Perimenopause/Menopause and shortness of breath/chest tightness/ Belching

Yes the stomach bloating/ issues are awful! I just feel like some days are just to much to cope, these peri/memo symptoms can be of the chart I tell ya!!

So sorry you have that nodule on thyroid, and have to go through a surgery , good luck and feel better soon! I had 2 nodules this time last year not on my thyroid but on top side and backside of finger joints, and they went away all on their own, that I was amazed, was wondering why are these shrinking until gone completely. I read on doctor google that peri can bring them on and that they can disappear. Hugs to you...

This is an amazing form, I've been going through what I like to just call it what it is. MENOPAUSE. I'm not really digging this peri on the front of it, the faster I've come to terms with what it actually is, it's made the change easier to deal with. 

My changes started when I turned 42, suddenly I had heart palpitations, and anxiety, for aprox 4 years straight, after time I got use to them, after a doctor's apt to make sure I wasn't dying..then as suddenly as they started they stopped, and I was ok for about 2 years, then other strange things started to change, when I was snowboarding one day, I was going down a run and I lost my breath, and started to see spots, felt light headed and had to sit down for about 10-15 mins, it passed, but it happened a few more times during the boarding season, during this time from about the age of 42 to 45 I was just HOT all the time, not flushes just hot always, got use to that too over time, but it went away also. Then when I was 47, I had a major episode, anxiety, weight gain, loss of Libido, lost a tone of hair, nails became brittle and cracked, bad breath, dry skin, dry eyes, loss of sense of smell, head aches, even migraines, periods became shorter, lighter and closer together. I thought that was bad, then all hell broke loose, I missed a period, then started to have light bleeding every day for a month, then the MEGA period came, Clots the size of a golf ball, heavy bleeding for 21 days straight, then my periods were just erratic for a year, but mostly heavy bleeding, some times for 7-15 days, then over a year it calmed down, but then other symptoms arrived, the heavy chest feeling, massive bloating, gas pains, strange electrical sensations in my legs, arms, neck, loss of muscle, major anxiety attacks, (Adivan, works good for that). The inability to deal with any stress, or emotional situation, feelings of doom, depression, crying for NO reason at all. When you start to see the physical changes along with the hormonal changes, it's really quite stressful, there is so much changing so quickly it becomes overwhelming and that adds to the stress and anxiety when can make the symptoms worse, the best thing I can offer is just try to simplify your life, clean house, of all things that don't bring you joy or happiness, meditate every morning before you get out of bed just after you wake up, be mindful of your breathing, during menopause women tend to either hold their breath, or squeeze in their bloated tummy's..which causes one to hold their breath. try to eat clean, make time for you, drink TONES of water, and move your bod for 15-20 mins every day walking is amazing..and when weird stuff happens to your body be aware of it, but don't stress about it too much, the more you resist it, the worse it makes the symptoms..be kind to yourself, and just know it's like child birth it's so awful and painful that right after it's all over, it will be like it never happened..LOL..

you just describe myself to the teeth . now im having the neck pain and shoulders im 48 ill be 49 in 3 months .

Wow!! thank you for sharing all of this! Such a ride! A question for you, I'm experiencing the heavy chest feeling, kind of like there's a 10 lb weight constantly sitting on my chest. You mentioned that chest heaviness in your above message. Mine seems to be lasting non-stop for like a month. What was your experience with it? Mine seems to be lasting non-stop for like a month. What was your experience with it? Thank you!!

Hello...I am still experiencing some of those issues. I have tightness around neck and chest and swallowing can feel like lump in my throat. I have had lots of tests and nothing. In 2 weeks having an endoscopy. It's been 8 weeks now.

Thanks for sharing, Cheryl. Some days I just get so frustrated and tired with all of this stuff going on in my body. I decided to go in and see a doctor, which I rarely do, just to get my lungs checked out.

Hi there! for the past year, I've had issues with taking in deep breaths, have had an X-Ray, CT Scan on my lungs and they couldn't find anything. Then last week I woke up in the middle of the night feeling as though I was being choked and couldn't breathe. this has been going on every night since and instead of looking forward to going to bed, I dread it because this throat issue is keeping me from getting quality sleep. I saw a doctor yesterday and he thinks it could be sleep apnea and referred me to a pulmonary specialist. Cheryl489, were the doctors able to find anything with your endoscopy? This is terrifying. it seems like there is something new each month to deal with and it's tiring! I want so much to feel normal again!

