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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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  • jennifer71200
    jennifer71200 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hello,

    I stumbled upon your post. Besides the jelly legs and weak fingers/toes, I am feeling very similar symptoms. I do feel weak and shaky, but it's more an overall feeling than in a specific area.

    I was reading the reponses and realzied that many are going through pre-menopase. I am 31 years old and had my first baby 2 years ago. I do have anxiety, but I was also suspecting hormones because my ovulation and period seem to be a lot more intense than before having my daughter.

    I totally relate with how this is affecting my life. I am also very worried constantly about what is wrong with me which I know is not helping.

    Does anyone know of any tests I should request from my doctor? My GP doesn't seem to be taking me seriously. I did a general blood test and noticed low vitamin D and slightly lower platelets. She wants to retest for the platelets and also do an iron test. However, she doesn't seem to be too proactive.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    • jennifer71200
      jennifer71200

      Posted

      Also I am feeling hot/cold. My temperature is slightly higher than normal, but nothing considered to be a fever. I sweat a lot while sleeping, usually wake up in sweat. It is possible that my anxiety is playing a large role in my symptoms. I feel off balance and dizzy. My vision was blurry and when I switched to glasses over contacts, it seemed to be better. But my brain is foggy and I can't seem to get motivated because I have no energy.

      I started taking vitamin D, calcium with vitamin d and magnesium, iron, and a multi-vitamin. I haven't seen any results yet, but I started it a couple of weeks ago.

  • CaliforniaMom
    CaliforniaMom carlacupcake

    Posted

    I'm so glad to have found this discussion group and to know that other ladies are experiencing similar symptoms. I have never had anxiety and palpitations until about a year and a half ago, occuring around times of signficant stress and my period. Over time, the anxiety has increased, and typically begins a few days before my period... and sometimes goes away after a week or so... except lately it's been getting longer. I've had tests run by my doctors, have had a battery of heart tests to rule out cardiac disease (like many, it can feel like I'm having a heart attack and that sense of feeling like I'm going to die doesn't go away). 

    Surprisingly (at least to me) it doesn't seem like my doctors are very aware of or understanding about perimenopause... seems like I have all the symptoms: anxiety, paplitations, weight gain, occasional flushes, etc... other possible causes have been ruled out (cardiac disease, acid reflux, etc)... but no one really is talking about perimenopause, not even my OBGYN. I did have a hormone level test done, but it came back normal... I've heard that during perimenopause that this can be the case-- that hormones fluctuate throughout the cycle, being normal on one day and not the next... my periods are now very short, 1 1/2 days and light  (versus 4 to 5). 

    Question: how did your doctors diagnose you as being in perimenopause? How are you being treated for the anxiety? 

    I'm taking vitamin supplements regularly now, including a multi-vitamin, magnesium, B-16 and B-12, etc... I'm exercising 4 to 5 times per week to help reduce the anxiety (we'll see how that goes) and have tried to eat a more "whole foods" diet (eliminating sugar, flour, and processed foods)...

    While I'm OK right now, I worry about whether I'll have another bout of anxiety around my period and how I'll be able to manage that. Like many, being stuck in traffic can also trigger anxiety for me... things that I've never had a problem with up until now. 

    Any ideas on how to manage this and get through this time without losing my mind are much appreciated...

  • lesley26854
    lesley26854 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hello CC - I was just browsing the net to try and work out why I keep having the symptoms you listed and was amazed to find that mine are identical minus the migraine. I am 53 and 2 years into the menopause. I assumed I was just having recurring panic/anxiety attacks,  usually if I have to meet/see anyone. I feel like a social phobic, nervous wreck most of the time. Usually it is people I have to deal with who start it off. I am going to take vit B6 as suggested by one of your replies and hope it works. I thought I was on my own and going mad so thank you for posting your symtoms, etc. . . Lesley
  • viv74067
    viv74067 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hi I've just joined and have seen your blog I no its a year ago but I have all your symptoms. How are you year on and has medication helped.
  • heather14814
    heather14814 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hi Carlacupcake!

    Could I please ask where your symptoms and/or therapies stand to date?

