Perimenopause or Anxiety or ???

Thank you, Carla. I really appreciate all the help and information.

Hope you feel better soon. I am just trying to make it day by day.

Hi flops

Hang in there ur not going mad the lightheaded and dizziness is a pain but try soya milk it balances out oestrogen where hrt just tops it up which is not good x I have every symptom going for the past 2 yrs diagnosed perrimenopausal this April which was such an immense relief I have mega brain fog which makes me cry at times as I then have a major panic attack cos I have a brain t or some life threatening illness does anyone else go thru this xx stay strong girls xxx 

Hi Debbie,

Yes! I seriously thought I had some horrible disease because it was so hard to explain the fogginess and just not feeling well but you just couldn't explain to another person HOW exactly you were feeling!

The panic attacks are the worst. I haven't had a severe one but my anxiety for driving in traffic now just stops me from going on the highway, etc.

I just want my life back now! We all are going through this and one day, hopefully we will look back and thank God that it is over!

Please try deep breathing and yoga, it really helps. And, alternate nostril breathing. You can google this because I don't know if we are allowed to post links here. Otherwise, I would.

Massages are just wonderful because they calm your nerves which in turn reduces your anxiety.

feel better and take care,

lots of hugs

 

Dear All,

I stumbled across your conversations yesterday evening searching the web out of desperation.  I'm a mere shadow of my former self, even writing to you is very deliberate.  I've been through a horrendous time and have doubted my sanity, however the stronger me knows it's the hormones going crazy and not depression as the doctors would like to name it. My main symptoms are fogginess, lack of motivation, palpitations, anxiety, slow, breathing heavy at times/sighing, shaky, weak, tire easily, my personality has changed from extrovert to introvert, tearfull, generally feeling low both mentally and physically. I'm currently on my 6 month packet of Prempak (HRT) which helped after around a month, but for the past 5 weeks has not helped apart from the hot flushes have gone, my symptoms have returned with bells on. I can not work, clean the flat, ets. I struggle with energy and excersize has suffered.  Is anyone on HRT and found their symptoms returned?

I am so disappointed with the doctors/hospitals and fed up with being treated as nothing but a nuisaince. I'm very bored of feeling ill as it's been 18 months.  Yesterday, however after being recommended to have the Marina coil fitted to replace Prempak (only because it's the preferred method these days) I found a doctor that actually gave a damn, she was understanding, helpful, had time for me and was more informative than even the menopause specialist. I also have to take Sandrena gel 1mg sachets.

My GP has completed numerous tests to look for other causes, but think she's missing the obvious, I want to see an endocrinologist as I feel that only someone that specialises in hormones can get to the bottom of my life stopping, but she's blocking this for now?  I can't even get motivated to book a holiday - sorry to sound such a misery.

NTG

 

Hi NTG

this may interest you, i have posted it agsin so you can read it..

i am age 50 been in peri 9-10 years.. 

B6 150mg daily in morning and Jarrows Methyl 5000mcg B12 red label may just give you some relief.... its totally did me and i was just like youexplained before   taking it in April  ..

useful snippet iff web for you..

Menopause Mood Swings & Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 may alleviate menopausal mood swings.

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.

For women who suffer with brain fog, and memory issues in perimenopause, low levels of B6 could be part of the problem.

Depression, confusion, and an inability to concentrate are all associated with B6 deficiency. Vertigo, dizziness, and heart palpitations are also common complaints from women going through perimenopause.

All of these symptoms have been associated with (among other things) a B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B6 can also help with stubborn weight gain in perimenopause. It is key in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in our diet, and is necessary for a healthy metabolism - both which can help manage weight.

B6 supplements of *** 100mg to 300mg per day ... depending on severity

* B6 also assists absortion of HRT ... beneficial.. 

Jay xx 

Hi NTG,

Sorry to hear that your not feeling your normal self its horrible to go from feeling happy and confident to feeling that everything takes a great deal of motivation etc.

