Waking up with a numb thumb at 3am isn't random. During perimenopause, falling estrogen changes the connective tissue in your wrist — and estrogen receptors sit directly in that tissue, with density rising as you age. The result: carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Women 45–54 have the highest documented CTS risk of any group. Cathy breaks down what the research really shows — including where the hormone therapy evidence is h