By the way, I'm 50 and still having periods. I saw my OB/GYN earlier this month, she checked my hormones and said they were normal! ugh!

I've bee having the shortness of breath symptoms since March and the past two months have had palpitations and the gasping for air at night that you described. Doctors tell me it is anxiety, but I think there is more to the story. Have you found out anything more?

Hi amy39860,

after having an x-ray on my chest and a CT Scan, nothing was found, thank goodness. One of my doctors thought I had COVID, and I was tested and it came up negative. I was also sent to a pulmonary specialist who tried throwing inhalers at me, after I informed him they do not help. Then I found a new practitioner and he suggested it was probably stress and anxiety. Not long after that, things have calmed down and I am not having issues with the air hunger at night. Still a bit difficult to take in deep breaths from time to time, but doing a lot better.

Does this air hunger go away eventually? I'll be 49 soon and have been experiencing this for over a year now. I can't imagine my life ahead with this struggle for air. Does it ease eventually?

I could have written this - the years and years of similar experiences. I just read this out loud to my 24 year old daughter as my family has witnessed this madness for about a decade now. You finally start to believe that you're not dying of something, or haven't lost your mind, and then a new distressing symptom or set of issues arises. And you feel helpless and/or ridiculous going to your doctor, yet again, but you cannot deny that there is something physically wrong going on. I have honestly found this forum, its contributors, to be one of my biggest lifelines through this past decade. I'd like to thank every one of you for sharing your challenges, fears & stories, like this one, as I don't think I would still be putting one foot in front of the other without you. I feel like I would be in a deep depression without these shared experiences to help me see some hope that what I was experiencing, may really be due to peri/menopause. It's always baffled me that some of the symptoms could possibly be attributed to it, but I will certainly take it over what the symptoms could be - some are so frightening that it's hard not to believe otherwise.

This breathing issue is big for me right now, so much so that my doctor has me on a 30 day trial of PPIs for silent GERD symptoms (no burning heartburn, but some throat belching/I can't really burp like most people can): air hunger, heavy chest, throat tenderness/pressure at times, dry cough, burning mouth/tongue, shortness of breath that feels like asthma, etc and so on... When I read these replies, I feel calmer, more accepting and less anxious, which I hope helps my system calm the fear factor. I agree about the meditation, it has been a very useful tool for me, even sometimes just to knock me out to sleep during high anxiety times within my body. I just renewed my Calm app subscription as I feel like I'm in a new phase of symptoms that I need to help my body navigate. My best to you all as you navigate these challenging times.

I'm wondering if this is what i'm going through. Tandom cough came on Dec. 2020. Tested for covid lots of times. Side/chest discomfort left side, several days a week, probably 5 i cant catch a deep breath. Middle sternum area. I'm 51..just turned. Had the horrific periods that went 18 days sometimes. My last period was due 5 days ago. I've had every MRI, cat scan you can think of. Going for a "sniff" test tomorrow to rule out diaphragm paralysis. Been on inhalers, steroids, antibiotics, colonoscopy, endoscopy, ENT specialist. They've found nothing. I'm typing this and cant breathe right. Is this a normal part of menopause and why have i never heard of this from other women till now? Does anyone think hormone replacement would help? Do we just ride it out?

if youre having heavy periods chances are your estrogen is high relative to progesterone, estrogen therapy can sometimes cause asthma, i have the breathing problems and my estrogen is high, high estrogen triggers histamine and vice versa, progesterone is basically an antihistamine x

I'm going though the same thing with feeling breathless. sometimes sterum area will kinda hurt. i walk up the stairs and i have to catch my breath. feels like i have to breath faster too even if im just laying down.

I'm currently waiting for my meds to come to start hormone replacement. i hope it helps cause i cant hardly function feeling like this. it gets my anxiety going big time. I even thought, geez should i go into the hospital to get checked out.

Jenni and everyone else on this forum:

I'm 47 and from November 2019 through March 2020, I felt like I had a UTI but I didnt. I had to use the bathroom every 5 minutes.

I then also got hot burning pain from my groin all the way down my legs into my feet. I was placed on steroids and it went away.

