Perimenopause. Tight chest

Posted , 38 users are following.

Hi

Does anyone else get the tight chest that comes on and is tight to breath ?

2 likes, 38 replies

38 Replies

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  • Posted

    Yes get that all the time. And wearing bra makes it worse so I wear tank tops instead.
    • Posted

      One day I had that chest tightness sensation and I got dressed up to go out with the family and of course I was wearing a supportive bra. I felt like I couldn't breathe and my chest got so tight. It sent me straight into such a bad panic attack. We had to cancel out plans. All I could do was crawl into the bed and try to sleep and let the feelings pass. It was the worst thing ever! I usually wear this one particular bra that I have that is worn out now. I only wear it around the house or if I'm going up the street to the store or something like that. It does not offer much support at all. When my sister stops by and sees me she always asks why do I have my breasts hanging so low. It makes you look old she says. But at least I'm comfortable. I know all too well the misery I'd be in if I tightened the strap. I feel like at this point we have to do whatever it takes to survive these symptoms and if that means I have to go around with my boobs hanging low then so be it! She is in peri too (my sister) but she is one of those ones who is skating through it on a flowery bed of eaves. She had easy periods too! Some women just got off easier than the rest of us I guess.
    • Posted

      I am with you about the bra. I put mine on and within an hour I have to undo it. It's awful.
  • Posted

    Yes definitely. ..it does make me anxious too. It feels like i am being squeezed around the bottom of my ribs. It usually accompanies my hot flushes...can't wait until its over and done with.
  • Posted

    Yes I did get that, usually in the mornings after coffee and tea, I wondered at the time if the caffeine caused reflux which in turn caused the tightness, it only seemed to happen then.
  • Posted

    Hi I see this post is quite old and have been feeling these symptoms today a fullness and tightness under sternum. Worried it's something more sinister. Did your symptoms go?

  • Posted

    Hi Michelle,

    I think most of the responses said their symptoms come and go.  Along with mine I get very  faint feeling and need air. Definitely feels like the pressure of my bra is making it hard for me to breathe and I need fresh or cold air to keep me from fainting.  Ugh. I’m 50 and can’t take much more of this. It alters your life. Nice to know you’re not alone though. smile

  • Edited

    I don't know if I experience the same thing, but I get stiff if I sit or lie down too long in my back, neck, etc.  And at night I find that while trying to sleep, after maybe 7 hours, I am getting sore/ stiff in my chest, shoulders, and rib cage area.  Sometimes I've been awakened by what seems like I'm not able to take a deep enough breath.  I lie there after waking and try to breathe in, but can't seem to fill my lungs completely until I sit up.  I've tried to figure out why, and it seems like it has to do with being too stiff from lying down too long.  If I get up and move around for 15 minutes or so, I can go back to bed again and feel mostly unsore and I can get a deep breath easily again.  This soreness upon sitting/lying down has increased for about three years now.  It seems every 6 months or so a new place will become chronically sore.  The latest place I've noticed is my right elbow.  I have always been very healthy, and exercised regularly.   I'm 43, still have regular periods, but they are not quite like they used to be.  I have had some hot flashes off and on since about 38.  My knees have begun to creak and pop ( like rice krispies) and I have brain fog ( go into a room and have to stand there for  a little bit to remember what I came in there for.  Does anyone else experience the difficulty getting a full breath after lying down too long thing?

    • Edited

      Hi Jan

      Im 52 and ive been dealing with the same thing for the past 7 years , thats one symptom that doesnt go away for me.. Like you , my upper body is so stiff if im seating or laying down.. what helps me is walking even if its for 15 minutes, it will stop..but at night , i will get up and my shoulders feel so tight and shore i have to get up and walk around try to strerch..and the burning special on the breast area and torso it drives me crazy.. i notice mine it comes a week before my period and seem to get a bit better when im done.

      Feel better, just know that it gets easier. In the beginning iuts very frightening because we dont really know whats happening with our body and if its something really serious wrong with us! But after years and years living with this craziness you get used to it, your anxciety slowly gets better and so is the severity of your symptoms..i use to get so stress and scared, i will bring on a panic attact and run to the ER!!! Things will get better!

      Xxxx

  • Posted

    I just had a horrific episode of tightness in chest area and having difficulty breathing and swallowing. Thank God my son was here to help me calm down. I am 44 and feel like i am going crazy. i cannot believe my life has come down to this. Everyday a new crazy symptom, when will this end.

  • Posted

    Hi ...yup !in fact just replied to another post about the same thing..joy of joys !!

    Ps ..i have wondered if it could be caused by dehydration so going to try to drink more .I also have severe non diabetic blood sugar symptoms which sometimes can do it too ..eating seems to ease it for a while .

    Love this stuff !

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