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Perimenopause & intrusive thoughts, panic, depression, fears of going crazy...

Posted , 17 users are following.

FemaleBrain
FemaleBrain

Hi ladies,

This forum is a God send. I cannot describe the feeling of relief I had while reading about your struggles.

When I hit perimenopause,I thought that I was having a mental break down. I had the physical symptoms as well, but the mental and emotional symptoms scared he living daylights out of me.

I have always had issues with depression, anxiety and PTSD, and when perimenopause hit, my old meds stopped working. It was like my entire body changed and I was left frantically trying to figure out what to do with this new me.

I tried herbal remedies, essential oils, herbs and bio-identical hormone therapy. The bio-identical treatment helped a little bit with the physical symptoms, but mentally, I was still a complete mess.

I finally stopped the BHRT and tried Prempro. So far, the Prempro is helping.

My question is this: has anyone else developed weird/scary intrusive thoughts? Like mental hospital thoughts? My dr was very understanding and told me that she's seen menopausal women come in who are literally psychotic, but I still can't help feeling that there must be something really wrong with me.

I've made an appt with a behavioral health therapist, so I am hoping this helps.

I am so glad that this forum is available. I would appreciate your honest thoughts and opinions! Much love to you all.

5 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • megan41226
    megan41226 FemaleBrain

    Posted

    I have recently been told that i am in perimenopause and I too have horrible overwhelming thoughts... they get stuck there all day. I have Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I am about to start BHRT progesterone. The medicine Ive used for years sent me into panic and no sleep. I am a mess and hanging on trying to survive this new phase but am constantly struggling. Therapy helps and is a godsend and my PTSD ha resurfaced from my past. My OCD specialist is an angel however I'm so scared to try other meds cause the last 2 made it worse. This perihellopause is awful. I've litterally lost myself and want me back. Any words of wisdom is appreciated.

  • hopeforever
    hopeforever FemaleBrain

    Edited

    I will be 5 yrs into peri this coming January and let me tell you when i hit peri i almost went bat mad crazy. From having nightmares, suicidal thoughts to feeling out of control, it was one of the most terrifying experiences i ever had in my life. I recall one night i got up and started frantically passing the house. it was like my mind was out of control.. I even thought i had mad cow disease because inside my brain would have a itching feeling with periods of zaps. I now laugh at the mad cow disease diagnosis but then i really thought i had it. That's how crazy my mind would play games on me. This went off and on for about 2 yrs then suddenly it stopped thank God. Now almost 5 yrs in, the nightmares, intrusive thoughts, suicidal thoughts and madning episodes have stopped. Nothing is wrong with you it's just your crazy hormones going crazy. In time your symptoms will subside trust me. I was having a conversation with my son the other day and he told me how proud he was of me and how far i have come . He seen me as at my worst. He even had days were he would cry with me because he never seen his mom like that. I was always at the top of my game.Strong, confident, in control and healthy, then out of the blue with no warning BOOM. My life became a living hell. To all the ladies experiencing the pychological hardships of peri, hang in there, it won't last a forever, this too will pass. Take care of yourselves and God bless 🙏🙏

    • paulina475
      paulina475 hopeforever

      Posted

      Thank you, Thank you for your reply! It helps to read it everytime I start having pysch symptoms.

      Question: Did the symptoms disappear by themselves or were taking a supplement etc of any kind?

  • sajeetha
    sajeetha FemaleBrain

    Posted

    same things here , I have been going with this intrusive thoughts that suddenly appear with no where and I am in peri menopuse

  • corinne62311
    corinne62311 FemaleBrain

    Edited

    i have talked to many counsellors and have asked them if i could have developed schizophrenia ? i am so scared my doctor has no idea what is wrong with me. i started HRT march of this year and expected it to take it all away it has not i am better than i was but everyday i have episodes. i suffer depression now because im am sick every single day ! i have no joy anymore. this site has been such a help for when i get really down. i have never suffered from anxiety or depression until menopause. i seriously wonder of there are women out there that just cant take it anymore and take their own lives ? it scares me to ask and i am not sure i want an answer.

  • paulina475
    paulina475 FemaleBrain

    Posted

    Hi Female Brain,

    I can't thank you enough for your post. When the psychological peri sx's get the best of me, I defer to your post to give me hope and perspective.

    It has been a rough 2 years of dealing with and trying to figure out the peri sx's (symptoms). The pysch sx's are by far the worst for me. Often feel like I'm loosing my s**t (excuse my verbiage).

    My sx's are worse before, during, and right after my period. Leaves me a with 3-4 days of feeling normal.

    How are you doing now ans how did you manage the pysch sx's?

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