Mine I think started Nov 12 with the constant worrying about my health and started with my first bout of anxiety in Jan 12 when I missed a period and another two blips in Jun/July. It took me by surprise and didnt know where this came from as I have never sat and worried over my health before.  Had all the usual test etc and all came back normal. Last summer a friend told me about some progresterone cream called serintiy which you can buy from wellsprings. I got relief from this until late Oct/Nov as it brought my cycles back to regular 27/28 which they hadn't been for years. I didnt realise until recently that my short cycle in Nov had caused me to feel down and what with aload of stress I was living with I decided to give HRT a try.  Started in Mar this year and after a bad start the 2nd month was good and then Jun/Jul were not so good. This got me thinking why was I taking something if my anxiety etc was still with me.  Like Jay I take loads of vitamins from Menopol plus x 2, Busy B's,Vit C, D, B12 Jarrows, Omega 3, Evening Primrose and have magnesium spray both for day and bed time, Liquid iron aswell, all which I have felt that have gone towards me feeling a lot better in myself. I still have a few blips where I feel low but unlike last year when I would get to feel low and would end up loosing my appetite and feel sick and and basicly just lost my mojo - shut myself in my house and wouldnt go out. Thankfully I havent had one of those blips for a while. I still get the odd time when I feel flat but keep talking to myself and reminding myself that this will go as its only a transition. 

Finally last week  I made a decison to gradually come off my HRT and go back to using the progresterone cream as I did get a lot more relief from using this and start using from day 9 until my period arrives again.  I dont seem to get this low feeling like I have with the HRT. 

I think its all about trial and error and finding what helps you and one thing Jay did say to me that got me thinking was that you will still have to go through the same symptoms later on in life when you stop the HRT and all of the same symptoms come flooding back.

I am 51 and still trying to find ways of dealing with this change to my well being but have found this site a massive help as you start to realise what you are experiencing others have done so aswell and come back to you with their experience and perhaps some helpful advice.

Now you have found this site and if you are feeling low again then please do come on here and read all of our experiences and I can promise you it will lift your spirits up. Take Care. x

Hi Joy

how are you, as you maybe read .. My appt last night was amazing, soooooo impressed..

i mentioned to the very lovely Gyno man, i used progesterone cream in 2011 and how it made me feel etc... he said Nooooooo... Progesterone cream not correct...

it has to be oestrogen and maybe a little progesterone..

he said people buy progesterone and get into a mess... 

Just shows you doesnt it..

Jay xx

Hi NTG

the Sandrena gel you take... Did they tell you the side effects of that ..

I have been fobbed off so much with GPs ... I saw a Gyno last night and wow was so impressed, Now they do understand menopause.. Well this one did and a man ... 😃 and the nicest man ever.. 

Gyno is the way I have found, to be undersrood, GP s dont have a clue .. 

They dont specialize in GYNO and MENO and dont understand..

I good GYNO and a well woman exam ... I am still amazed by my experience last night wow 😃 and I am not easily amazed..

Jay xx

 

Hi Jay,

So glad that your appointment went so well! What things did they check for?

The progesterone cream you only use 2 weeks prior to your expected period which is when i was told that you can get low!

To be honest last year when i used it for 4 months and felt good. I think i am more deficient in the progesterone than oestrogen but they do sell the cream that has both in! It had some really good reviews. It doesn't bring on periods.

what does he mean by getting to a mess? 😞

Joy xx

Hi Joy

he checked everything Gyno i wasnt expecting it to be that thorough..

he checked all the outer femaie bits, and then did a smear of three areas cervical, then used a colposcope and looked inside at vaginal walls and  cervix at cells close up, all this appeared on a 3 TV screens and he showed me and explained everything, then, he placed a wand 3D ultrasound camera inside and showed me my uterus the uterine lining my ovaries, measured ovaries, and lining and explained all that, no fibroids, cancer or cysts..

 Told me my ovaries were now non functioning no follicles, showed me. He then measured uterine thickness explained it was 4mm thin, and would thin more yet.. All this done vaginally... With 3D canera ...

then.. Breast check... Gel on, and 3D imaging ultra sound, showed me all normal, explained the areas of fat and cysty areas in breast, all normal no lumps or concerns, the 3D breast imaging shows more than mammogram.

he saw me before the tests and after, gave me pictures of it all ( they do that in spain you get all your results) after he spoke about everything menopausal, he was soooo professional and a gentleman, spanish, 

i told him i tried progesterone cream in 2011, and how it affected me, made me have periods again etc and lump in breast, he replied , no no no, progesterone you dont need like that, it can mess woman up, he said oestrogen is required not progesterone, maybe a litlle progesterone with the oestrogen, he said progesterone remains the longest in the female body and its oestrogen that diminshes ... i have been told this before, so that explained my experience of natural progesterone, it messed me up, kick started periods again for me, as i didnt need it, and thats what he meant by it messes some women up.. 

