An abundance of estrogen is one potential reason because RLS frequently emerges during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when estrogen levels are particularly high. There are other changes that occur during pregnancy that could explain the association of RLS with this reproductive period in women.
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
The main cause of Restless Legs Syndrome might be an imbalance between the dopaminergic agonists system and thyroid hormones.
Fluctuating hormones may provoke RLS. Women who are pregnant or going through menopause, 2 conditions causing big changes in estrogen and iron, have high rates of RLS. In fact, RLS in pregnancy often starts in the third trimester. This is the trimester when estrogen levels are highest and iron is lowest.
The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes).
massaging your legs. taking a hot bath in the evening. applying a hot compress to your leg muscles. doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television.
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
Conditions associated with higher levels of thyroid hormones, such as pregnancy or hyperthyroidism, have a higher prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome symptoms.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a dopamine-dependent disorder characterized by a strong urge to move.
WOULD HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) HELP? One small study found that symptoms of restless leg syndrome were more severe in women taking HRT. However, the relationship between restless legs syndrome, paraesthesia and other symptoms of menopause (which could be improved by HRT) is complex.
RLS is significantly more common in patients with known thyroid disease; Hashimoto's disease, among others, manifests a 2.56× higher risk of a positive diagnosis for RLS than the general population.
Stress and anxiety.
Rachel Salas, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, says that stress and anxiety are big restless legs triggers. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or yoga may help.
Medications can also trigger RLS – some examples being the synthetic thyroid medication levothyroxine, antipsychotics, some antidepressants, and SSRIs.
Estrogen can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. If you have a uterus, you'll likely need to take progesterone along with the estrogen. Estrogen without progesterone increases the risk of uterine cancer.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.
Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
Although there's no cure for restless legs syndrome, medications and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms and increase restful sleep. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco may help. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs or using a heating pad or ice pack can also relieve symptoms.
Did you know that research shows that ripened bananas are found to contain magnesium, potassium, and a natural form of dopamine? These substances work together and may be a significant help in relieving your restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disorder.
If you have RLS, you should also see a doctor if you are: Losing sleep often. Feeling depressed or anxious. Having trouble concentrating.