  • jax827
    jax827 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hi Carla Cupcake,

    I hope you are feeling better since you last posted on this forum.  I am new here... with symptoms quite like yours.  It's 2:30AM and I am wide awake, tossing and turning... cannot relax, very anxious, dizzy, off balance and palpitations (which is the scariest part).  I just turned 50 on August 27th and it seems from that date on my life changed completeley!  I am NOT who I was at 49!  No period since Sept 3rd.  I wont exercise because I am affraid to, due to the dizzyness.... I am a HOT mess!! Literally HOT all the time!! It's as if an alien invaded my body and my life.... I don't know what to do... All I do is worry about a heart attack or fainting (hasnt happend, but still the fear is there!)......  

    • brendababy
      brendababy jax827

      Posted

      Hi jax I haven't seen carlacupcake on here for a while hopefully she's feeling much better now

      I just wanted you to know that your not suffering alone and that there's lots of us enduring these crazy symptoms

      I'm in the UK it's 7pm don't know where you are but I know how lonely and isolated you can feel during the night

      My mental health is really suffering because of meno symptoms similar to yours, I am dizzy and off balance everyday this has caused me to have extreme anxiety and panic. Like you mylife has completely changed and I'm struggling to accept it.

      On a lighter note some day it will end and hopefully we can get back to feeling normal again

      Take comfort jax in this and know you'll be ok

      Take care

      Brenda x

    • jax827
      jax827 brendababy

      Posted

      Hi Brenda!

      So nice to hear from you.  It is nice to know that I am not sufferning alone.  You are describing exactly how I feel.  Thank you for your kind words, they mean allot.  I am in the US it is 11:15am.  Trying to get my day started, feeling like a zombie with no sleep.  I hope that you feel better soon.

      Warm regards,

      Jackie xo

    • brendababy
      brendababy jax827

      Posted

      Hope you have a nice day jax and try and keep the negative thoughts at bay

      Give us a shout if you need any help

      Brenda xx

    • sammeam
      sammeam jax827

      Posted

      Hello and thank you for putting your experiences out there for others to see. It has helped me enormously of late.

      My symptoms started in earnest around 18 months ago. I totally relate to the overheating and faint feelings. I just do what I beed to to cool down and make myself more comfortable. Not easy when youre working I know.

      For me, online guided meditation has helped massively, as has training myself to be more in the present moment. I dont do hippy stuff but this has truly helped. I listen to Eckhart Tolle, who some may think ius nutty, but I believe you take what you need from it.

      It does get better. It does. There have been days when I thought I was dieing. Weird feelings in my head like I was going to have a stroke, heart palpitations, nausea and panic.

      But days like these are getting fewer.

  • jamie50513
    jamie50513 carlacupcake

    Posted

    Hello All,

    I have been reading this and am starting to believe this is what is happening to me. Everyone says I'm too you for perimenopause but I don't belive it. I am 38 years old and nightmare started about three months ago. I was rushed to the hospital for critically low potassium. Since then I have been back several times for the potassium that no one can seem to figure out why it keeps dropping rapidly. I must admit, I am not good with eating foods high in potassium so I know that kind of aids in the level not being so good either. I also noticed that I have a cycle every three weeks with heavy bleeding for about 6 to 7 days that has caused me to be anemic. Now I have been to the ER several times with strange feelings in my head, thinking something is wrong with my heart and all sorts of things...I have had several blood tests, urine tests and stomach, chest, and head scans, along with ECG, and several EKG. All normal. I noticed that everything is heightened when its time for my cycle, and crying all the time. I trying to get a grip but it's taking a toll on me. I am nervous all the time and just don't know what to do. The last time I went to the ER for the strange feelings in my head and body the doctor told me it was anxiety and talk with a psychiatrist. I have an appointment with my primary care physician next week but still apprehensive. I just don't know how to feel or what to do anymore. Does anyone have any insight?

