lilian123
09-27-2003, 05:24 PM
I'm new to this board. I've been in menopause for almost a year; I'm 45. I thought the hot flashes were over, but they have come back in the past few months. I'm not taking anything. I'm wondering if anyone else out there has associated anxiety with the onset of a flash. I've found that just having a fleeting thought of something that worries me or encountering a minor inconvenience resuts in a feeling that starts in the pit of my stomach(an emotioanl feeling) and then the flash just washes like a wave over my body. I'm very certain that there is anxiety involved . I've never had anxiety attacks, so I'm really wondering if the hot flash is a physical manifestation of anxiety or anxiety is a manifestation of menopause or what. Also, why in the world would a doctor want to recommend an antidepressant versus an anti-anxiety drug because they think the anti-anxiety drugs are addictive. My doctor recommended Effexor(an anti-depessant) which has night sweats as a side effect and a whole website of unhappy addicted users who went through heck 'coming off' it. I decided not to fill the prescription. I hate drugs altogether but am open to other people's recommendations. I'd also like to hear about anyone's new found experinece with anxiety upon the onset of menopause and any observed links to hot flashes. I guess I really just want to know I'm not alone.
Sponsor
prendi
09-27-2003, 05:42 PM
hi lilian,
i am 49 and going thru the menopause, i have hot sweats,anxiety ,a feeling of pressure in my head,i can hear my heartbeat in my ears,shaky weak legs,headaches the list is endless.i am always worried.my doc put me on anti deppressants 7 years ago for the pressure in my head,they dont work though they just knock me to sleep,i dont think mine are addictive,i just wonder what i would be like without them ,the things us women have to put up with,good luck,
i am 49 and going thru the menopause, i have hot sweats,anxiety ,a feeling of pressure in my head,i can hear my heartbeat in my ears,shaky weak legs,headaches the list is endless.i am always worried.my doc put me on anti deppressants 7 years ago for the pressure in my head,they dont work though they just knock me to sleep,i dont think mine are addictive,i just wonder what i would be like without them ,the things us women have to put up with,good luck,
Monday1954
09-27-2003, 09:08 PM
Windwater, you know better, no one would buy anything from us menopausal women in hot pants, they would be rolling on the ground laughing - why doctors don't realize this is beyond me - I hate to trade my body for an estrogen fix, not that anyone would buy it, they would take it back for a full refund in 1 hour.
I really do think it is easier for doctors to perscribe what they call "real" medicine, they must not consider estrogen/progesterone necessary for life.
For years now I have been convinced that men created all of the modern marvels of medicine, can you imagine what would happen to mammograms if all men were required to go once per year to have their testicles flattened and squeezed???? I think we would have a different method of detecting changes in breast tissue if testicles were subjected to the same treatment.
I really do think it is easier for doctors to perscribe what they call "real" medicine, they must not consider estrogen/progesterone necessary for life.
For years now I have been convinced that men created all of the modern marvels of medicine, can you imagine what would happen to mammograms if all men were required to go once per year to have their testicles flattened and squeezed???? I think we would have a different method of detecting changes in breast tissue if testicles were subjected to the same treatment.
bubbly
09-28-2003, 09:29 PM
Prendi, your symptoms sounds like a thumbprint of mine...All these things started this spring...overheating at night around 2am about 15 days out of month, anxiety with nervous hands shaky hands sometimes, & I feel the throbbing of my pulse in my neck, head & stomach area, shaky & weak legs (just awful), & the strangest "pressure" & just a weird undescribable feeling in my head, sore breasts (about 15 days out of month), & feeling that my concentration is harder to keep...I don't feel as creative & excited about life...this stuff has taken the "umph" out of the joys I love.
I'm 41 & could never relate to all of those women who were having those "hormonal" problems...I was very "indifferent" to their concerns, but boy oh boy do I now have sympathy for anyone going through this...& unfortunately, the "fertility gods" have wreaked their revenge on me for my apathy :)
My gyn has prescribed to me "Aleese" birth control pills to hopefully help with my symptoms of low estrogen/progesterone output. I'll let ya'll know if it helps...