He didnt say anymore and i didnt ask as I dont want to use it..

he was lovely.. He said to me he admired the natural approach and its hard, ' which we know' he explained all about insomnia and why that happens. And anxiety the lot... He said B6 and B12 very good to use.. 

Also he said if I get to a stage when I need help now in menopause not so much peri now.. i can always go back to talk about it..

wow ... jay xx 

Hi Joy

i was reading an article about natural progesterone cream, as i mentioned my experience on here once, and one comment was I wasnt believed or a doctor told someone the opposite..

i read this article about people tryiing to promote this cream as ita a good seller etc etc.. 

then read this bit... Which is similar to what i experienced.. And i think what my Gyno was trying to say... Messes women up in long term, it did me after 5 months of use, then i stopped...

This is a snippet..

Figure 3: Natural Progesterone cream Hormone Synthesis

This patient started taking progesterone cream after being convinced that it would help her many symptoms. She used the smallest recommended dose for the two weeks before the start of her period as directed in Dr. Lee’s book. In the beginning (first couple of months) she really felt as if the cream had made a significant difference in her symptoms. The fact was that a number of months later she realized that she continued to have her symptoms, but was reluctant to stop using the cream for fear of making them worse. And, since natural progesterone cream was completely safe she saw no reason to stop its use.

Progesterone cream dissolves in fat and cant thus be stored in your fatty tissue. The levels of progesterone steadily increase within fat tissue with prolonged use. After a while, the amount being added every month, along with the amount being released from the fatty stores, causes elevated progesterone levels throughout the female cycle. So, instead of supplementing a little progesterone during a short period of time the body becomes subjected to elevated levels throughout the female cycle The body can then take the extra progesterone and make it into either testosterone or extra estrogen. Excess testosterone can also be made into estrogen. (See Figure 3: Hormone Synthesis below)Thus, the body is thrown into a dangerous hormonal imbalance that does not serve to promote proper health. 

Of course not, the gyno that I've seen twice is cold, she just said this was the preferred method when I saw her back in June.  I was in one of my "dumb" moods so didn't question it much as it's her area of expertese and I knew nothing.  I'm the first of all my friends to go through peri, even ones 5 years older............

I do take Vit b6 and have been for many years as I used to suffer from bad PMT, I only take 10mg and my blood tests show I'm not lacking in anything.  I eat very well.

I've asked for an earlier appt to see Gyno as not scheduled until late Oct, hospital getting back to me tomorrow.

I don't want to be a basket case any more and there's so many contracting advise, obviously I would prefer natural remedies, but I will take medication if I can get back to my normal self.  I've just been lying around most of the day, too tired even to type. 

Hi NTG

oh you poor thing, try upping the B6 10mg not alot at all eapecially if you have taken it for years..

my bloods are fine, but the body lacks b6 in peri and meno..

it helps balance you out.. i take 150mg daily..

and B12 ups energy also lacking in this phase...

so are you taking Prempak and sandrena gel ...  did you mean ? 

i cant and wont take HRT i do the natural route... not easy but i been doing it for 9-10 years now... 😕 at least my hormones are more or less sorted now, declined and thats that.. ' as nature intended' 

think about HRT as alhough its maybe helpful, well for some its a nightmare,. its when you do stop taking it, your body will go through peri again, as the hormones your replacing will have to be reduced and stopped, just like peri ... but in later life..

another thing they dont tell you..

but what ever your choices hun, i wish you well and hope you get some relief...  you deserve it 

Jay xx

 

Hi Jay,

Sounds like you were finally treated really well and got someone who was interested in what you had to say!

I am now a little confused now as last year prior to going on the HRT I told my GP that I was about to give this cream a try and to be honest she checked it out for me and said it was worth giving it a go and supported me.

I only want to do the right thing but really do not want to going back to sitting in my house for two weeks at a time when my anxiety sets in!! (this only really happened when my periods were very late or missed) whilst my cycles were normal i didnt suffer at all and went back to being my bright bubbly self!

Whilst I am coming off the HRT I will continue to use it because it will help this transition aswell and then I guess its back to the drawing board!

Last week when I started using it again prior to my bleed I was so happy and calm and feeling like my old self and really liked this feeling!

Thanks for the info though!

Have a lovely evening Hun!

