Have you ever felt internal tremors or shaking even while you were not shaking on the outside? These internal vibrations may feel a little spooky or worrisome, but are they something to worry about? Are they part of menopause?

What are internal tremors?

Internal tremors or vibrations are invisible sensations that typically occur in the arms, legs, or trunk. Although you may feel like your stomach or heart is vibrating, don’t freak out: internal organs can’t physically tremor. Internal tremors can be difficult to explain to other people, which is why some individuals with this condition don’t talk about it. It may be that internal tremors are causing shaking that can’t be seen.

Generally, tremors are caused by damage to areas of the brain that affect the nerves controlling your muscles. Nervous system conditions that cause visible tremors include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and multiple sclerosis. People with these conditions also report feeling internal vibrations. One-third of Parkinson’s disease patients, for example, have internal vibrations, as do 36 percent with multiple sclerosis and 55 percent with essential tremor. 

Recently research has been launched to look at the occurrence of internal tremors and vibrations among people with long COVID-19.  

How are internal tremors associated with menopause?

It’s been suggested that the impact of hormone fluctuations on the brain, as demonstrated by the various mental and emotional symptoms associated with menopause, may be one cause of internal tremors among women during this transitional time.

Read about menopause and depression

In fact, one report noted that these internal vibrations may be a sign of perimenopause and be related to tingling extremities, stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, brain fog, and electric shocks—all symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. In fact, stress and related psychological factors may have a significant role in internal vibrations.

How to manage internal tremors naturally

The first step to managing internal tremors naturally is to uncover their cause. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether essential tremor or another medical condition is causing your symptoms. You can significantly help your doctor if you go to your appointment with the following information:

• When you feel the tremors and where in your body
• How long they last
• Situations in which they occur, such as sleeping, working, stress, eating, exercising, etc.

In the meantime, or if no underlying cause can be found, consider adopting these lifestyle changes to help in the management of internal tremors.

• Reduce stress. Practice stress-reducing techniques every day, including meditation, visualization, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, enjoyable exercise (e.g., dancing, yoga, tai chi)
• Sleep, sleep, sleep! You need 7 to 8 hours every night. If you are having sleep difficulties (and many women in menopause do), then check out our heathy sleeping tips. Sleep is restorative for body, mind, and soul. 
• Skip the jitter makers. We’re talking about caffeine and nicotine, which may contribute to internal vibrations. If you are a coffee drinker, switch to decaf, a coffee substitute, or herbal teas. 
• Check your diet. Some women develop food sensitivities in menopause, so your internal tremors may be related to a food intolerance you recently developed. Some common ones are lactose and gluten.  
• Avoid vigorous workouts. Intense exercise raises your body heat and may set off internal vibrations. 

When to call your doctor

If you are experiencing internal tremors and they are worrisome or getting worse, talk to your doctor. She may want to review your medical history, talk about your symptoms, and conduct some tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition behind the tremors.

Bottom line

Internal tremors or vibrations in perimenopause and menopause are not well understood. If they continue after you have tried some natural remedies, consult with your doctor.