If your feet feel like they are on fire some nights, you are not imagining it. That burning, tingling, or overheating sensation in the soles of your feet, especially when you are trying to sleep, is not just frustrating. For many women, it is one of the lesser-known and more unexpected symptoms of menopause. Let us unpack what is really going on and explore practical ways to ease the discomfort.
Why Women Experience Burning Feet Sensation During Menopause
As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, your body starts to undergo a wide range of changes, some of which are more surprising than others. You might already expect hot flashes and night sweats, but what about the burning sensation in feet during menopause?
Oestrogen helps regulate temperature and nerve health, so when levels decline, it can cause inflammation, impair nerve signals, and mess with your body’s internal thermostat. The result? A burning or tingling feeling in your feet that may seem to come out of nowhere, often becoming more noticeable at night.
How Nerve Sensitivity Affects Your Feet
One of the more clinical names for this discomfort is peripheral neuropathy. It refers to damage or dysfunction of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. While it is often linked to conditions like diabetes, chemotherapy, and injury, hormonal changes, particularly due to menopause, can also trigger similar symptoms.
When nerves become more sensitive or start misfiring, you might notice numbness, tingling, or burning. Burning feet and menopause may be connected through this nerve disruption, which becomes more common as hormonal balance shifts.
Could It Be a Vitamin Deficiency?
Another factor worth considering is your vitamin levels, especially vitamin B12. This essential nutrient plays a vital role in nerve function. If your levels are low, it can result in nerve irritation that leads to burning, tingling, or numbness in the extremities.
Women going through menopause may be at higher risk of B12 deficiency due to changes in diet, absorption issues, or even reduced stomach acid. That’s why it’s important to check in with your GP or a specialist at a Gold Coast women’s clinic to assess these levels and receive guidance on supplementation if needed.
Paraesthesia: Strange Sensations That Come and Go
You might hear your symptoms described as paraesthesia, which is the medical term for those odd nerve sensations like prickling, itching, or burning, often without an obvious cause. It is another way that the nervous system responds to hormonal shifts, inflammation, or even simple circulation changes during menopause.
This can be especially disorienting if it wakes you up at night or makes it hard to wind down. If you are wondering, is burning feet a symptom of menopause, the answer is it can be, although it is often overlooked in standard symptom lists.
Why Burning Feet Sensation Gets Worse at Night
Many women report that the burning or hot sensation in their feet gets worse at night. One theory is that the drop in core temperature that helps signal sleep can make peripheral nerves more reactive. Blood flow increases to the extremities as the body tries to cool down, which may cause that warm, flushed feeling in the feet.
Add in potential restlessness, night sweats, or insomnia, and it is no surprise that symptoms tend to intensify in the evening.
Other Possible Triggers to Consider
While menopause is one possible contributor, it is worth keeping in mind that burning feet can have a range of causes. Poor circulation, fungal infections, alcohol use, certain medications, or autoimmune conditions may all play a role.
That is why it is important to rule out underlying conditions before assuming menopause is the sole cause. Book a check-up with a specialist at a Gold Coast menopause clinic to explore all possibilities and get peace of mind.
Ways to Ease Burning Feet During Menopause
So, what can you do about it? First, know that you are not stuck with this symptom. There are several ways to manage and even reduce the intensity of burning feet linked to menopause.
Try Cooling Your Feet for Quick Relief
Cooling your feet can offer immediate relief. Try soaking your feet in cool water before bed or using a cooling foot gel. Just avoid extremes: ice-cold water or freezer packs may actually increase nerve sensitivity if used too long. Consider adding peppermint oil or Epsom salts for a refreshing, calming sensation.
You can also keep a gel pack in the fridge and rest your feet on it while reading or watching TV in the evening. Keep a fan near the bed or sleep with lighter sheets to lower overall body temperature.
Boosting B Vitamins Might Help
If your diet has shifted during menopause (or if you are less hungry or eating less variety), you may need a top-up of essential B vitamins. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins B6, B12, and magnesium may support nerve function and reduce irritation.
Look for a high-quality B-complex, or speak with your doctor about testing your levels. Deficiencies can sneak up slowly and contribute to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, and, of course, burning feet.
Is HRT Worth Considering?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help stabilise oestrogen levels, support nerve health, and reduce inflammation. It has been shown to alleviate a range of nerve-related symptoms and may reduce overall inflammation in the body. If your symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruptions, and burning feet, HRT might offer more complete relief than topical or nutritional remedies alone.
However, this treatment is not for everyone, but it is worth discussing with a qualified specialist to see if it is appropriate for you. To explore whether this option suits your needs, schedule a consultation at a Gold Coast menopause clinic.
Feel Better, One Step at a Time
While burning feet can be a confronting and uncomfortable symptom, it is also something you can treat and manage. Whether the sensation is mild or severe, you are not overreacting. It is a recognised symptom that deserves attention and care.
Cooling techniques, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. In some cases, professional advice or HRT may be the missing piece.
If this is something you have been dealing with, take one small step today. Start that new routine. Book that appointment. Relief may be closer than you think.