Joy

xx

 

Hi Joy

you have a lovely evening too..

i noticed when my periods declined..

well my last one was 2 Sept 13 ... then each month i went through an emotional phase, tears felt rubbish and anxious, didnt want to see anyone, wanted to lock myself away and didnt like anyone 😀 etc.

this happened each month ( no period) Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, March..

then when I took the 150mg b6 and b12 i just picked up and anxiety went, and tears etc... so this is what happened after mine stopped.

since April felt brill ... as as you know my ovaries are non functioning now..

no follicles .. so maybe no more periods..

so it does get better Joy..

have hope... 🙈

Jay xx

Thank you so much.  I have the same symtoms, been on hormone therapy for 2 months now and this month's pms is just terrible.  I will try the vitamins you've suggested, at this point I will try anything.

 

Just this morning i came across this site.Sooo glad i am not alone in this awful battle.I hate the fog feeling Also wondering if anyones speech has changed sometimes i say something and its like i cant pronouse my words right

hi connie 😃

speech... Well i had brain fog, pauses before speaking etc..

didnt really hear or listen ( engage) what people were saying..

B Vits... Get a good Mega B 100mg time realease complex..

it so works, and Vit E ... Do you take anything for the symptoms..

we lack B6 big time in peri and meno and B12 the energy booster..

jay xx

Yes, I've noticed occasional pauses in my speech. Today I said 'egg' but meant to say 'eggs' so had to add it manually, so to speak!!  It sounds funny when I write about it but it is worrying.  Like you, I am so glad I am not alone in this and really glad to have found this forum.  It's helped massively to know that other ladies are going through such similar, strange things.  Supporting all our sisters in the struggle !!

OMG you sound exactly like me!!! 18 months ago I started on HRT even though nothing showed up in my blood tests. I was having terrible hot flushes,insomnia and the anxiety was debilitating.  Upon starting HRT all the symptoms went away and I felt like a happy new woman again!!! BUT about a month ago it seems to be going to pot.  I felt the hot flushes were trying to  come back and my anxiety started going through the roof again.  I had bloods done again but the dr thinks they are all in the normal range.  I mentioned that if Im on HRT how would a blood test show if the hormones have dropped or not? So now he wants me to go off the hrt. WHICH IM FREAKING OUT ABOUT.  So then he can send me for more blood tests and see if it does show something.   Its making me pretty sad I have to say.  

Hi Sharni

if your on HRT you will never know where you are in peri menopause with any FSH test as your not in a natural state of hormone decline..

you are replacing the hormones to a none peri state..

jay xx

Is this the GP telling you to come off HRT, if so I'd get a second opinion from the Gyni (if you can get to see one)!

Hi Jay! Yeah that makes complete sense.  I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it as best as I can!!! Thank you for answering me :D Im so happy I stumbled  upon this site. I was feeling like the lone ranger! Just wondering how old everyone is? I guess I have started peri early im only 40 in 2 months !!! My mum was my age when she started this journey too!!!

 

Yeah its my family Doc. I dont see a Gyni...and the doc hasnt suggested it.

Hi Sharni

I was 40 when i started peri ..

had a 9-10 year natural peri .. 😳

i am age 50 now and post menopause ..

my mum was age 42 and all done and dusted by 44.. 

i didnt follow her way 😢

jay xx

Wow ur mum was lucky lol!!! I want to be like her!!!!

So how did u cope during your 10 year journey?

:D x

Hi sharni

hahaha 

i think how you cope with it is all down to what type of person you are..

the sooner you realise what it is and understand theres no escape, its natural, happens to every woman, accept it dont dwell on it .. Its not an illness or depression it lifes transistion.. Then i think you deal with it better.

in the early part i had 21 months of bleeding, heavy, normal, light, spotting, with out a break, maybe got two days free if I was lucky, fainted 3 times, then that went and then over the course of the 9-10 years my periods got less and less each year, a long journey, made sure i  understand the process, kept diaries, became very interested in it, trail and errored the supplments, researched it for 12 years.... its of great interest to me.. But then i am very interested in how my body works, always have been and an ex nurse so it was no shock to me ..

my peri initially kicked in after some dumb doc gave me contractive depo provera as a contraception, gave me no details about the terrible stuff, and all mine started after that  at the age of 40 when the 21 months bleeding started..

in my thirties i had endometriosis and laser treatment, and in peri i had two rather large follicular cysts develop which dispersed after a while on their own, so always been aware of the body and what can happen and what does happen etc 

jay xx

 

