Newbie- period related panic! - Panic Disorders Message Board

plainsong · 09-12-2003, 09:27 PM

Hi

. I am new to this site and wonder if any other women out there suffer panic attacks cyclically.
When I first began panicking I had them all the time but after cognitive behaviour therapy, eating a balanced diet and partaking of exercise I have found that there is a definate pattern to the panic attacks that I cant get rid of.
I have bad panic attacks when I am due to ovulate then a week without, followed by panic attacks just before my period, a day of respite, very bad panic attacks the middle three days of my period, a day of respite and panic attacks the day after my period ends, then none for a week until I ovulate again and on it goes like clockwork.
Is there anyone else that panics like this? It takes about 10-14 days a month off my life

.
I also have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome but dont think theres a link as not all pcos women panic.

Graciecat · 09-12-2003, 09:37 PM

I always get a bit more hyper right before I get my period.
But it only happens right before, not during.

rozana · 09-12-2003, 10:33 PM

Hi there,
I've had anxiety since April this year and after thinking that it happens all the time have decided to keep track of my symptoms.
I've been doing it since May and have discovered that yes, I do have anxiety mostly all of the time, but it does seem to be worse during PMS and during my period too.
I started ovulating last week and of course I had a slight panic attack (while in the post office!!!)
I just start feeling faint, lightheaded etc. Then I start panicking even more and the vicious circle goes on and on. It's 4 days until my period and I'm still anxious, depressed etc.
I'm like you. My anxiety and panic does last throughout the period (more or less)and a bit after.

Since F

plainsong · 09-12-2003, 10:49 PM

Hi Graciecat and rozana

and thanks for replying so soon.
I'm trying to find out if there may be some sort of syndrome here.
It's not pms because it's far more severe and whole cycle involved. For this reason pmdd is also ruled out.
@Rozana It's a great idea to monitor your symptoms so you can show your doctor. Also, I monitored my symptoms during cbt and it really helped. I recommend cbt to everyone cause it helps get rid of panic attacks that are caused by a build up of stress and not physical in their origin.
Any more experiences of whole-cycle panic?

montreal1951 · 09-13-2003, 06:22 PM

REGARDING PERIODS, OVULATION AND PANIC
You are not alone. I also found myself more likely to have a panic attack when I had my period. Furthermore, I was more anxious when I was ovulating. To add to that 10 days before my period I had bad PMS and there was an increased likelihood of being very anxious or even having a panic attack.
I was the most anxious and panicky from ages 12 to 22. My hormones took forever to settle down. Then I gradually got more stable....they started coming back during perimenopause.
FURTHERMORE...more women than men get this disorder.
FINALLY ...ONLY MEDICATION helped me.
THEREFORE, this is - for a certain cohort of people - a genetic illness (yes it was in my family...hard to track down) that is hormonally induced, possibly the trigger could be physiological stress that it aggravated by psychological stress....
Keep a diary. Show it to your physician.
FINALLY - any Physician who will not give you proper medication is failing to do their duty - to MAKE THE QUALITY of your life better.
ALSO - every person is biologically unique so medication regime must be tailored to that person and yes can include benzos, SSRIs, MAOis, etc....whatever.
Any doctor who tells you to tough it out (one actually told me that) is neglecting his/her duty.