Perimenopause or Anxiety or ???
Posted , 253 users are following.
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
lysette27120 carlacupcake
Posted
I am 43 in December 20 I have been having chills really bad also painful periods with 3 days black blood then comes real strong cramps and know left side back pain also bad sinus and with my acid reflex things have been so terrible am misrble!!! Depression and I don't sleep at night near my period I wake up in sweats also cry lots and no energy and dizzy and I forget things !!!! I been to doctor nothing is wrong with me they say help help
Guest lysette27120
Posted
Yup, sounds about right. And it totally sucks. Welcome to our club, not that you want to be part of it. Some have success with natural treatments, some with hormones, and some like me, just have to tough it out. It's awful, I agree. We are all here to help each other. Hopefully you will find some answers.
XOXO
Chris.Orlicki carlacupcake
Posted
Hi Carla. I would suggest having your blood drawn to check hormone levels. That can give you an idea if you are in early stages of perimenopause. Also there was a post on here a while back about the 66 signs of perimenopause. I'm not sure of the name, but if you Google it you will find it last year I thought I was going crazy and having a nervous breakdown from all the insane symptoms and the anxiety of not knowing. once I had all my blood drawn well the proof was right there. Welcome to the club. Hang on sweetie this too shall pass. Find a good vitamin for women.
kellys38 carlacupcake
Posted
kelly02141 carlacupcake
Posted
Thank goodness I'm not alone ! I'm 43 , never had children and am pretty certain I'm beginning perimenopause. I get light headed , " jelly " legs feeling , start to perspire and then that of course leads me to check my pulse and focus on my breathing because I'm a flee person , which in turn, leads to an anxiety attack . I'm prescribed .05 alprazolam but don't like to rely on taking those to feel better . I'm scared sometimes and live alone with my dog . I know being scared is part of my anxiety but my body going through this is definitely not helping with my anxiety. Only good thing is , my blood pressure has lowered and I've lost a smidgen of weight. I pray when I feel it coming on and by the tenth Lord's Prayer , it's usually better . I don't want to take hormones but am interested in homeopathic remedies if anyone has any suggestions . Thank you xoxo
julie54379 kelly02141
Posted
Hi Kelly,
Are you still having regular periods? One thing you can try is a supplement that supports the Adrenals you can get from your local health food store. There are day and night formulas, but either or both are good. When we enter perimenopause, our ovaries stop working and the adrenals take over. Because the adrenals are then burdened, it puts the thyroid and cortisol levels off-balance, causing a variety of issues. So anything to support the adrenals will help. Natural balancers/adatogens like ashwaghanda and eleuthero are excellent to support adrenals and stress, too. Maca is an excellent balancer, too, and will help raise progesterone levels and with energy. Progesterone is the first hormone to fall, not estrogen. Or, you may be able to get by with just using bio-identical progesterone cream from your local health food store. You can get a saliva test to be sure of your levels from a naturopath or some D.O. doctors or chiropractors. Since the levels can fluctuate alot, some practitioners just treat by symptoms. Each seems to have a different opinion which can be very frustrating. If one thinks blood testing is more accurate, they won't fill your script if it's based on a saliva test, etc. But just keep doing your research, and don't listen when, M.D.s especially tell you it's all in your head, or that you just need an antidepressant or anxiety pill. Hope this helps! I have been through hell and have had better days now compared to when it started. Green powders first thing in the morning, and a probiotic are musts and will help, too!
julie54379 kelly02141
Posted
Kelly, forgot to mention to also get an FSH blood test from your doctor. It will confirm if you are in peri or not. It's the definitive test that shows if your ovaries have essentially stopped working. I went to doctors, scripts and tried all kinds of over the counter stuff for 6 mos trying to figure out what was wrong, before someone told me about this test. Wish I'd known about it way before then. It showed I was in meno range, and I was only 46! So get that test.
kelly02141 julie54379
Posted
Hi Julie
Yes, I still get periods but they last only 3 days and they are heavy day one and two . I also get them about 21 days apart starting 3 months ago . I will definitely get that test in May when I go for my annual ObGyn exam. Thank you for the information on what I can take . Like I said , I have zero interest in any type of hormone replacement therapy as my grandmother nor mother nor aunt have had to take any . You're the best and thanks again ! ?
sam77789 julie54379
Posted
what are green powders please to help ??