Hi Jay how are you hun.  Our very own little advisor.  You've said it just how it is in your post to sharni.  I feel i amd only now coming to accept that this is how it is and the same for millions of women and to get on with it and deal with it the best way i can even though my lifes not the same as it was, i must adapt to what i can and cant do now. Obviously when i'm having a bad day i just feel really sorry for my self but i get through it better now than last year so hopefully as the years go on it will get better.  You've been through such a lot and come out the other side so your an insparation to us all. I'm planning to do something out my comfort zone this w/e, dont know what it is yet but need to set myself a challenge as i have no headache today for once so feel ok.  I keep a diary also and was having a look through last years but its really sad.  Thanks for your honest words that has really hit home with me and made me sit up and get a grip.  sending you a big positive hug x

Hello little sweetie 

yes ... You go for it ... Have a great weekend ... 

I know we feel out of sorts some times but getting it out your mind is the first thing..

have a look at this 😃

Coping with lifes problems

Apparently:

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience.

As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question.

Instead, with a smile on her face, she enquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long I hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed.

In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens.

Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt.

And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

Remember to put the glass down.

big hugs hun, thanks for the kind words 

jay xx

 

Brilliant Jay just brilliant x

Hi

this is just the same as me, it's really strange you get through the really bad bit and come out a different person.  If I am having a bad day I really try to keep going with a smile or bite my lip.  I didn't keep a diary but look back on the first part of this year and feel really sad, I have flashbacks really.  I was in peri for about 6 years but I didn't realise I had never heard of it.  I thought it was severe pmt which I have always had.  It easy to be more mellow and accepting when the worst has passed, I think that's part of it, but it's so hard when your struggling with horrendous depression anger and personality change, sounds dramatic but true.  I read lots now on having a better outlook on life, less stress, less guilt, grateful and forgiveness and loving yourself, sounds really airy fairy but has really helped.  Jaynee jays glass of water is very true.  I feel I have lost the old me somewhere  down the line,  but that probably a good thing as periods and hormones and me was a roller coaster of emotions.  Anyone younger reading this look up PMDD.

I am sooo glad to hear that I am not alone...I have been experiencing severe brain fog - lack of concentration/memory, dizziness, fatigue etc...for the last few years. The doctors just shrug it off as nothing. I am getting soo frustrated. I'm thinking it is perimenopause. I'm 44 yrs old. My natropath has told me that I have adrenal fatigue....I've tried 5htp, gaba, chasteberry etc..with no success...I need help!!!

Hi karen

Try some vit B6 and Vit B12

this may interest you, i have posted it again so you can read it..

i am age 50 been in peri 9-10 years.. 

I take B6 150mg daily in morning and Jarrows Methyl 5000mcg B12 red label may just give you some relief.... its totally did me and i was just like you explained before   taking it in April  ..

You need at least 100mg each morning of B6.

useful snippet iff web for you..

Menopause Mood Swings & Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 may alleviate menopausal mood swings.

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.

For women who suffer with brain fog, and memory issues in perimenopause, low levels of B6 could be part of the problem.

B6 and B12 decline during peri menopause and post menopause and women are un aware of this.

Depression, confusion, and an inability to concentrate are all associated with B6 deficiency. Vertigo, dizziness, and heart palpitations are also common complaints from women going through perimenopause.

All of these symptoms have been associated with (among other things) a B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B6 can also help with stubborn weight gain in perimenopause. It is key in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in our diet, and is necessary for a healthy metabolism - both which can help manage weight.

B6 supplements of *** 100mg to 300mg per day ... depending on severity

Jarrows B12 5000mcg cherry flavour (red label) 

Jay xx 

Hi Jay....Thanks so much for your input into what's going on...I have tried so many different herbs/supplements, which have not made me feel better at all. My natropath has had me on essential yang for my adrenals for the last 10 months, but I have not felt much better. He has since switched me to Cortex adrenal tone which has B6 (only 10mg)...My main concern is the extreme brain fog...heavy feeling in head/zoning out etc...I am also not sleeping very well either. I would like to say that I have gone to the doctor's on several occasions, and I have checked out perfectly healthy!! I am truly frustrated!!  Karen

 

Hi Karen 

well its good all checked out well at the doctors .. 😊

perimenopause and menopause is not flagged as illness as it is a transition for all of us ladies ..

but we still need certain supplements to alleviate the brain fog and anxiety and feelings of doom etc ..

