Severe anxiety and panic attacks especially in the am
Posted , 8 users are following.
I'm 47. Went to Gyno. Drew blood. Gave Rx for estradiol progesterone and fluoxetine. Two days later blood results are postmenopausal yet had a period 2 mo ago. Feel a little better. Severe fear and shakiness in the am. No desire whatsoever to eat at all. Really thinking I am going crazy. Really crazy. How long till I feel normal.
3 likes, 15 replies
annieschaefer kim91367
Posted
Many of us feel like we are going crazy......we're not. Yoga, mindful meditation, relaxation tapes, Vitamin supplements and some minerals as well are helpful. JayNeeJay has many lovely posts on here on how she has navigated through this unpredictable as have many others.
Keep in mind Kim, this is temporary.......really it is.....you sound like anxiety (very very common complaint) is getting the best of you right now. Please as silly as it sounds and hard to do in the middle of feeling lousy, try not to let it overwhelm you-it disappears faster.
Good luck and please look around and check out the site and meet the lovely ladies here. I have improved greatly by checking in and learning new things at least weekly on here.
Best,
Annie
susan556 kim91367
Posted
Sue
annieschaefer susan556
Posted
You are right, you have to go without a period for a whole year before being considered menopausal. The blood work isn't that reliable, that's why many doctors don't run these labs at this point. She's considered Periemenopausal, just like me.
My former doctor declared me menopausal with bloodwork and only 4 months post periods. I ended up having the periods start again 2 months later, so no question that I found a new doctor at that point. Very confusing time, worse when the physician is clueless! I have learned so much by coming on this site. It's been a Godsend!
Annie
susan21149 kim91367
Posted
I am 46 and in post menopause myself. Around Christmas I was having a lot of anxieties my worst was when I had a panic attack on Christmas Eve my blood pressure and my heart rate were sky high.
I was shaky and fearful cried a lot and screamed and just really moody.
It has cut down some but I still have some of the anxiousness there at times and problems with stools and urine due to meds and anxieties.
Things will get better just give it time
anita31460 kim91367
Posted
My heart goes out to you. Reading your post could have been me a couple of months ago. It is REALLY common to get early morning waking and anxiety attacks with peri so please be reassured you are definitely not alone and not losing it! I too had a really tough time over Christmas and there were many times I felt like I couldn't cope any more and wanted to bow out of life. It was really scary. I finally found a physician who was an expert in this field and understood my situation. Just that was enough to help calm the anxieties. As many ladies have said on here you have to find what works for you. I know many demonise HRT but I have been taking it for 4 weeks now in combination with a Mirena coil and anti depressants and I'm starting to get my life back. I still get the early morning anxiety but I know if I get up and moving it will pass. I did an 8 week course in mindfulness meditation which was great and has really helped me to reassess the way I think about things. More than anything it has taught me to be kind to myself and give myself some space. This time of life just really sucks! I've found talking about it to good friends and trying to laugh at ourselves really helps too. I hope things get better for you and you find a path through that is right for you. What I will say is don't let others experiences and prejudices put you off doing what's right for you.
Take care my lovely.
Anita x
jayneejay kim91367
Posted
Ladies are not post menopause until periods have stopped for 12-14 months.
( unless surgically removed ovaries ) then sooner
Blood test results..
There is a big difference in menopausal range ( not reached post meno)
and post menopause
Good luck
jay x
Ruthie49 kim91367
Posted
These can be new and overwhelming symptoms but you are not going mad. I've experienced anxiety in my life but nothing like the very distinctive panic attacks of peri that just seem to come out of nowhere and surge right through my body. I've been having this for nearly six months, sometimes they stop for a few weeks and then return. Just lately I've been waking every morning again with tingling and fullness in my arms and hands, a trembling inside and a complete dread and panic about facing the day. I just try to get up and do what I normally do but it's HARD.
It's worse when you first experience it. After several times you start to adapt to it a little and realise that it does wax and wane. These are difficult sensations to deal with but try to ride them out, hold on and keep believing that this is a phase that will pass.
Ruthie49 kim91367
Posted
dixie63 kim91367
Posted
I have been this way for quite awhile. I've tried antidepressants, klonopin, and hrt. So far, nothing has broken this cycle.
I am 52, and have begun skipping periods, so am hoping the end is near.
I don't have a solution, just wanted to add my experience, and say I believe it is part of the transition unfortunately.
susan21149 dixie63
Posted
i am on antideprssants and attivan to control mine.
Things will get better don't worry
dixie63 susan21149
Posted
I've been on Lexapro for about 5 years now, and have been thinking of trying something different. Do you mind if I ask which antidepressant you have found to work best?
I believe the Lexapro has pooped out on me!
susan21149 dixie63
Posted
dixie63 susan21149
Posted
I will ask my doctor about Zoloft, and the trazodone sounds like a possiblity too. I have been using Klonopin for sleep, but it doesn't seem to last through the night.
kim91367
Posted
susan21149 kim91367
Posted
I hope things work out for you