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Perimenopause or Anxiety or ???

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carlacupcake
carlacupcake

Hi everyone,

I recently joined this, my first ever forum, in the hope of gaining knowledge and sharing experiences on the strange symptoms I have been experiencing the last few weeks.

My first post focused on Anxiety and the possibility of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It has recently been brought to my attention, there is a possibility my symptoms could be hormone related. Something I never actually considered.

Brief list of symptoms...

Fatigue (groggy and heavy type tiredness)

Brain Fog

Feeling detached and 'spaced out'

Weak and Shaky

Jelly Legs

Weak Fingers and Toes

Sensitive to light and sound

Sometimes feels like I have flu or a bad virus (even though I know I don't)

Light Headed

Light Dizziness

Easily tired out

Occasional Palpitations

Frequent urination (occasionally)

Anxious (more so than usual)

Brief History...

I have had anxiety issues, on and off, for many years and also hormone induced migraines. This year the migraines are definitely worse and so too is the anxiety. I had an 8 day brutal migraine early/mid September, followed by 8 days of severe brain fog/dull fuzzy head. I haven't been the same since. I'm also wondering if my symptoms are migraine related? I've had 2 full blood tests done and 2 urine samples taken. All came back normal/clear and healthy. I've also been to see an ENT consultant who ruled out an inner ear virus. He also checked my throat and balance. I had a full eye examination last week and my eyes are in great shape. I have an MRI booked next week and also an appointment to get an ECG recorder fitted for 48 hours.

My symptoms are so broad and general, it could be a number of things... I have even considered CFS. Now I'm thinking it could be hormone related? I feel more anxious not knowing what this is!

Is anybody experiencing anything similar?

Any replies/advice would be greatly appreciated x

27 likes, 1424 replies

1424 Replies

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  • lesley_15
    lesley_15 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hi, hope all r well, im at the end of my tether, been feeling sick and dizzy all morning, dont know how much longer I can stand this.hugs 2 all
    • anxiousface
      anxiousface lesley_15

      Posted

      hello stressed2the max, I know exactly how you are feeling and its dibilating.  I have felt like you all week and found it really hard to be in work and just wanted to come home all day but today its eased off although my heads still tight and i feel it will be back at any time to torment me. I have no answers for you i;m afraid.  I feel personally i just have to cope with these dibilitating symptoms and try and get through my day the best i can.  I know its robbed me of my independence but when i read this forum there are ladies on here going through some horrendous symptoms and it stops me feeling sorry for myself, i know i'm no concellation when you feeling crap but it will pass, just try and relax today and think of tomorrow as a new day. Your not alone hun, keep fighting, sending you a comforting hug x
  • cheekygal
    cheekygal carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hi Ladies, sorry I've not replied to your messages, these last 3 weeks have been hell.  Last time I posted I was adamant I was never taking antidepressants, well the very next day I woke up, heart thudding, dizzy, brain fog, fuzzy vision, so back to docs I go and guess what......30mg mirtazapine each night!  I could tell he was getting annoyed at me, and said that I really need these pills otherwise he doesn't know what else to do!  Reluctantly I have been taking them, first week wasn't too bad, but ever since I have had increased anxiety and panic attacks, including the shakes which weren't really an issue, other than jelly legs at times.  I hadn't needed the prescribed 20mg diazapem, was managing not too bad on 2mg twice per day, however needed 6mg just to get out the house!  Got a lady GP tomorrow regarding my constant urge to wee so will mention all this to her and also ask about B6 along with asking to come off the antidepressants.  Oh dear the things we have to go through eh!