As soon as that went away, I got globus (tightness with lump feeling in throat) and a week later I got Major 24/7 shortness of breath. Ive had every test possible (lung dr/heart dr/endocronoligist/CT Scan/Blood tests). They cant find anything and said it must be anxiety and put me on an antidepressant. Two weeks into the antidepressant the globus vanished but came back 3 weeks later 24/7. My shortness of breath is constant. I could be just sitting and I feel like on would feel after climbing a tall hill. I first thought it was silent reflux and did a serious acid reflux diet. I was put on 2x per day of nexium and did an endoscopy with Bravo test. It all came back with Zero acid reflux. So, I struggle everyday now with the fear it may not ever go away and life isnt easy to live.

So this is my question.... in the past Ive had hot flashes and now Im just always hot, I had a super dry mouth and dry eyes, and dry burning nostrils, burning all over my face and body. For the first time last month my breast were so sensitive AND my period never came. I only got a few light brown spots all 6 days and that was it.

Is it possible that peri menopause cam cause constant 24/7 shortness of breath and globus? Has your breathing problem gone away? Cam anyone chime in if the had constant nonstop shortness of breath and theirs has gone away?

Im terrified this will be the rest of my life since I havent improved!

my OBGYN told me to try going on birth control pills for my constant shortness of breath and globus that started 15 months ago. Is that the same as hormone replacement pills? I still have my period but Im in peri menopause.

Oh wow, I am so glad I found this page because I thought I was going crazy. Mid Sept 2020- early November I had a continuous menstrual cycle with almost 2 weeks of very heavy--ended up anemic. Fast forward to July 2021 and now these strange symptoms arise- weird feeling in upper chest, short of breath, numbness/weird feeling in left arm/leg. Was like that a few days then went away. Then last week started up again- out of the blue. Went to ER since I thought I was having a cardiac problem. All tests normal- chest xray, blood labs, EKG. Been ordered a Halter Monitor next week and also a Nuclear Pharmacological Test. I also notice if I have even the slightest stress or irritation(emotional), it makes it really worse. I was beginning to think this was all in my head until I found this page. Just so very scared and feel so alone as no one understands(around me) what I'm feeling. Also my appetite comes and goes but never fully 100%back to what it was before. I've lost weight but can't afford to lose anymore. It's terrible that from the medical community standpoint that they don't consider this stage of life as an option for a diagnosis/treatment.

couldnt agree more, im really underweight too since this started x

😊 thank you so much for this response.

Hi there - i feel like mine did go away somewhat, for a bit, because now it's back full force and spooking me again. I get this cool/cold feeling at the top of my throat, and wonder if it's acid? I believe that I do get silent reflux but have never had an endoscopy to investigate. I am seriously considering paying out of pocket for a full body MRI to figure this all out. I've recently gained 20 lbs in a few month's time, which is UNHEARD of for me. I've never been this weight in my life other than when i was heavily pregnant. Add in neuro issues in my arms and I'm back at my wit's end & thinking horrible thoughts again. I hope you get some relief soon!

My Dr told me to do the same. I havent tried it yet as she said it could be my anemia. So now waiting 2 months to see if I am better and then will decide on BC pills. What did you end up deciding to do?

I have constant shortness of breath and my GP says its from anemia but who knows. I had tight feeling in the throat that came out of nowhere not long ago. Since then, i have stopped gluten and dairy and that has helped the throat issue. Hope you are finding some relief!

did you figure this out? i have this too and i'm terrified

any updates? im waiying for a chest xray and im so scared

any updates? i'm waiting on a chest xray and so scared

same symptoms and tests i had xx

Hi Michelle ,

i have all kinds of peri crazy symptoms palpitations , weight loss , digestive issue , dizzy spell , balance issue you name it im on it plus i also have nodule in my left throat the Dr i saw suggested biopsy i haven't done it yet please update how the procedure goes . I wilsh you all the best .

Beth

hi beth, i have a thyroid, lung and breast nodule, peri is crazy xx

I am so glad I found this page and comments and I hope that my post will comfort others. I am 52 and have been told by my GP that I am post-menopausal. I have not had a period for over 2 years and my symptoms of menopause have slowly become worse over time. I didnt know what was happening to me and felt that I was going crazy and not myself anymore.

