whitedove555
09-16-2003, 02:34 AM
the past yr i have had very very bad nerves, anxiety and panic attacks and agoraphobia.i am 44.5 yrs old. last night i went to bed calm....i woke up at 5 am drenched in sweat, had to change clothing, etc.....fear cancer ! anybody else in there 40-s been here ? my cycles are still regular..24-28 days.thanks in advance
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Monday1954
09-16-2003, 07:59 AM
Whitedove, join the club. I was around 43 when I began having the night sweats. They were infrequent at first then they became more habitual. The only change in my period seemded to be that they came more often, instead of my usual 32 to 34 day cycle they started being 24 to 28 days and the bleeding was quite intense at times. For example, if we were going out I would put in a new tampax and by the time we got where we were going, it would be leaking, had to start wearing a pad also.
The anxiety, well.........I had always considered myself to be pretty calm and laid back.........until perimenopause. My children were making me a nervous wreck, you shouldn't have to have teenagers while going through this, seems like it would be much later. The old body can only stand so much stress. At first I chalked the feeling of dread and anxiety up to worry about my children. My heart would pound and sometimes I felt like I was going to have a heart attack, I also became depressed around this time.
My mood.........boy was I mean, like having the worst pms ever, it seemed to me that I was always having pms.
I never complained to my doctor about all of the above symptoms, thought they were the result of stress. The only thing I brought up was maybe I needed some anti-depressants. Tried Celexa, didn't do the trick. When I was 46 (49) now, I finally told the doctor about my night sweats, etc. She did a test and told me my FSH was elevated and I could try Prempro and that I wouldn't have any more periods after being on it for about 3 months. What a god send for me!!! HRT is not for everyone but, my periods stopped (a blessing, they had become a real pain in the rear), the night sweats stopped and I stopped feeling so depressed and anxious all the time. Now I feel much better, when I was your age I didn't really know much about perimenopause, I just thought that somewhere around 50 (average age for menopause) my periods would stop and I would have hot flashes, no big deal. Don't we all wish it were that easy. I started educating myself and I was a classic case of perimenopause (when I heard it could last for up to 10 years, I felt another anxiety attack coming on).
Welcome to the club and talk to your doctor.
The anxiety, well.........I had always considered myself to be pretty calm and laid back.........until perimenopause. My children were making me a nervous wreck, you shouldn't have to have teenagers while going through this, seems like it would be much later. The old body can only stand so much stress. At first I chalked the feeling of dread and anxiety up to worry about my children. My heart would pound and sometimes I felt like I was going to have a heart attack, I also became depressed around this time.
My mood.........boy was I mean, like having the worst pms ever, it seemed to me that I was always having pms.
I never complained to my doctor about all of the above symptoms, thought they were the result of stress. The only thing I brought up was maybe I needed some anti-depressants. Tried Celexa, didn't do the trick. When I was 46 (49) now, I finally told the doctor about my night sweats, etc. She did a test and told me my FSH was elevated and I could try Prempro and that I wouldn't have any more periods after being on it for about 3 months. What a god send for me!!! HRT is not for everyone but, my periods stopped (a blessing, they had become a real pain in the rear), the night sweats stopped and I stopped feeling so depressed and anxious all the time. Now I feel much better, when I was your age I didn't really know much about perimenopause, I just thought that somewhere around 50 (average age for menopause) my periods would stop and I would have hot flashes, no big deal. Don't we all wish it were that easy. I started educating myself and I was a classic case of perimenopause (when I heard it could last for up to 10 years, I felt another anxiety attack coming on).
Welcome to the club and talk to your doctor.
whitedove555
09-16-2003, 11:32 AM
thank you soooo much for replying ! i can cope with the known ......i think. lol. i think i am going to see if my dr will run that test and maybe some others. not knowing about perimenopause i had my 5th child at age 37.5 . she is now 6.5......this makes it very hard !i hope this isnt daily ! thank you again !