    Hugs xx

    • jayneejay
      jayneejay cheekygal

      Posted

      Hi Cheekygal

      had to reply, when you mentioned the need to wee all the time, i was like that in early peri, always felt the urge, but didnt really need to once at the loo, this lasted a few years for me, also bladder sensitivity like you feel abit cystitisy, my Doc years back even sent me for a bladder camera procedure and all was okay, it was simply peri menopause bladder sensitivity, its gone now, but i am in year 9 of peri... 😕

      Deffo ask about B6 its changed my life, i only do the natural route, it lifted my negative feelings as i too refused anti depressants, went down that road years ago and they made my life a living hell... B6 stopped my aches, headaches, feelings of doom, anxiety, everyhing and i have weight dropping off me too, not that I need it but I do feel very happy with my self at the moment, hope it lasts...

      hope you get on okay, the Docs can prescribe B6 mine did years ago for my peri etc, but he didnt explain the importance of it and back then i didnt really bother with them, wish i had as its the best thing i ever took, i am back to my normal spirited self 😃 Jay xx

    • cheekygal
      cheekygal jayneejay

      Posted

      HI Jay, yeah I remember you saying about the weeing and B6 earlier, the only thing worries me is that when I took mega B complex it gave me bladder pain, not sure which B vitamin that was though, I'm def going to ask about it though.  I also read on another forum to avoid B vitamins if you suffer from anxiety as they are stimulants and will make anxiety worse, all the conflicting info is doing my head in.  My problem with the weeing isn't really pain, it's like I can't finish and as soon as I stand up, i need again and could sit there all day trickling.  The urge is worse when standing in queues (think a few others have mentioned they can't handle queues).  Anyway will see what doc has to say tomorrow and will let you know. xx

       

    • cheekygal
      cheekygal jayneejay

      Posted

      Hi Jay, well finally I got an answer to my symptoms, latest FSH test result was, menopause confirmed  That was after a female GP 3 weeks ago saying my results were normal last month, but she failed to notice they were high in Sept, and told me we cant blame everything on hormones,  and offered to refer me to mental health team, I felt she was quite patronising!  I am still taking 30mg mirtazapine even after saying I felt anxiety and panic was increaed on them, she said that just means they are kicking in and to give it 2 more weeks!  For my bladder issues, she prescribed detrol, but holy s**t, I was like a walking zombie so may hold off them for a while.  My worst symptoms like many of you are anxiety and panic, especially when outside or in shops, and queuing is the worst, I have had to have my friend take me in car, and she has stood in the queue.  I still can't decide if it's meno or antidepressants that's giving me the shakes, I tend to think the latter.  I mentioned B6 and was told to make another appointment to discuss best treatments, I have read so much conflicting things tho, some say that increases anxiety and like you say Jay, they really help you, I guess we are all different though and it's trial and error.  I can't take the holland & barrett B50 as they cause bladder pain.  Really don't want to go down the HRT route though.  

      Hugs xx

      1

    • jayneejay
      jayneejay cheekygal

      Posted

      Hi Cheekygal

      oh thats good about FSH now you know, mine result ( last test 2011) just reads menopause over 30 ..( done in spain) 

      hormones still fluctuate though... 

      I was given oxybutynin by doc for my bladder, but only to take when it actually felt sensitive, not all the time...

      Vit B 6 is to help such symptoms, so I dont know, never made me anxious cured mine... feel fab... last night I went out with my son, and everyone thought he had a new girlfriend hahahahahaha  and I had some really nice comments on how young and well i looked for my age,  wow that was nice to hear when felt so awful for years... i feel like a new person, and feel great... good luck hun 😀 Jay xx

       

    • cheekygal
      cheekygal jayneejay

      Posted

      Wow what a lovely compliment.  Will give the B6 a go, I am willing to try anything.  Really want to stop this antidepressants though, I feel as I am plugged into a pneumatic drill!  x
    • Nanadotty
      Nanadotty cheekygal