I have most of the symptoms listed in the comments. It began with lots of muscle aches and pains, but in different parts of my body. Most of the time it was an intense tightening of my neck and shoulders and recently it has been my chest. The last few days I have found it difficult to breathe, struggling for air. I went to my GP and blood tests and ECG were all fine. I am having further tests next week to check my heart, but I am sure its the hormones and anxiety.

The anxiety has been terrible with panic attacks and lots of crying. I have suffered anxiety in the past but have managed through meditation and yoga. Lately I have found that these was not helping anymore so I have just started an anxiety medication which I was on 10 year ago. The panic attacks have stopped but I still have heart fluctuations , dizziness, weird headaches and sometimes nausea. I have recently learnt not to attach my emotions to my feelings even though this can be very difficult. But I have found that it has helped and the feelings subside. Also practising some mindfulness techniques has assisted in getting through the uncomfortable sensations that arise.

I have also started practising qigong (a form of Tai Chi) which also has helped.

I have learnt by researching online that there are so many women suffering through menopause and there are lots of menopause specialists. If symptoms dont improve I will go and see a specialist who understands and can help.

I didnt realise that menopause could cause so many different symptoms as no-one really talks about it. Just remember you are not alone, you are not going crazy and

we will all get through this.

I always experienced shortness of breath, the doctor must know lungs declined during perimenopausal. Doctors always thinking it's anxiety or panic attack. No it's not always anxiety, it's about our lungs. Even our airways affected during menopausal, the culprit? Of course our hormones.😥😷😖😭

estrogen effects lung function and so does histamine xx

The heart palpitations and hot all the time happened to me in my early/mid forties, along with weight loss and a few other symptoms. Ends up I was hyperthyroid due to an autoimmune disorder called graves disease.

I'm the same, but two and a half years in now. Same symptoms. It's utterly unbearable, permanently feels like I have an elephant sitting on my chest, shortness of breath, constant palpitations, swallowing difficulties, neck and chest area feels thick and heavy, difficulty doing simple things such as climbing stairs or bending down to put shoes on without becoming breathless, ongoing belching issues - but low heart rate, usually in forties or low fifties (portable ECG machine consistently shows bradycardia), weird aches/pains - including in chest and around rib cage. Had chest x-ray, bloods, endoscopy, ECG's - doctors are never overly concerned. Get fobbed off persistently with the age old 'panic attack/anxiety' thing. Not had a period in a year now, so was hoping symptoms might have eased by now, but I guess not, as there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to it all. Just for clarity, I experience these symptoms daily - it makes no difference to the time of month or whether I've done something strenuous - they seem to be clinging to me like a leech, as though I'm their best friend 😦

Oh, and just to add - I've put weight on, rather than lost any. So not only do I permanently feel as though I have an elephant sitting on my chest, I also resemble one!

this shortness of breath is really tiring !

reading all these somehow comfort me but I'm planning to go to gastroenterologist again tomorrow to get anything or maybe just buy over the counter herb for my hormone .

I'm a singer and it doesn't bother me when I sing although I have a scar in my lung I know it's ok cuz you can't sing if you have issue there. I feel it attacks usually when I am relax or cannot belch.

I am loosing weight again the worst !

when people would either pity me or envy me being skinny.

.

Can relate totally! Just feel like I'm dying every day, and scared to do anything! Just cannot do heavy physical work any more or strenuous exercise, everything is an effort. I'm ordinarily fit and well, apart from my mental health, that's always been awful. Had heart tests and they say all's well. Is it just anxiety that makes it worse! I do everything possible to alleviate symptoms, yoga, meditation, gentle exercise (walks) breathwork, plant based diet, don't smoke, don't drink. The menopause is point blankly, the most challenging period for women, and It's hard for us to be taken seriously. Seeing GP next week about HRT. Been prescribed beta blockers, but hesitant to take! How are you doing now?

me too! and i am also 48 this sucks!!!! I have had every test under the sun in the last 3 years

I’m relieved to read this because I’ve been over here thinking I’m dying lol . I knew it was gonna be bad but I had no idea I was gonna feel like I’ve been hit by a truck most of the time. I am in my 40s raising three young children again and a man it is difficult while going through menopause!!!

i know this post is from awhile ago but i was wondering if you still check this forum. ive been having shortness of breath for far too long. how are you comjng along?