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kim
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kim
mlgable
09-17-2003, 11:41 AM
Night sweats was my first indication that I was entering perimenopause. Gradually a lot of the other symtoms came along but when they tested my hormones a couple years ago I laughed when they called me with my results and told them I could have told them I was in perimenopause because of my night sweats and other symptoms. Seeing your doctor is the first step in deciding which route to take with your perimenopause. Due to many risk factors I am braving it with no hormone replacement therapy but my health care provider is always ready to help and guide me as needed.
whitedove555
09-18-2003, 09:53 AM
thank you for replying. what other smptoms did you have? i have been a long term suffer of panic and anxiety attacks but i was free of them from 1994-last year when they came back with a vengeance. i used to have TONS of energy...the past 3 -6 mths it has been a HUGE effort to just do dishes. my dr ran loads of tests and found nothing. i adore my family but feel flat with them. i dont know if any of these feelings could be perimenopause related or not? thank you, kim
T-bone-Mama
09-19-2003, 12:25 AM
I find this thread very interesting because I have been trying to sort out all the feelings I have been having the past 6 months. How can you tell major depression from anxiety from perimenopause? I have not been to see a DR. because we do not have insurance right now, but I have most of the symptoms of depression plus anxiety thrown in too. I am 46, M/with 3 kids 9-18 yrs. old. I have been through hell the past year with my 15 year old daughter who has a drug problem. She has gotten help and is doing much better, but I feel like a wreck. I have never been depressed before, in fact I have always been pretty calm and easy going. I still have regular periods, although they come closer together and are heavier than before. I have never had a night sweat or hot flash, but I feel like I am in a constant state of severe PMS! The best time for me is the week after my period; I feel almost normal. Should I see a shrink or my Gyn? I don't really want to do anti-depressants or HRT, but I also need to function and take care of my family. I know from reading all your posts I am not alone! Please keep responding.
Monday1954
09-19-2003, 04:49 AM
T-Bone, i bumped up a thread called natural products for menopause. You might look into some of the products that are talked about, or go to a health store and do some research.
I have never tried any of the things that are listed but you might find something that helps you. About four years ago I did try some anti-depressants and they were not agreeable with me, in some ways I was worse than before.
I have never tried any of the things that are listed but you might find something that helps you. About four years ago I did try some anti-depressants and they were not agreeable with me, in some ways I was worse than before.
T-bone-Mama
09-19-2003, 06:15 PM
Thanks for bumping that other thread up, Monday. Here is a list of products that I have seen recommended so far: (probably missed some- sorry)
5-HTP
Tryptophan
BeCalm'd
Arg Nit
Rescue Remedy
Calms-Forte
Lavender essential Oil
So, today I headed to the local health-food store and picked up some 5-HTP, 100 mgs. I'm going to take it before going to bed, since it may cause drowsiness. I want to try one thing at a time, so if I feel better I'll know what to give credit too! Next I may add the Lavender Essential Oil. Some other supplements that I've been taking for awhile are: evening primrose oil; extra B-vitamins; magnesium and fish oil. I really think we should all try to stay away from the anti-depressants, they just have way too many side effects. Besides, perimenopause is NOT a mental illness, is it??!! (Seems like it, though!)
5-HTP
Tryptophan
BeCalm'd
Arg Nit
Rescue Remedy
Calms-Forte
Lavender essential Oil
So, today I headed to the local health-food store and picked up some 5-HTP, 100 mgs. I'm going to take it before going to bed, since it may cause drowsiness. I want to try one thing at a time, so if I feel better I'll know what to give credit too! Next I may add the Lavender Essential Oil. Some other supplements that I've been taking for awhile are: evening primrose oil; extra B-vitamins; magnesium and fish oil. I really think we should all try to stay away from the anti-depressants, they just have way too many side effects. Besides, perimenopause is NOT a mental illness, is it??!! (Seems like it, though!)
Monday1954
10-09-2003, 03:09 PM
bump
cat7888
11-04-2003, 12:12 PM
I find this thread very interesting because I have been trying to sort out all the feelings I have been having the past 6 months. How can you tell major depression from anxiety from perimenopause? I have not been to see a DR. because we do not have insurance right now, but I have most of the symptoms of depression plus anxiety thrown in too. I am 46, M/with 3 kids 9-18 yrs. old. I have been through hell the past year with my 15 year old daughter who has a drug problem. She has gotten help and is doing much better, but I feel like a wreck. I have never been depressed before, in fact I have always been pretty calm and easy going. I still have regular periods, although they come closer together and are heavier than before. I have never had a night sweat or hot flash, but I feel like I am in a constant state of severe PMS! The best time for me is the week after my period; I feel almost normal. Should I see a shrink or my Gyn? I don't really want to do anti-depressants or HRT, but I also need to function and take care of my family. I know from reading all your posts I am not alone! Please keep responding.