What are you other ladies doing for your symptoms with regards to medications?
Thanks for sharing & also any responses.
Bubbly
I'm 41 & could never relate to all of those women who were having those "hormonal" problems...I was very "indifferent" to their concerns, but boy oh boy do I now have sympathy for anyone going through this...& unfortunately, the "fertility gods" have wreaked their revenge on me for my apathy :)
My gyn has prescribed to me "Aleese" birth control pills to hopefully help with my symptoms of low estrogen/progesterone output. I'll let ya'll know if it helps...
What are you other ladies doing for your symptoms with regards to medications?
Thanks for sharing & also any responses.
Bubbly
LauraLynn
10-03-2003, 05:16 PM
Bubbly we sound so much alike..I have that same weird feeling in my head and face sort of like a burning sensation. I feel so odd at times..Like I am losing my mind, I don't feel like myself at all anymore..my doctor has me on Xanax for anxiety which started a few months ago, he doesn't think my anxiety is related to menopause but I think it is. I have an appt with my gyno for an exam soon and I'm going to ask for a complete bloodwork up to see what's going on..I just want to feel myself again and not feel so nervous and dreading each day wondering how I will feel.
Geneva1
10-03-2003, 07:10 PM
Lilian,
I'm 44, in perimenopause, and have the anxiety. Never had it before, so it doesnt take a rocket scientist (or Dr) to figure out that it has something to do with hormones! I get that same "wave" you mentioned with my hot flashes. Mine starts in my stomach too, an emotional feeling that works it's way up. I'm not taking any meds at all. I want to try the natural progesterone cream, but still investigating what kind I need. I'm only taking vitamins, and choosing foods in low glycemic index. My Nutritionist lectured me about how important it is for us to keep our blood sugar stable during the change of life. She said our whole system becomes much more delicate than it was before, especially our Thyroid, and we can't eat the same foods that we used to. I can be stubborn as a mule, and didn't believe her at first, went on about my way, eating whatever my little heart desired, getting flabby and gaining more and more weight around my stomach. Finally got fed up with it, and decided to try eating the way she suggested. Believe it or not, my hot flashes & anxiety have almost completely stopped, and the ONLY thing I've changed is what I'm eating.
Geneva
I'm 44, in perimenopause, and have the anxiety. Never had it before, so it doesnt take a rocket scientist (or Dr) to figure out that it has something to do with hormones! I get that same "wave" you mentioned with my hot flashes. Mine starts in my stomach too, an emotional feeling that works it's way up. I'm not taking any meds at all. I want to try the natural progesterone cream, but still investigating what kind I need. I'm only taking vitamins, and choosing foods in low glycemic index. My Nutritionist lectured me about how important it is for us to keep our blood sugar stable during the change of life. She said our whole system becomes much more delicate than it was before, especially our Thyroid, and we can't eat the same foods that we used to. I can be stubborn as a mule, and didn't believe her at first, went on about my way, eating whatever my little heart desired, getting flabby and gaining more and more weight around my stomach. Finally got fed up with it, and decided to try eating the way she suggested. Believe it or not, my hot flashes & anxiety have almost completely stopped, and the ONLY thing I've changed is what I'm eating.
Geneva
Geneva1
10-03-2003, 07:19 PM
Wind@Water,
Girlfriend, I hope you're not on the same street corner I've been on lately, I don't need no competition!
<grin>
Geneva
Girlfriend, I hope you're not on the same street corner I've been on lately, I don't need no competition!
