Hi Everybody,

According to some recent bloodwork, I'm starting early menopause (I'm almost 46); this year I've been missing the occasional period, followed by a heavier one, although most months I'm still kind of regular. Of course, I've had misc. perimenopause symptoms for about four years now, including night sweats, hot flashes, and anxiety, but something new these past couple weeks has me concerned. I'm an avid walker, bicyclist, and have been getting back into running again. I love to exercise and always feel my best when I'm doing something active. About two weeks ago I started having episodes of vertigo/light-headed feeling when walking or running, particularly when walking up a very steep hill near our house (the first time it happened I had hot and cold flashes right afterward). It doesn't seem to happen when I bicycle.

Naturally, I'm worrying about my heart, even though earlier this summer I gave it quite a stress-test participating in a 200 mile bike ride over two days and had no problems. Could this just be another weird and annoying menopause symptom? Any comforting insights or advice would be soooo welcome!

Thanks much,

Mackenzie PS. By the way, I've been taking paxil for panic attacks and anxiety for several years and reduced my dose a few months ago to 10 mg. I suppose it's possible that may be contributing to this?

I do the same thing...I guess that is my worst sign of peri is the vertigo and lightheadness....Cause then that throws me into an anxiety attack....If i could just think that its those hormones going crazy maybe it wouldnt bother me so bad...It also makes you feel it put limitations in your life...When you are out doing something that you love and then the vertigo sets in you dont enjoy it as much...Take Care:)

Thanks so much for replying, and I'm sorry you're facing the same thing! I also start getting very anxious when the vertigo hits, which just makes things worse! I haven't had a full-blown panic attack yet, since I'm still taking paxil, but on the lower dosage I do feel more anxious when I have weird symptoms of any kind, immediately thinking the worse.

I'm determined not to let this stop me from doing what I love, but it sure is a bummer!

Thanks again, and hang in there:)