    • Leah4321
      Leah4321 jamie50513

      Posted

      Hi Jamie. It's good you have an appointment to follow it up. I can relate to your syptoms. It's a dreadful feeling. Anxiety, heaviness in chest. Little fuzzy moments in head. The anxiety is the worse. My potassium plays up but it goes up not down ??? I started HRT. And I found it helps. Some days are good and some are really bad. I hope you get it sorted. But I don't think your alone. Cheers Leah
    • jamie50513
      jamie50513 Leah4321

      Posted

      Thanks Leah,

      I don't feel so alone when I read the posts here. I know I have some anxiety from my symptoms but I hate when i've had several tests come back stating I'm ok and the doctors blow me off as just anxiety. It feels as if no one is listening. I'm not looking for something to be wrong with me, just want to get to the bottom of these feelings so I can work on feeling like myself again...

    • Topo14
      Topo14 jamie50513

      Posted

      Hi Jamie,

      I have also been to the ER three times and my potassium was also low one time. I'm 44 and my doc also thought that I'm too young. My neurologist finally recommended to get my female hormones checked and with that my GP send me to my gyno and she (after insisting from me) finally ordered the blood test. Well, my results were (to the surprise of my doc) that I'm close to menopause already....

      So hang in there and do not let the docs put you off. I personally know two women who went into menopause at 38. xx

    • 2blessed2bstressed
      2blessed2bstressed jamie50513

      Posted

      I had so many symptoms, too many to list, but all of the ones you mentioned and a slew more. I went to neurologist, cardiologist, had every test known to man, all came back normal. I went through this for 2 years until I decided to go to homeopathic doctor. I was given an herbal formula that basically cleaned my liver. Within 1 week I was back to normal. Gut health as well as detoxing your liver will help you with these problems! Western medicine is clueless. They just want to give us bandaides (pills) and send us on our way. Believe it or not, cleaning your liver will help balance the hormones throughout your body. Healthy gut= healthy you!😜
    • jamie50513
      jamie50513 Topo14

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your comments. I have an appointment this week with my GP and will be making one with my GYN this week also. I insist on not letting anyone blow me off. I also noticed my cycle was a bit different this time. It only stayed on for 5 days, very minimal cramping and less bleeding. I will be sure to make note of it and let the GYN. This has been such a scary ordeal and my family is getting scared that I'm letting this thing take me under. I explained to then that once I get down to the bottom of things I can then begin to figure out how to manage.
    • jamie50513
      jamie50513 2blessed2bstressed

      Posted

      Thank you. I will look into a homeopathic doctor. I'm pretty sure my system could use a good cleaning out. I am not big on taking a whole bunch of pills. I would much rather learn to manage the natural way and I welcome any herbal supplements that could help. My family just feels like I should take some pills and feel better so I can get back to being me, but I just don't want a whole bunch of pills. For now I am going to work on building my potassium up on my own with a diet rich in potassium and see if that works for me. I really don't want to be on the supplements as those can put too much in your system which could also be dangerous. I took a few when I first came home from the hospital but didn't like how I felt when I took them. I was also prescribed some magnesium pills but those levels seemed to have improved on their own so for now I am not taking them and will wait to see what the GP says. This balancing act is a chore in itself. But I feel it is all related to my hormones some kind of way.
    • 2blessed2bstressed
      2blessed2bstressed jamie50513

      Posted

      Some of these homeopathy doctors want you to have a slew of labs drawn. It can be costly as insurance doesn't cover homeopathic medicine. I was lucky to find a place where they do kinesiology, it was not expensive and neither were the supplements. Besides, one spends more money on copy's with no results. It has been a year now and I still feel great! Never thought those horrible symptoms would end! I occasionally have some anxiety, but am using essential oils for that, which also work wonders! Keep your chin up! Your answers are out there, it unfortunately takes a little of work on your part, but you will get what you need if you persevere. It took me 2 years to figure out that western medicine did not have my answers. Thank God for this forum, because I really thought I was loosing it!
    • leoniejean
      leoniejean jamie50513

      Posted

      U poor thing

      I have a similar story. I'm now Having improvement following this protocol but it's taking a long time to rebuild. It's def hormonal but so scary and dagerous. Taking 50mg DIM day and night has helped a lot too. X

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