?
YES it sounds crazy but YES
I haven’t had exactly the same, but for the past month I have had pins and needles mainly feet and occasionally in ring and little fingers. Plus had a numb thumb for a while. This is lessening lately. But randomly still happens. Haven’t noticed it before hot flushes though. At the moment I have pains in top leg muscle which can get tired/ crampy or twitchy. Cramp can be in calf muscles too. Wondering if it’s because of oestrogen declining. I’m 53, using my 4th mirena coil, current one put in 3 years ago.
I too get groin pain AMA tingling in my private part almost like a shock
I get an electric zap occasionally in my arm, followed by panic. I’m post menopausal. They are very scary and fluttering in my chest area is not a nice feeling
Yes! It feels like a firework going off in my heart & then the heat radiates outwards from there, all through my body. Get it every time before a hot flush.
Oh my goodness for this comment alone I’m glad I joined the app. I have zaps in my head, now I’ll pay attention and see if a hot flash follows. Thank you so much
I get electric shocks / zaps in my left leg in the calf area. I thought it was veins popping at first as it freaked me out. Had it on/off for a few years. I am 45 but will be 46 in June 2022.
Hi Adi, I get an shock sensation in my face right before a hot flash occurs, most unpleasant and scary.
I have had the feeling of electricity running through my body for years. No doctor understood what I was talking about. I went to a women’s panel of 7 women doctors and none of them understood. Now, this electric feeling and anxiety comes before hot flashes. It wakes me up multiple times per night. So I started researching and found a drug called Gabapentin and in one clinical trial one woman mentioned this! Finally! I am so glad for this forum. Doctors need to learn about all of the symptoms we are going through.
brain zaps are the worst. been getting them for over six months. Thought I had a brain tumor scary especially at night, when you are trying to fall asleep. I am greatful I am not the only one.
i have been suffering with brain zaps for over a year now. I’m so exhausted and overwhelmed
Found this app from searching brain zaps! I’m familiar with them as an antidepressant withdrawal symptom, but now I have them constantly with no changes to my ssri. I feel so dizzy and out of it all day long for the last two weeks. It’s horrible. 🙁
Thank you thank you. I went to the ER twice and had a cat scan and they keep sending me home with migraine written on my chart. And the panic that followed these incidents are crazy. You all have made my life because I am totally in the throes of menopause in addition to everything else. Why is there no literature on women and our issues. Like the ER doctor could have been like “menopause?” Anyways very grateful.
I’m 43 I kept going to the ER I thought I was going nuts my head a back feel like electric shock my vision was weird finally they checked my hormones levels and they were all low so I got started on hormone replacement therapy I hope it starts to work I feel as if I’m losing my mind from this
I’m so thankful to find this page and know that I’m not crazy. Dr said tension headaches but it’s way more terrifying than that! The first time I had it I thought I had a brain aneurysm.
One of you put into words what I couldn’t… the brain zap feels like blood drained out of your head and then it’s gone in a second.
I only hope there’s more research on women’s bodies by the time my daughter gets to be 50.
Although it’s awful for all of us,I’m glad someone else is having my symptoms I thought I was going mad, I’m 55 and never felt this bad it’s like I’m not living electric shocks anxiety depression no energy feels like I’m just plodding along no sex drive just trying to keep myself together I’m on her patches at min but waiting on bloods again cus it seems like they are not working for me x ladies we all have to fight this and get to the other side good luck u beautiful girls ❤️
I started getting brain zaps at 48, they started out of the blue during a stressful period of moving house. In the beginning it was a few times per night to happening over and over countless times per night. I thought there was something seriously wrong with my brain, and was very worried as my father died of ALS. About 6 months after the zaps started, I started low dose bio identical hrt to help with other symtoms of peri. I did not think the brain zaps were related to peri as hadn’t read about them anywhere. I even ended up in an and A and E as hadn’t slept in days. It was so debilitating. It was like torture. Every time I closed my eyes a zap would bolt me awake. They would happen when falling asleep or upon wakening. Like a vicious cycle. The sensation is similar to quickly turning the volume up really loud and then dialling it down quickly, only lasts a split second but the sensation is felt across the brain. Mine did not hurt it was more a sensation and sound across my brain.
I had a ct scan and everything was good. One year later I had a brain mri everything looked okay. At least that put my mind at ease even if it was still happening. I went back to
Hrt clinic and told doctor hrt was helping with other symptoms but the brain zaps and lack of sleep was still wrecking my life. She upped my progesterone to 3 weeks on it and extra dose of estrogen gel in the night before going bed. That’s when things started to get better. I still have the odd shock here and there and maybe one or two nights out of a month, consecutive zaps. I don’t worry anymore, I used to count the zaps before and was afraid to go
asleep and was waiting on them to occur. Now things have settled down. Just wanted to share my story as I found nothing online regarding this debilitating perimenopause symptom. There is light at the end of the tunnel. For me it was getting my hrt dose right.
zaps are horrible and appreciate you share your experience with others. science owe us a million pages research as being a woman means being neglected most of the times.
Hi Adi
I didn’t associate the electric shocks with the hot flashes however I agree they’re not very pleasant and not sure if there is anything we can do about unfortunately ??♀️
Yes, it is a weird sensation that is definitely followed by a hot flash. Thank you for the description as I could never quite describe it.
I have had the odd electric shock suddenly in my side and sometimes my head – quite alarming but again these seem to be around the time when I was experiencing hot flushes. For the past month they have calmed down and hot flushes have stopped temporarily ?
