Is this really perimenopause or something more serious??
Posted , 8 users are following.
I could really use some support and input because I am petrified that I am dying or have a serious illness. I will try to explain the best I can. I was totally stable, happy, energetic etc. up until the time I turned 38 then all hell starting to break loose. I had always had mild anxiety and depression and it was being controlled with effexor. then all of a sudden I start having this debilitating numbing depression on and off. so I get off effexor and try all these different antidepressants but none seem to stay working anymore. I am currently on lexapro and this will be the very last one I try. now at 45 yrs old I am barely functioning. I have severe health anxiety, numbing depression, severe anxiety, some agoraphobia. I have lost my appetite, losing weight, haven't had a period in almost 3mths, I wake up every morning with internal tremors, legs feel like jello, stomach bloating, extreme fatigue, acne, chin hairs, heart palpations, and more. I absolutely hate the way I feel, I have no quality of life. as far as tests go, I have had breathing tests, chest xrays, ekgs, holter monitors, sleep studies and lots of blood work. all normal!!! Can this really be perimenopause or are they missing something? oh and last I literally have no friends in my life and do not work because of the state I am in. please anyone relate and maybe we can talk?? thank you
6 likes, 6 replies
bev27429 kdw12
Edited
Sadly, this sounds like perimenopause. Mine started at 47, with mild symptoms, and I turn 52 next week. In the past six months, or so, things have gotten even more intense and difficult to deal with. I will outline my physical and psychological symptoms, so you can get a sense of what another woman, who is in perimenopause, is going through.
Physical Symptoms...
bloating, GI issues, dizziness, disorientation, exhaustion, zinging sensations (like electricity) which alternate with numbness, feeling icy cold where even a hot shower won't warm me up, sweating.
Mental Symptoms...
crushing depression interspersed with totally normal mood, anxiety, severe irritation / agitation, rage where I want to tear things apart and I just have to scream to try to let it all out, weird thoughts, hopelessness, terror.
Before this started, I was confident, energetic, and excited about my life. This has been the toughest thing, by far, that I have ever had to deal with. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy!
Through it all, though, I have done my upmost best to maintain normalcy in my life, even when I felt that I couldn't go on for one more moment. I continued to run my business, maintain my closest contacts (some people I just couldn't cope with, as I knew that they would not feel comfortable with what I was going through), spend time with my spouse and my mother, exercise, eat well, and pray for healing and for the strength to keep doing this.
Unfortunately, those with a history of anxiety and depression (myself included), tend to have these symptoms magnified, even in people who have it controlled with meds or who have been able to go off of meds and are leading a good life.
You have my deepest of understanding. I know exactly what you are going through!
Feel free to private message me. I will always respond:)
Bev xo
SeleneM bev27429
Posted
I too am experiencing numbness right now. It's on my arms, hands, legs and feet. Also, I'm cold all the time. My OBGYN gave me Vit B12 and isoflavones but I've had this everyday for about a month now. She doesn't want to give me anything other than those 2 because my tests came back normal.
alison26264 SeleneM
Edited
I also have numbness, particularly in my feet and legs and occassionally my hands. although its not good for any of us it is good to know others have similar issues. I came off HRT earlier in the year and its got worse since then. Im planning on trying a different HRT to see if this can help these never ending and growing list of symptoms
allison85709 kdw12
Edited
Hi there! I understand exactly the way you feel. There are many days I want nothing more than to stay in bed and cry. I started perimenopause at 39 and am now 44. To many symptoms to even mention them all but the anxiety and depression can be so overwhelming. The health anxiety has consumed my thoughts. I'm so sorry that you deal with this and know you aren't alone. Many prayers and blessings.
michelle51519 kdw12
Posted
I Started at 44 and Now am 50 . I have had Anxiety Attacks at Night Mostly but sometimes during day I feel crazy , Moody , Heart Palps ,Jumping Nerves , Dizzy, Sinus Issues , Aches and Pains seems to be right after my period . Just feel Terrible . So I got sick of it all and Started Walking 2 Miles a Day . Go to Yoga Love it . I also started Taking Vitamins . I take Magnesium Complex,Iron,fish Pill , D3 afternoons , Zinc, Vit C Gummy , also take Elderberry Gummy . I make sure I take my Zyrtec really help my sinus . This has helped me a lot and sleeping 7 hrs .I have had some Hot Flashes and Insomnia you just have to make yourself Motivate and eat better also more Salads and Fruit . I also took One a Day Menopause helped a lot . Good Luck feel better hope this helped but it is a struggle for some . I am also Skipping my period every 3 months or longer stretches till i get it again . Hugs Michelle
cindy17746 kdw12
Edited
Hi there,
I am currently on day five of debilitating symptoms due to perimenopause. I totally relate to what you are feeling. I'm 51, and have experienced intense physical and mental symptoms for two years, but started a downward turn when i was 45. No one in my world can understand how hard this is. Some of my friends judge me for being distressed when my symptoms appear. It's not what anyone needs. This forum is amazing because the women on here remind me that Im not alone, even in the midst of such an isolating experience. They don't tell me how to handle it; they just make me feel heard. So, I hear you. And we have to believe we can do this. Stay strong. Message anytime.