<grin>
Geneva
dizzy572
10-03-2003, 09:54 PM
Is this what is causing my symptoms????? Warm and sweaty at night......some mornings I wake up and feel weak.....shaky......legs feel wobbly.....I get pressure in my head......ran to the ER for that.....Cat Scan of the head was OK.....so I aksed the doc why my head felt like someone pumped it up with air????? He didn't know. Blood pressure has gone high.....going next friday for meds for that.......don't feel real well......at times I think I have something really horribly wrong with me. Is this the Big Pause??????? If so......it sucks. Sorry.....but that is how I feel.....
Edit....I meant to add that I was also having the dizzies....the ER said I had labryinthis...viral...or could be from my bad allergies.....I feel a mess....not sure where one disorder ends and the other begins.
[This message has been edited by dizzy572 (edited 10-03-2003).]
Edit....I meant to add that I was also having the dizzies....the ER said I had labryinthis...viral...or could be from my bad allergies.....I feel a mess....not sure where one disorder ends and the other begins.
[This message has been edited by dizzy572 (edited 10-03-2003).]
maddux417
10-04-2003, 08:17 AM
I have had several episodes of labyrinthitis and yes it is most disturbing, the dizziness triggers my panic disorder which adds a whole other dimension to the horror. lol. I haven't yet had the head filled with air symptom of meno. My mom did and the Dr. gave her "nerve pills" for it. Poor Dr's., we give them such fits with all our bothersome symptoms. I'm just glad to live in these times instead of a few generations ago. My boss says the state hospitals were full of women who, the only thing wrong with them was they were going through the change and their husbands and the dr's. would decide to put them away til it passed. YIKES.
bride527
10-04-2003, 11:29 AM
Three years ago I started with the anxiety. It was pretty new to me.....I am a very excitable person but the anxious feelings that would come out of the blue were more than I could handle.....I did tons of reading on the subject and learned as much as i could about anxiety and ways to handle it or as they say "work through it".....I finally had my hormones tested via blood work and a saliva test and they came back that i was low in Estrogen and Progesterone.....which causes anxiety. That was enough to convince me that it was a hormonal thing with me. I am 51 and skipping my periods here and there....I take .25mg of Xanax "as needed"......It has helped me alot and i don't worry about the addiction part of it because i don't take them enough to worry about that. I would rather take something as I need it than everyday. But some women need an antidepressant everyday, so that is up to the individual.....I take lots of vitamins, watch my diet, walk daily and do Yoga. These are all things that I have learned over the last couple of years that really seem to help.....We are not going crazy, we are just in Premenopause or Menopause. Our poor mothers didn't know what was happening to them at the time...I guess we can feel lucky that we do.hang in there, you certainly are not alone. bride527
maddux417
10-04-2003, 09:42 PM
I had my first panic attack at 5, so that part is nothing new. My condition is clinical in nature but can be exascerbated by stress and of course influenced by hormones, but i have had so much therapy that I am stable w/o meds. Like you I only took Xanax prn because I didn't want to get addicted and then have some Dr. say "oops, sorry, my mistake, we can no longer write that script.
lilian123
10-04-2003, 09:46 PM
I haven't checked this thread lately so thank you Bride and Geneva. I saw my gyn Friday(for a 3 year old ovarian cyst**) and asked her about the anxiety + flashes. She already knew that I did not like hormones and I guess assumed I didn't like drugs either. So, she mentioned an herbal supplement which turned out to be Remifemin(sorry the box is upstairs, and I can't remember the name exactly). Anyway, she gave me a 6 month supply for free. She agreed with the anxiety part. I like her because she is honest. Last year she said, 'You know 6 months ago I would have recommended hormones but right now all we know is that everyone is different and we really don't know the effects of hormones'. I admired that. I have breast cancer family history and wouldn't take hormones anyway.
Geneva, tell me more about diet or perhaps an internet site I could investigate.
**[About the cyst, I get a sono every 6 months. This time the tech indicated perhaps some solid area--usually they say fluid filled and that's it. Gyn ordered a CA 125 blood test and she is going to have my last 2 films compared. It's not the end of the world for them to take out my ovary-after all- it's doing nothing. But why have surgery if it's not necessary; even the gyn agreed last time].