I just started getting these the other day in my right trapezius muscle. It feels as if someone is poking me with a big needle. I didn’t notice a hot flash afterward but I’ll pay attention next time
Same here
I get something similar, more like a tingling or buzzing feeling in my extremities, usually at night and prior to a hot flash or night sweats. I also get these electric type shocks/zinging in my head (back of head/neck) usually on a day when a migraine is coming.
I get a buzzing feeling on/off in one leg, often at night, which can keep me up. I was wondering if others had it too
I get this weird electrical shock across my chest and down both arms and a hot flash.This has been going on a few months now and it started out just a few times here and there but lately it’s been a few times a day and waking me once or twice a night and they have been more intense lately.I’ve seen my neurosurgeon and my shoulder dr and both say it’s not coming from my neck or shoulders,I guess I will see my heart dr next but I just seen him about 6 months ago and there wasn’t anything wrong with my heart then
I get them inside my head every night when I’m lyin down in bed relaxed it never happens morning or during day, used to get them across my chest now my head it is so scarey, perimenopause as I got my bloods done
Are anyone’s shocks one sided? Mine have been happening left side only, head to toe for almost 3 years. I have every test known and nothing has been found. I’ve just realized it may be perimenopause since there are no medical explanations. My left foot started vibrating years ago and it has now traveled to my brain. I get chest zaps (all left side) abdominal, leg, thigh, jaw, etc. anyone have anything that helps? Mine don’t come with hot flashes. I’m taking all the vitamins and doing yoga walking Accupuncute, etc
Yes!!! I have same thing. Just woke me up. It’s awful and hurts sometimes till next day or too.
Mine are all on the right side – right big toe, then shoulder, neck, back of head up into right side of face. Sometimes flushing occurs, but not always. I’m 48 & just realized this last set of “zaps” came at the end of a cycle. I am using supplements, walking, doing yoga & have done acupuncture as well. It’s the weirdest sensation.
I started getting buzzing and internal vibrations after start the e patch. Now I’m hoping the other is hot flashes I feel a weird sensation come over me normally my torso and almost like I can’t breathe but none of the excessive sweating. It’s so scary, I hope it’s nothing but a hot flash.
What do you do when you experience the electric shock? I’m 35 and going through perimenopause. I have been experiencing this electric shock in my late 20s. Back then I went to see my OBGYN and they did some hormone test but nothing seemed abnormal. In fact, I was told there are over 300 documented symptoms during menstruation cycle and probably even more undocumented ones. In short, I was told to just live with it. Fast forward to my early 30s, I started trying to get pregnant, then I had two miscarriages. When I eventually went to fertility clinic, I learned I have premature ovarian failure which translates to early menopause. I wish I had a better place and resource to go when I started experiencing symptoms. Women know so little of our own body and there are so little help out there for us. Today, I still experience the electric shocks, mostly at night, followed by a night sweat.
Electric stabbing pin like shock then tingle random even right through my right eye!
Add in hyperkeratosis climacterium bottom souls of both feet and partially on palms of hands! Chief of dermatology at Penn treating me with phototherapy 3x a week for 24 weeks! Keratosis due to menopause now this pins and needles!!! Dear God in heaven how can anyone deal with this?! I found a hormone doctor and will get my hormone levels checked.
Blood test panel scheduled for next week!
I’ve had panic attacks for years in the middle of the night but since Menopause they’ve increased in frequency and wake me up with a strange zap on my face – like being snapped by a rubber band leaving it stinging for a few minutes. Then it proceeds to a super fast heart rate, sweating, an and lightheadedness. I know the tachycardia is not harmful per my doc but the face zaps are new and super stressful!
Yes! My sinus start making a cracking sound then the hot flash starts….
I am 52 and peri-menopausal. I have been having zaps and head throbbing with no pain. The throbbing is not rhythmic with my heartbeat. All of my blood work came back “normal” including my hormone panel, which I don’t understand at all since I’m
peri-menopausal. The zaps are usually quick and subside rather quickly but the throbbing last for hours sometimes. I have no other issues with my head yet my practitioner wants me to get a CT scan. Has this happened to anyone else?
I’m 50. I began getting hot flashes last year. I’m perimenopausal. I get those shocks only at night. Thank God I don’t feel them in my head like others but I feel them everywhere else and they move down to my feet. I feel them right before a hot flash at night. They wake me up. I also feel them when I wake up during the night and move around but not always. It’s random. I don’t feel the shocks during the day. However i feel like something is crawling under my skin on different parts of my body, during the day. Dr. says it’s menopause. 🥴
I’m 50 years and my heart started palpitating,,my doctor sent me to do thyroid test. I’m also sweating like a pig,and I experience the sensation of the electric shock through my left arm. It woke me from my sleep,it was so frightening. I am awaiting the thyroid results from the Lab. But I’m beginning to think it’s perimenopause symptoms.
I get these electrical shocks and when I say electrical shocks, I literally have to sit down and start pounding on my hip for it to go away. It’s only in my hip! I thought I had MS Because I’m a bit of a hypochondriac! LOL
Yes yes yes!!! I thought I had a brain tumour or brain clot. I am currently peri menopausal super healthy 47 years old. I have been SO afraid to speak of tnis to anyone!!!! I’m sorry to anyone going through this but at least we’re not alone in the matter. I’m currently taking HRT. Estrogen patch, progesterone 200mg & testosterone cream. Daily. I have started taking today Methylene blue. Let’s see if this helps? … good luck to all. And a deep thank you for this post.
Hadn’t ever heard of it and was concerned when I started getting head zaps before a hot flash. I hate it when I’m just starting to nod off and a zap hits me!