Formication
Formication is the sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin without any external cause. It can occur during perimenopause and menopause due to changing estrogen levels affecting nerve signaling.
How to track
- Log when episodes occur with timestamp and duration.
- Note body location and intensity (mild, moderate, severe).
- Record triggers or context (stress, temperature, time of day).
- Track whether episodes disrupt sleep or daily activities.
Common context
This sensation often accompanies other perimenopause symptoms and may fluctuate with hormonal changes throughout the cycle.
What to bring to a clinician
- How often do episodes occur and how long do they last?
- What patterns appear between formication and other symptoms like hot flashes?
- Which contexts or triggers appear most frequently?