      Posted

      Hi cheeky gal, I hope you don't mind me jumping into your conversation. I can go back about five or six years to my first anxiety attack. At the time I didn't know what it was. Pounding heart, dizziness the shakes and a horible felling of doom. The doctor didn't know what was wrong with me so he sent me to hospital and I was kept in for 24hr observation. All they could come up with was panic attack. These episodes past and were replaced with hot flushes and periods that were all over the place. I think at this point I was now in peri but blood test for FHS all came back normal, but I suppose you would need this test done every week for this to show any fluctuation. I'm 53 now and my periods are few and far between. I also suffer with migraine and   Since xmas last year I was getting them for three to four days at a time and they would lay me up. I had no quality of life that's when I thought about going on HRT to get my life back while I was still young and think about coming off it latter. I made an appointment with a new female doctor who is about my age and this was probable the best thing i could have done.  She done a blood test and my FSH levels confirmed menopause. She also said because my hot flushes had now subsided HRT wasn't the right thing for me. We talked about my migraine and anxiety and she recomended beta blockers. I've been on them for almost four weeks now and what a difference  

      my anxiety is gone I'm more relaxed so my migraine have cleared as well. I hope I can take these tablet until I'm through this because I've finally started to feel like my old self.

      sorry to ramble on about myself but my advice is try and find an understanding female doctor who will listen to you. Also keep reading these forums so you know you're not alone.

    • Sandy07
      Sandy07 Nanadotty

      Posted

      That's great news. My Dr did mention beta blockers to me but not sure if I'm going down that route now. Glad you have got your life back on track,. Looking forward to the day I can do the same. Xx
  • lisa65434
    lisa65434 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hello,  peri menopause and menopause are just the most mind boggling journeys! I too, have had some anxiety and panic in the past . However.... I find it now much more enhanced that now I am even afraid to go places by myself...not sure what is up with that at all I used to love to go off browsing in stores or drive off to the mall or whatever and now it is like a chore and i want that independence back ...so bad!! 

    Having the tests and blood work up is good to do for your mind but sounds like a lot of it is due to hormone imbalance ..there are different body systems if effects during the process and I know at times it seems to be the "nervous" system is out of whack which can cause the anxious feelings, migraines and heart racing from time to time. Sometimes I find myself waking up in the middle of the night feeling super nervous then I just drift off back to sleep. 

    I am glad this forum is here because it helps to understand it and although hard to do somewhat embrace it and know that there is a end of someday down the road. I really miss my old self and would love to get back to the days where the "worrying" and feeling nervous would just balance out. 

    Sorry I probably wasn't  too much help...tended to vent about myself  a bit  - hang in there with all of it!!! 

    • laurie70017
      laurie70017 lisa65434

      Posted

      Oh how i understand how you are feeling...I use to jump in car and go all the time but that has stopped..for the last few months i wait for my husband to drive me places..thank god i own my own bussiness and can make my own hours cause i couldnt keep a job at this point..very frustrating for me cause ive always been very independent and tried to make others happy.now i dont even know the person i see in the mirror...thanks to this forum and jay ive started vitamin b 6..hope it kicks this in the butt and i can feel somewhat normal again...sorry had to vent...
    • jayneejay
      jayneejay laurie70017

      Posted

      Hi Laurie and Lisa..

      totally understand what your saying, i too went through that, always been independant strong minded, own car and drove everywhere, i too went through the frightened cant go out alone mode, and wanted someone to take me, but... ladies its passed me by, with the help of Vit B and my sanity has returned.. 😀 I am off out in morning for a good old shop ... I live in Spain and hardly see my partner, he works over seas, and only a few months back I wouldnt go out alone, but now I am okay, feel pretty happy with myself now, and actually chuffed that I am doing it, anxiety has lifted, and not even emotional overly tearful now either ... Laurie I do hope you notice a difference with the B6... it shouldnt make you anxious, its suppose to eleviate that and has with me... keep us posted on how you get on.. a lady on here called Chrisy tried it and she said she feels fab, and her aches have almost gone too she mentioned and she been on holiday, wowo, mine aches went aswell... hang in there ladies, big hugs Jay xxx