B6 is fab, but 10mg wont help ... 

If your able to up the dose make it 100mg 

i take 150mg a day ..

jay xx

Hi Jaynee, I've only just read this and it has helped me today. Thank you. Sometimes it's so hard to put the glass down but it is the only answer sometimes.

I've just been prescribed Vagifem for dryness. I see to remember reading you had used this or something similar? I'm a bit worried about side effects though. How did you get on with it?

I also read that you'd had some back issues recently. Are you still in pain? I hope you have some answers and are making progress.

Hi Jayneejay, I've been following your threads, I am menopausal as well and not coping with it very well, main symptoms are : Anxiety, insomnia and have been really dizzy for a couple of days.  I went and seen gyno in January and begged him for HRT he reluctantly gave me it even though at the time I was still having periods, very heavy bleeding when they came on.  He gave me the HRT cause I told him I was worried about losing my job.  Anyway, was on the HRT for a few days and it brought heavy bleeding on so I just stopped taking it.  I havent had a period since January this year but the symptoms I'm having are worse than bleeding.  My GP (btw) had done blood tests a few months ago that showed I was heading into menopause, I know I shouldent expect anything else being 51.

Can you tell me a bit more of what he said made us so anxious and what caused the other symptoms we're all suffering from.  My GP gave me propanalol last week, after a few days I felt a bit breathless and pharmacist told me to stop taking them without reducing just stop altogether, soon after I took the dizziness so blamed it on that.

Can you offer any reassurance please, I'd be grateful, thanks

Hi brenda 

its just hormone decline that gives us the hormonal anxiety etc 

I take vit B6 ans it helps no end 

jay x

I know how your feeling started with dizziness anxiety and a weird shortness of breath, it comes and goes started at 50 now nearly 53 still having periods and symptoms but they aren't as savier as they used to be, I honestly thought I was dying not nice at all. Tried everything nothing helped just ride it out and the good times do come back for long periods of time ,, try not to worry

Thanks for replying it means a lot to me having others going through the same as me, I have a husband and 3 grown up sons living at home so no one to moan to.......thanks

Thanks Soozi I get really panicky when the dizziness is bad can sort of cope with the lightheaded feeling but yesterday was terrible it was my youngest sons 21st, we were out for dinner and I was literally hanging onto the table in the restaurant.  Don't know how I managed to drive to work today.  Keep panicking about losing my job as I had to give my job up in 2011 due to burnout - what they used to call ME.  Back working P/T for same company so always too scared to say I'm sick or take time off.

I've also developed probs driving, panicking when need to stop at red lights or traffic jam and males and male GP say it's only a transitional period get over it - even my mum had hysterectomy and did not go through the peri, she can't undrstand what all the fuss is about ! 

Hope your symptoms get better soon 

Do you get sore and ringing in your ears, they told me 3 years ago I had labrynthitis, my worst year was my 51st it's much better now I drive buses for a living and ohh boy that was a challenge stress anxiety nausea dizzy terrible ballance problems it's hard to believe that all this can be caused by your hormones, oh and the black moods I didn't go anywhere eccept work for a year just wanted to shut myself away fortunately iv got a very understanding husband he's been my rock, but I know how you must be feeling as I realised when I spoke to friends and even my mum didn't have these symptoms, this site has helped me enormously to know that we are not along during this horrible transition . Good luck and good health 

I got labyrinthitis 3 yrs ago too, with proper spinning vertigo. Horrendous. I'm still feeling dizzy and have lots of muscle pain in may face, neck and shoulder. The specialist said the vertigo caused anxiety which in turn caused the tight muscles in my jaw etc, but I'm not so sure. I can understand that to begin with but now the only anxiety I hv is the pain. On days when it's much better if feel so much different. It's weird. My ears ring but think that's down to the amitriptyline I am taking xx