How can you tell major depression from anxiety from perimenopause?
is a good question. I have suffered from periodic depression over the years (started after my kids were born) so I am pretty analytical about my symptoms. The main difference of periM and depression is that there ARE days that you feel almost normal. With Depression, the fog does not lift as easily. Waking up with night sweats,or just feeling warm, is differnt than waking up and just staring at the walls. My appetite goes away when I am depressed, it increases now. In fact I often want sweets now, which nomally (in before PerM stage) was only before my period. the differnces are minor, they may be combined, so analyse all of them and then talk to your doctor. Anyway you go about, these are physical symptoms for a clinical problems that can be addresssed
How can you tell major depression from anxiety from perimenopause?
is a good question. I have suffered from periodic depression over the years (started after my kids were born) so I am pretty analytical about my symptoms. The main difference of periM and depression is that there ARE days that you feel almost normal. With Depression, the fog does not lift as easily. Waking up with night sweats,or just feeling warm, is differnt than waking up and just staring at the walls. My appetite goes away when I am depressed, it increases now. In fact I often want sweets now, which nomally (in before PerM stage) was only before my period. the differnces are minor, they may be combined, so analyse all of them and then talk to your doctor. Anyway you go about, these are physical symptoms for a clinical problems that can be addresssed
sapphira
11-06-2003, 02:38 AM
whitedove, i am perimenopausal and was having symptoms like you. i had no energy to get anything done and felt lousy. my dr. put me on lexapro for anxiety/depression and it seems to be helping.
sapphira
sapphira
Belle2003
11-08-2003, 12:55 AM
I have found that since I have turned 45 when I drink any caffienated drink, I become a very short and irritable person. Most of the time I didn't even realize I was doing it. It was like I was PMSing every day of the month. I now only drink non-caffiene drinks. My family and work have been very appreciative. I feel better too because it made me stressed and I had trouble relaxing. This could be affecting you too and causing stress without you realizing it.
MagnaV45
11-13-2003, 04:41 PM
Kim
Anxiety, depression and agoraphobia can be perimenopausal signs. I suffer from anxiety, periodic depression and mood instability. Also have night sweats or flushes, insomnia, increase in migraines, ovarian cysts, etc, etc. I am 43. This has been going on for almost 4 years and I finally found a female gyn to work with me on all this crap. The male Dr. I had just put me on antidepessants and acted like I was nuts. Then told me if I would just quit smoking all my problems would go away :confused: (I know smoking isn't good for me but I don't want to hear about it ladies :rolleyes: )
I now use progesterone, B6, E, magnesium, and calcium. It is helping. But I think the thing that is helping the most is having a Dr who will work with me and believe that I know my body better than they do in some ways.
Listen to your body and your instinct. If you think meds would help then try them, but if not then try something else.
Everyone on this message board knows the others are really sane :D just going thu a natural phase in life. We're not sick or unhealthy just menopausal :eek:
Hope things go well for you - R
Anxiety, depression and agoraphobia can be perimenopausal signs. I suffer from anxiety, periodic depression and mood instability. Also have night sweats or flushes, insomnia, increase in migraines, ovarian cysts, etc, etc. I am 43. This has been going on for almost 4 years and I finally found a female gyn to work with me on all this crap. The male Dr. I had just put me on antidepessants and acted like I was nuts. Then told me if I would just quit smoking all my problems would go away :confused: (I know smoking isn't good for me but I don't want to hear about it ladies :rolleyes: )
I now use progesterone, B6, E, magnesium, and calcium. It is helping. But I think the thing that is helping the most is having a Dr who will work with me and believe that I know my body better than they do in some ways.
Listen to your body and your instinct. If you think meds would help then try them, but if not then try something else.
Everyone on this message board knows the others are really sane :D just going thu a natural phase in life. We're not sick or unhealthy just menopausal :eek:
Hope things go well for you - R
windymoon
11-25-2003, 12:16 AM
Kim>>Fear YES I can relate when I had my first night sweat I went into the ER. My heart was pounding and I had a major panic attack. I tried BC pills and they help the three weeks I took them every month but the 7 days I was off the night sweats and hot flashes where from hell. Plus I cried all the time> I was never a crier even doing a sad movie. My GP finally put me atvian at bed time and BINGO! I sleep better and have a little more energy>nothing like I used to have tho!
electfew
11-28-2003, 12:42 AM
I've been going thru this for 12 yrs, and still have normal periods. I did have teens when I was going thru the early 40's, am now 47. That timing is really tough! Night sweats and hot flashes for me anyway, have been controlled by Black Cohosh. I wrote a reply under that. A good anti-depressant would help with the mental end of things. I take Wellbutrin XL. If your anxiety attacks are bothersome you could mention it to your doctor. There is a good medicine for anxiety, its called Buspar. My husband takes it when needed because he has a high pressure job with the public. I took it a couple times after the house got hit by lightening. I would get really scared and almost hide under the bed (if it was high enough). Now, when it thunders close, I don't get so full of anxiety as time helps.