    • laurie70017
      laurie70017 jayneejay

      Posted

      Thank you jayneejay you have been the best...how long before you noticed a difference in how you felt...sorry if you put that on here already and im asking again sometimes my brain is in my you know what!!!lol
    • lisa65434
      lisa65434 jayneejay

      Posted

      Hello Jayneejay ...thank you sooooo much I will get right on the B6 ...how many milligrams and just in the morning? It is so great to hear others are going through this!!! Thanks for your support
    • lisa65434
      lisa65434 laurie70017

      Posted

      Thanks Laurie!! It is so wierd that it happens.. me too with getting rides lately everytime something comes up where I have to go somewhere I sometimes as a friend or my husband to drive me...ugh.. it is tough because I am in nursing school so I have to do a lot alone but have managed through okay but sometimes it is a battle...will definitely try the suggestion of B vit though..! Thanks for support!
    • jayneejay
      jayneejay laurie70017

      Posted

      Hi Laurie and Lisa

      well i started taking 150mg daily of Vit B6 ... 

      mine are from a spanish farmacia and they are actually 300mg tabs but i halved them to start and took 150mg daily for first month and felt great as quick as 10 days ... 

      I the. started taking the full 300mg daily... but I felt great on halve, but wanted to experiement ... I may even go back to just half 150mg daily..

      we shall see... 

      I take it in the morning when I am up and about along with all my others 😀

      Jay xx

    • anxiousface
      anxiousface jayneejay

      Posted

      hi jay and all other ladies, i have today purchased vitimin B12 and B6 and will start to take them tomorrow on your advice so hopefully i will soon be feeling as good as you.  

      Laurie i too was very independent and would drive myself where ever i wanted but not now although better than i was i just let my husband drive but i do go short journeys but still get anxious about it before leaving. 

      Love reading all your posts it makes me feel better to read i'm not on my own with all these horrendous feelings that your just not told about so of course we think theres is something seriously wrong with us until you start to read forums like this then i think we come to terms with some of the symptoms and calm down, but beleive me i do know its not like that everyday, i have horrendous days were i don't know how i'm going to get into work never mind last the day but somehow i do it.  Anyway lets hope after a couple of weeks on our B vits we will be much improved. love to all xx

    • jayneejay
      jayneejay lisa65434

      Posted

      Hi Lisa and Laurie

      i just re post this bit for you... incase you didnt see it..

      During menopause, mood swings are inevitable with estrogen fluctuations as the body ends its reproductive years. Vitamin B6 may be one answer to alleviating increased agitation, depression and anger. B vitamins are responsible for mood stabilization by controlling hormone production in the brain and regulating hormone levels.

      B6 declines as menopause sets in and mood swings become evident. Increasing this vitamin may give women the added boost they need to enjoy the golden years with a better mindset.

      also assists weight management, energy & anxiety issues..

      supplement for perimenopause and post menopause can be anything from 100mg up to 300mg daily depending on severity of symptoms..

      Jay xx 

    • anxiousface
      anxiousface lisa65434

      Posted

      hi lisa please don't be sorry we all have are say about ourselves thats how we learn about what each other are going through.  I know how you feel anxiety is just so debilitating, i find if i do go to a shop i can't stay too long cos i feel trapped and anxious but i do keep testing myself and will keep going back cos at one point i didn't leave the house, i couldn't even walk down the road but i do push myself now even though i dont really want to go but if i want me back then thats what i've got to do.

      just try little steps each day and when you acheive them be really proud of yourself and have a treat.  think of you and sending you a comforting hug x

    • lisa65434
      lisa65434 anxiousface

      Posted

      Thank you anxiousface....like your sign in name...! Thanks for the comfort hug it  helps a lot and yes i agree taking baby steps back out doing the things you normally did is so key. It is such a good feelng when you do have a great day when you feel yourself and when the anixous foggy days come I remind myself of those good feelings...thank you!!
    • lisa65434
      lisa65434 jayneejay

      Posted

      Thank you jayneejay! I will go get some B6 tomorrow and get started on it thanks again for all your support
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