Geneva, tell me more about diet or perhaps an internet site I could investigate.
**[About the cyst, I get a sono every 6 months. This time the tech indicated perhaps some solid area--usually they say fluid filled and that's it. Gyn ordered a CA 125 blood test and she is going to have my last 2 films compared. It's not the end of the world for them to take out my ovary-after all- it's doing nothing. But why have surgery if it's not necessary; even the gyn agreed last time].
longell
10-05-2003, 12:14 AM
I also get the anxiety/hot feeling. I am 55 and am in menoupause(7 mths.)
I have those odd feelings also.
I take Lexapro daily (low dose) for my anxiety(which I've always had), and a xanax for panic(once in a while).It helps ,somewhat.
I have those odd feelings also.
I take Lexapro daily (low dose) for my anxiety(which I've always had), and a xanax for panic(once in a while).It helps ,somewhat.
Geneva1
10-05-2003, 04:17 PM
Lilian,
Search "glycemic index" & "zone diet", but search them separately, or you will only get a bunch of diet ads.
The Glycemic Index (GI)will show you lists of foods, & where they fall into a catagory of low, moderate, or high on the index scale. Eating foods from the "low" list will prevent excessive levels of insulin in the body, and keep our sugar levels stable. Believe me, you won't see anything that we haven't been hearing for years. We have to go back to simple healthy eating, stay away from processed foods, eat the right kind of carbs,(like brown rice, bread, & pasta instead white) lots of veggies, lean meat, blah blah blah! The Zone Diet is pretty much the same thing, except there are all kinds of diet aids you can buy to use with it. (protein drinks, bars etc) These days, instead of hearing "low carb" all the time, we're starting to hear "low glycemic".
I don't know if you need to lose any weight, but I've gained 20 lbs since being in perimeno! My Dr tells me that once I actually menopause, the weight will go away on it's own, but I'm not going to sit around and wait for that to happen, since it could be 10 years! I'm got to start fighting it now. My Nutritionist told me not to worry about weight, worry about eating the right way, and the rest will take care of itself. I started it because of my hot flashes & anxiety, which have been drastically reduced, but noticed after a couple of weeks that my weight is dropping as well.
I tried Remifemin. It gave me stomach cramps and gas.
Are you taking any vitamins? If not, it might be good idea.
Geneva
Search "glycemic index" & "zone diet", but search them separately, or you will only get a bunch of diet ads.
The Glycemic Index (GI)will show you lists of foods, & where they fall into a catagory of low, moderate, or high on the index scale. Eating foods from the "low" list will prevent excessive levels of insulin in the body, and keep our sugar levels stable. Believe me, you won't see anything that we haven't been hearing for years. We have to go back to simple healthy eating, stay away from processed foods, eat the right kind of carbs,(like brown rice, bread, & pasta instead white) lots of veggies, lean meat, blah blah blah! The Zone Diet is pretty much the same thing, except there are all kinds of diet aids you can buy to use with it. (protein drinks, bars etc) These days, instead of hearing "low carb" all the time, we're starting to hear "low glycemic".
I don't know if you need to lose any weight, but I've gained 20 lbs since being in perimeno! My Dr tells me that once I actually menopause, the weight will go away on it's own, but I'm not going to sit around and wait for that to happen, since it could be 10 years! I'm got to start fighting it now. My Nutritionist told me not to worry about weight, worry about eating the right way, and the rest will take care of itself. I started it because of my hot flashes & anxiety, which have been drastically reduced, but noticed after a couple of weeks that my weight is dropping as well.
I tried Remifemin. It gave me stomach cramps and gas.
Are you taking any vitamins? If not, it might be good idea.
Geneva
beaches5182
10-13-2003, 03:40 AM
lilian Everything you describe about anxiety/ hot flashes is the same as me. I work at a grocery store and there are alot of customers who tick me off. Whenever i get the tiniest bit irritated i get a hot flash. i thought it was all in my head thanks for clearing that up
SusanGene
10-13-2003, 02:04 PM
I am on HRT but still get flashes if I'm rushed - even a little rushed.