kelly02141 carlacupcake
Posted
Thank goodness I'm not alone ! I'm 43 , never had children and am pretty certain I'm beginning perimenopause. I get light headed , " jelly " legs feeling , start to perspire and then that of course leads me to check my pulse and focus on my breathing because I'm a flee person , which in turn, leads to an anxiety attack . I'm prescribed .05 alprazolam but don't like to rely on taking those to feel better . I'm scared sometimes and live alone with my dog . I know being scared is part of my anxiety but my body going through this is definitely not helping with my anxiety. Only good thing is , my blood pressure has lowered and I've lost a smidgen of weight. I pray when I feel it coming on and by the tenth Lord's Prayer , it's usually better . I don't want to take hormones but am interested in homeopathic remedies if anyone has any suggestions . Thank you xoxo
jacqueline06286 carlacupcake
Posted
Hi,
Carla all the symptoms that you mention I have can you please let me know what you are doing to help your symptoms I'm in perimenapause please help.
julie54379 jacqueline06286
Posted
Hello Jacqueline. I shared this with another poster, and will share with you also. Are you still having regular periods? One thing you can try is a supplement that supports the Adrenals you can get from your local health food store. There are day and night formulas, but either or both are good. When we enter perimenopause, our ovaries stop working and the adrenals take over. Because the adrenals are then burdened, it puts the thyroid and cortisol levels off-balance, causing a variety of issues. So anything to support the adrenals will help. Natural balancers/adatogens like ashwaghanda and eleuthero are excellent to support adrenals and stress, too. Maca is an excellent balancer, too, and will help raise progesterone levels and with energy. Progesterone is the first hormone to fall, not estrogen. Or, you may be able to get by with just using bio-identical progesterone cream from your local health food store. You can get a saliva test to be sure of your levels from a naturopath or some D.O. doctors or chiropractors. Since the levels can fluctuate alot, some practitioners just treat by symptoms. Each seems to have a different opinion which can be very frustrating. If one thinks blood testing is more accurate, they won't fill your script if it's based on a saliva test, etc. But just keep doing your research, and don't listen when, M.D.s especially tell you it's all in your head, or that you just need an antidepressant or anxiety pill. Hope this helps! I have been through hell and have had better days now compared to when it started. Green powders first thing in the morning, and a probiotic are musts and will help, too!Also get an FSH blood test from your doctor. It will confirm if you are in peri or not. It's the definitive test that shows if your ovaries have essentially stopped working. I went to doctors, scripts and tried all kinds of over the counter stuff for 6 mos trying to figure out what was wrong, before someone told me about this test. Wish I'd known about it way before then. It showed I was in meno range, and I was only 46! So get that test
jacqueline06286 julie54379
Posted
Hi Julie,
Yes I still have regular periods but my biggest issue is fatigue every day some days are really hard I also get muscle weakness in my legs and arms it kinda feels like the flu also I noticed that my arm pit smells more now I don't get sweaty but I do get hot flashes occasionally I wonder if there's more women that ate in perimenapause that have extream fatigue
cindyluwho03 carlacupcake
Posted
Jacqueline,
I hope it is all right if I butt in. One word describes this maze-riddled journey through Perimenopauseville, and that is MESSY. It is messy physically and emotionally, and I am learning that there is no cut and dried way of coping with or treating it.
I went to my OB/Gyn back in October, and she put me on hormone replacement therapy. I can say that is has helped with the symptoms by about 60%. She may have to switch me to a stronger hormone, not sure, but I have other issues such as bipolar disorder and anxiety, so I'm also trying to tweak my medications to adjust to what the hormone changes seem to be doing. It is taking time, but I have hope that I will get there, and you will, too, Jacqueline!
kristen74 carlacupcake
Posted
I have an autoimmune nerve disease that also comes with chronic fatigue syndrome I can tell you that signs that I have and they're few because it really doesn't give me signs until it's already hit me cry fatigue syndrome and my case is something that comes on I don't have to be tired in the slightest bit but I'll say for example I will be driving and then I'm wide awake as I can be and then all of a sudden my heads Bobby my eyes are closing I was tired as anything and you know if it it's bad enough to where I can't do anything and I usually don't go more than 10 minutes away from my house. I have no idea when it's coming on there's no you no signs or anything like that it just comes on when it comes on and it's just like I'm exhausted after I was completely awake and no issues and then all the sudden it just comes down at home all of a sudden I'll be asleep for hours and hours and have no intention of falling asleep being disabled I have a lot of issues but that's how my CFS goes but I really don't see you know other than you and what you're doing. I've had an anxiety disorder and was diagnosed when I was 26th I take medicine for that but I've never had any credit fatigue symptoms until my autoimmune disease nerve disease was I'm coming on so I'm fortunately that comes with the along with a lot of other pain but the rest of what you spoke of or not sure exactly I would see a neurologist if it gets to the point that nobody else can help you I do go to the bathroom a lot but I also drink a lot so I'm not really sure if that helps you but that's my chronic fatigue syndrome and that's how it generally goes it happens out of the middle I I never get a warning or anything my only morning is when it comes on and I've literally had to stop and pull over a car many times because I need to get somewhere but then I don't want to hurt anybody else or myself so I hope the helps little bit