Hi, I hope you don't mind me jumping in to your tread but this could of been me about a year ago. I was suffering badly with everything. Anxiety, dizziness, the lot too many to mention but the worsed of all was my migraines. I've always suffered with them but my declining hormones sent them mental. After beefing laid up in bed for a week thinking I was dying (I know a bit dramatic but thats how I felt) I made an appointment and I asked the receptionist to make it with a female about my age (52 at the ime). It was the best ting I could have done. I told her I wanted HRT because I would rather feel good in my 50s and deal with coming off them in my 60s. She started with blood tests to see were I was in this menopause. I went back a week later for my results. I had no oestrogen and that's why I was getting migraine. She said I had come too far through the menopause on my own without any help to start now. So after a good cry and a companionate chat about how I felt she prescribed me atenolol (its a beta blocka) for my migraine. And the rest as they say is history. After about three weeks my migraines had calmed down so I could manage them the way I always had. And a pleasent side affect of atenolol was the reduction of my anxiety. With the anxiety gone I felt like a new woman.

so a year later and by the end of April I'll be a year without my periods. Another bonus was the doctor noticed my skin was suffering with the menopause, it was all dry and flaky so she prescribed some cream and shower gel.

sorry to ramble on but  I like to let people know there is light at the end of this horrible tunnel.

take care and look after yourself.

Hi, thanks for posting your thread, was reading with interest it's always comforting to hear that there's normality eventually at the other end of this. I was blaming coming off propanalol too quick for being very dizzy but doc said I hadent been on them long enough to cause that ( was only on them 3 days btw) different doc from my own GP said the dosage was too high for my weight ( I'm 5"2" & weigh 7.5 stone.) wonder if the atenolol is better. I too suffer from migraine & anxiety is getting worse, strangely though haven't had migraine for couple of months... Touch wood.

Start new p/t job tomorrow with same company I used to work for ( had to give Job up in 2011 cause of illness) so here's hoping I can rise above the symptoms & go

Hope you'll join in again & let us know how ur doing. X

Thanks soozi it's comforting to know I'm not on my own, I'm 51 just now & symptoms seem to be at a peak. Still feel but sick today, keep taking cramp in stomach as if I'm going to have period but no bleeding so far 🙈

I don't get ringing in my ears but don't put that into my head, I could develop it very easily lol..... I'm a bit anxious bout health as you know. You must be a very strong willed woman driving buses with dizziness etc.

Start my new part time job tomorrow, it's desk job so here's hoping I can stay positive and go.... Panicking already lol x

Hi, I'm on 50mg of atenolol I'm 5' 7" and 11st 11lb. I wasn't this heavy when I was nine month pregnant with my youngest daughter 32years ago. The last stone has come on in the last year as well and its all round my middle, another joy of the menopause. I do think when I first started taking them I was tired and dizzy but I was like that most of the time anyway.the doctor did say I would be very tired to begin with but stick it out for a month. I do still get really tired but I think that's just the way I am now. I had my two grandsons last week for three days (4 and 5) and because I was busy running them here there and everywhere and playing football with them I was shattered. But if I think back a year I wouldn't of dreamed of doing anything like that.

i also started a new job six months ago, I do two ten hour night shifts replenishing shelves in a supermarket, another thing I couldn't of done a year ago because of anxiety. Mind you my first couple of nights at work I felt like I'd been run over by a bus. Now I just feel like I've been hit by a scooter, he he. It's hard physical work but I just keep thinking it's like being paid to keep fit two nights a week.

hi Nanny 

i will take some of your pounds ..

i am 5ft 6 and 8 stone 11 

weight drops off me peri and now post meno 

jay x

Hi jay, I wish it was that easy because I'm a really giving person and I would happily give you what poundage I didn't want. I just said to my husband the other day if I didn't have the extra 20 lb to carry around I'd feel like a teenager again. His look said it all, he would love me to feel like a teenager again 'bless him" he's a very patient and loving man and I couldn't of come through this without him.

nanadotty. X

Hi Brendababy,

Omg.  ..that's exactly what I have! I feel so anxious at red lights that I can't explain. 

I am just confined to home for like 8 days at end because I am so scared to go out and get a panic attack. I will write my story a little later and tell everyone and maybe I can get some help or help someone. 

Don't worry...you are NOT alone at all. Trust me!

take care...one day, it shall all go poof...hopefully.

love,

sasha

Hi Sharni i have suffered the most terrible anxiety and debilitating insomnia for 3 yrs ..my drs just offer sleeping tablets which im not happy with when i know its hormones causing the issue ..could i ask you what hrt worked for you please im beyond desperate ..been in tears with exhaustion and dr finally agreed to refer me to a gynaecologist

Hi jay 

I have been taking b12 amongst other natural remedies thanks for the tip about b6  will deffo try  it watch this space thanks x