Are you stumbling more often than you used to? Do you feel like you’re more clumsy or accident prone then you used to be? Some women notice more clumsiness during perimenopause and menopause. Are you experiencing the same thing? Are you imagining it or is it real?

What is clumsiness?

Clumsiness or being clumsy can mean anything from unintentionally knocking things over, spilling things, bumping into things, dropping items, tripping, or on a more serious note, falling and harming yourself. How often have you said, “I’m so clumsy today” or “Gosh, am I clumsy!”

Read about Menopause: what women should know

Clumsiness can be caused by a number of factors. Changes in vision and spatial awareness, lightheadedness, dizziness, inability to focus, drop in blood sugar, and dry eyes are all possible contributors. Many of these and more can be related to menopause.

A side effect of clumsiness can include bruising. How many times have you noticed a bruise on your arm or leg and wondered how it got there? Minor incidents of clumsiness can leave you with small bruises that seemingly appear from nowhere!

How is clumsiness associated with menopause?

As levels of estrogen and progesterone decline in perimenopause and menopause, a woman’s sense of balance and coordination can suffer. Along with these symptoms others such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and trouble with concentration and focus can occur. Another symptom of menopause—vision problems—can also contribute to clumsiness. 

In a study of white and African American women age 35 to 47 (classified as “late reproductive years), the authors found that African American women were more likely than white women to experience menopausal symptoms such as clumsiness, poor coordination, dizziness, and hot flashes. 

Read about menopause and dizziness

How to manage clumsiness naturally

You can approach management of clumsiness in several ways. One is to work to better balance your hormones. That can include focusing on a natural, whole foods diet, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly, managing stress, avoiding sugary foods, staying well hydrated to flush toxins, avoiding toxins in health products, cosmetics, and household products, and exercising regularly. 

Some other ways to manage clumsiness include:

• Get your vision checked. When was your last eye exam? Vision changes are common in perimenopause and menopause.
• Practice balance exercises. You can find many very simple balance exercises on the Internet or ask your healthcare provider or therapist for a few example. Practice them daily: it only takes a few minutes of your time. 
• Try yoga. Doing yoga poses daily can improve your strength, coordination, and balance. 
• Wear better shoes. Perhaps it’s time to trade in your high heels for more comfortable, safe shoes. You can still be very stylish with a lower heel, and your ankles will thank you as well!
• Treat bruises naturally. Arnica lotion or cream can help with bruises you may develop because of clumsy incidents. You can boost your skin health as well with foods rich in vitamins A and K and the mineral zinc, or take supplements. 

When to call a doctor

Clumsiness is not typically a health problem unless you find yourself falling or hurting yourself. If you are experiencing other problems such as losing your balance and falling, frequent dizziness or vertigo, trouble with coordination, or vision problems, contact your physician to discover if there is an underlying problem. 

Bottom line

Clumsiness is a common symptom of menopause, and it typically is not serious. Don’t be hard on yourself: clumsiness usually goes away over time. If you continue to experience problems or it gets worse, talk to your physician.