Two weeks ago we went to this huge dinner; the a/c wasn't working right. Never have I stood in a warm room sweating like a fat pig while talking to various people. I wonder what they thought of me with that wet face?? Smiling at them I was praying they wouldn't see my perspiration. THEY weren't sweating.
Question: when do the symptoms end? Age 65? 70? 75?
My MIL was 80 when she told me she had "awful anxiety." So encouraging for our future.
------------------
Susan Gene
Two weeks ago we went to this huge dinner; the a/c wasn't working right. Never have I stood in a warm room sweating like a fat pig while talking to various people. I wonder what they thought of me with that wet face?? Smiling at them I was praying they wouldn't see my perspiration. THEY weren't sweating.
Question: when do the symptoms end? Age 65? 70? 75?
My MIL was 80 when she told me she had "awful anxiety." So encouraging for our future.
------------------
Susan Gene
cowgal
10-13-2003, 04:12 PM
Girls, oh girls, oh girls. I enjoyed all the posts so much, I'm a year into this, and it is a little better now. Cycled Sept '02, again in Feb and then again 2 weeks ago. Hot flashes at 2 am, weight gain with no changes in activity level or diet and I'm talking about 10 pounds and it's all in my belly, ready to fight at the drop of a hat, some weeks you sleep-some you don't, crying over commercials, joint pain, dry skin and hair, we can go on and on.
Have been on an estrogenic herbal blend since July and I really believe it's helped the hot flashes and blood pressure spikes. Dr. told me to drink milk-32 oz-daily to help control blood pressure and after 2 weeks my blood pressure was back down in normal range. Dr. said he would rather not prescribe HRT, hubby says go get some hormones. Have been doing low-fat eating and lost some weight. Taking SAMe and it's really helped with joint pain and it's supposed to be a mood elevator. Started taking Cortisol about 3 days ago and have been very volatile ever since. Yep, ain't we having all the fun. To top it off, we're self-employed in dairy business and work together 24/7 so we have all the regular fights and then get to fight about business too. I'm really healthy and do physical work all day every day but this mood thing is something else. Don't have too many crying jags, just stay mad all the time.
Really enjoyed the "turning tricks for a tab of estrogen" and the hot pants thing too. I don't feel the least bit sexy anymore and it didn't help when hubby gave me a talk about my "sloppy fat gal sweats" but jeans weren't comfortable to wear anymore. And I am so suspicious of everything he does now. Never has given me a reason to be jealous but now I'm wondering if he has a girlfriend.
Yep, we having fun now. Good to know I'm not alone
Have been on an estrogenic herbal blend since July and I really believe it's helped the hot flashes and blood pressure spikes. Dr. told me to drink milk-32 oz-daily to help control blood pressure and after 2 weeks my blood pressure was back down in normal range. Dr. said he would rather not prescribe HRT, hubby says go get some hormones. Have been doing low-fat eating and lost some weight. Taking SAMe and it's really helped with joint pain and it's supposed to be a mood elevator. Started taking Cortisol about 3 days ago and have been very volatile ever since. Yep, ain't we having all the fun. To top it off, we're self-employed in dairy business and work together 24/7 so we have all the regular fights and then get to fight about business too. I'm really healthy and do physical work all day every day but this mood thing is something else. Don't have too many crying jags, just stay mad all the time.
Really enjoyed the "turning tricks for a tab of estrogen" and the hot pants thing too. I don't feel the least bit sexy anymore and it didn't help when hubby gave me a talk about my "sloppy fat gal sweats" but jeans weren't comfortable to wear anymore. And I am so suspicious of everything he does now. Never has given me a reason to be jealous but now I'm wondering if he has a girlfriend.
Yep, we having fun now. Good to know I'm not alone
ssMarilyn
10-14-2003, 01:54 AM
I started eating Atkins/Sommers style in May and my flashes stopped almost overnight. I also read a news article in Newsweek about women in many other countries that live off the land, do not have access to junk or processed food, and they go through menopause with zero discomfort. I tend to believe that!
Marilyn :)
Marilyn :)
Snowing
10-14-2003, 03:54 PM
I have hot flashes whenever they feel like happening. My chest heats up and I experience anxiety on not being able to breath. If I sit still and relax it will pass. Lack of sleep in the night is starting to create dark circles though. My dh suffers when we are in the car with the heat on and I suddenly switch it to air conditioning.
miasheart
10-14-2003, 10:09 PM
I am so thankful to have found this board. To see a lot of the same symptoms I have been having this past year makes me see I certainly am probably not dying! I am 46 and started getting one-sided headaches and dry eyes at 45. Then one symptom after another, panic attacks, shaky feeling, tingly feeling in arms and legs, weird pressure feeling in head, aching muscles in arms, legs, back, heart rate goes up and stays up at times, etc. I've had numerous blood tests to rule out autoimmune disease, MRI on head, CT scan on abdomen, colonoscopy, etc. and rheum. says probably has a lot to do with my hormone levels changing and restless leg syndrome which has gotten worse too. I have 3 ovarian cysts and now something showed up on a saline infusion sonogram in my uterus and will probably have to have the D&C that gyn wants to see what it is for sure. I am very upset. I have been doing relaxation breathing and using herb tea to try and get better sleep. I guess this is probably all perimenopause. I went to a chiropractor who suggests I get saliva testing for hormone levels which is more accurate than blood tests I had. Some days I pray to just get through the day. Some days I wake up and feel so achy. Right now it seems I start feeling worse mid cycle and then again right before a period.
Christine
Christine
ssMarilyn
10-15-2003, 12:15 AM
miasheart, yes this is all perimenopause. I've seen it a thousand times and for some reason or other the doctors DON'T see it...morons.... :) Anyway, I digress... You would probably benefit from using natural progesterone cream. You have to use it for a couple or three weeks to see results, but it balances out your system nicely, you sleep better, anxiety disappears, etc...You can get this cream right off the shelf at most pharmacies.
Marilyn :)
Marilyn :)
Karon
10-16-2003, 02:10 PM
I find everything here so similar to what I am going through and I am on hormones! I also get this odd pressure in my head, but I also get a foggy feeling sometimes, or maybe like cotton balls in the head sometimes and have trouble concentrating and thinking, when this happens of course I get panicky feeling and all is escalated. and I’ll forget very important things, sometimes only momentarily. Sound familiar to anyone? I’m freaking on this. Tx Karon
Yilbit
10-20-2003, 05:26 PM
Again, I am new to this board, only found it a couple days ago. I might say that this is the most informative and user-friendly "board" I have ever been on. It is great!! My question is: how long does menopause last? I know there is no GIVEN amount of time and everyone is different, but what is the general timeframe? 10 years? 5 years? Or am I going to be this way forever? I am only 38 and believe to be just begining this "wonderful" trip to "Dread-*****", but if I am just starting to see the signs with my periods being screwed up, then how many years can I expect to live in HORROR? Does it just stop one day? Or does it stop a little at a time or does it EVER stop?
[This message has been edited by Yilbit (edited 10-20-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Yilbit (edited 10-20-2003).]
Jett456
10-20-2003, 05:37 PM
Well I guess those sharp pains I get on one side of my head must be perimenopause related too!!! I was convinced I had a brain tumor or an aneurism. I think the thing about diet is very true. If I eat too many carbs and processed foods I have a lot of digestive issues and it seems that I get more anxiety and palpitations. Once of the best things I did last year was to join a strength training class for women. I haven't lost any weight but I look a lot better esp. around the middle where I starting to get a bit pudgy. I have more energy and can eat more without gaining.