Perimenopause & Panic - A shout out to the ladies

[ewardo]

Just wondering if there is anyone out there who experiences increased frequency in symptoms of anxiety/panic attacks that is in any way related to menopause?  I am finding that the frequency and intensity of my anxiety "feeling faint" may be coorelated to certain times of the month.  Still seeking answers.

[LindaRK]

Yep with a capital Y.  Keep a calendar or a journal/log.  Track your symptoms.  I would hazard a bet you will find that your symptoms correlate with that "time of the month" or the week you would normally ovulate.  I'm in menopause, had a hysterectomy - still have my ovaries.  Just like clockwork, but for me it's every other month.

[jane134]

I've recently had this discussion with my Dr. I am 38 and convinced i am peri. My anxiety showed its ugly head around 3 years, about the same time that my cycle went totally whacky. I also have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and possible endometrisis. I have had my bloods taken and they have came back as normal, except for my estrogen, which is low. I don't ovulate and i am wondering if this is the problem. i know bloods aren't 100% reliable, and at the time, i was actually on my cycle (which i hadn't had for around 8 months) and my Dr told me that your bloods can differ depending where you are in your cycle etc. I am due an operation at the end of the month. I am having a laporoscopy and dye, ovarian drilling (to try and kick start them!), and lasering IF they do find endo. Im also have a foreign cyst drained/removed. Im hoping that this op will make me feel a lot better and plan on seeing my Dr again, post surgery to discuss the peri further. It sure is a hard thing for them to make a diagnosis of, and i will not hold my breath waiting for it to be confirmed!

[blugurrl]

 >:(Yes it makes it worse, I am dealing with that now, and it sucks so much. Like someone pour gas on top of my already nightmarish panic attacks. I am getting hot flashes too and heart palpitations which induce them.  I have been trying to find something to stop them but so far no luck and my xanax isn't working anymore because of it.

[Beligirl]

I'm just starting down this path. I began having heightened anxiety/panic attacks 2 years ago and only the last 6 months realized they're happening a week before my period. Was taking 25mg sertraline but I didn't like the long term side effects so I took myself off it 3 months ago. Also began taking vitamins and progesterone cream. It seems to help lessen the anxiety and I stopped having panic, but this month was bad (had to take lorazapam 2 nites). I think because today is my 40th birthday and the anxiety of getting old/passage of time.
I talked to my obgyn but he doesn't think hormone therapy will help because there's little scientific evidence. I feel like I'm on my own and need to find my own resolution.
My biggest issue is I have developed a huge fear of flying because I had a bad long attack on an international trip, like 3 hours into a 12 hour flight. Haven't been on a plane since and I'm suppose to go to California in June for my brother-in-law's wedding. Fortunately he knows about my anxiety/panic and is not giving me crap if I don't go to his wedding. But it's not the right thing.
I hate this.

[bumblebee]

I'm there as well, have been for several years. I'm 47 now. Had my first panic attack at 38. Definitely hormones, or else I would have had anxiety/panic symptoms during my younger years already.

I find that since my cycles vary, so does the anxiety. Started to use one of those iPhone apps to track my cycles and moods, to find the "hotspots".

As for the flying, I can relate. Just got back from an international flight. Not afraid of flying per se, but like the previous poster, from having a monster attack on the plane again. This time, I asked for Ativan, and it was the most relaxing trip in a long time. I was asleep before we even took off, and when I woke up again, I was relaxed, enjoying myself. Why torture yourself, going "au naturel"? If you're in pain, you're not trying to talk yourself out of it, either, you take pain meds if the pain is bothersome enough. Not advocating meds, but there is a time an place for them, and a 12-hour flight can turn into a nightmare if you're in panic. Just as an off-topic ramble.

[Beligirl]

Bumble, have you tried loraz? I'm curious if Ativan is different. Loraz helps, but maybe I should give ativan a try...

I'm ok for using drugs in a situation like this. I don't have anxiety all the time, just under very stressful situations.
Thanks for posting!

[strangerdanger]

I've always had anxiety, but since my late 30's it's gotten 10 times worse.  I would ask your doctor for a full hormone blood check test.  Many Doctors do not know a whole lot about hormones and how they affect our bodies.

There are so many supplements we may be missing in our diet that can help.  I've recently turned to vitamins for extra help.  I take things like Vitamin B, Magnesium, Fish Oil, Vitamin D, Iodine (and many others).  If you get a full work up- and take the results to someone that knows what they are talking about- they can recommend what supplements could offer some help.

[ewardo]

Thanks all for replying.  This really is a tough road.  I have more bad days than good days and never 100% myself.  I went to the OBGYN today and she rather brushed off my symptoms and mentioned Lupus.  I don't think I have Lupus given the symptoms of that disease.  Anyway, I upped my dose of Zoloft to 50mgs and just trying to give that 4-6 weeks.  I am not one for medication myself but I was becoming non-functional.  Always with the sense of dread of these awful attacks - basically just feel my entire body going weak like I am going to pass out.  Strange thing is in reading your posts I remember this happened to me 2 summers ago also and I had to run out of church, resturants, and other social places b/c of this issue.  I wish everyone peace and good health.  If you find something that works for you, please share.  I am searching for some relief. 

[Brandt5605]

Oh my god. I wish I could talk to u more. I have been going through the EXACT same symptoms for the past 2 1/2 years. I have seen multiple doctors. 2 internists, ENT, 2 neurologists, OBGYN, endocrinologist and just a few weeks a neurotologist.I too am in perimenopause even though the endo didn't believe me because i am 42. He ran my LH and TSH and told me I was right. I am waiting to get my urinalysis back tomorrow and a renal ultrasound Friday. Every doctor says imam not an anxious person but here's the kicker. My body gets a horrible surge which I am guessing is extreme fright/panic out of no where. I am extremely lightheaded/heavy head/head pressure not headache. Like I am in a fog. Can't concentrate.  It is ruining my life. I left my job and now am a stay home mom, which I love. But I have a 4 yr old and want to feel safe to take him places. I too am not wanting to go to the gym anymore, go shopping , out to eat. I tried to pick up food last weekend and I started shaking and had to get out fast. I am really into working out and yoga and don't want to take medication but I am going to see if I can see someone as i can't function. Also my blood pressure is now 150/90 and won't go back down. It used to be 118/79. That is making me nuts. I also am restless. Are you? Tight chest. Hate this. What medicine works best do you think. I dont want weight gain.

[dlwood62]

I had terrible PMS -- anxiety was nasty during the times before my period, was never real regular so didn't know what it was for a while.  My dr put me on Beelith tablets  -- they are a magnesium supplement with vitamin B6 and can be bought over the counter. I would take them a week to a week and a half before my period started - one a day until my period started and that was it. They worked really well for me, but please do some reading about them before you try them -- asking your dr might be a good thing. The only thing that I really noticed as a side effect was loose bowels -- but my dr said that was a good thing, that retaining water it one of the problems of PMS and the loose bowls took care of that!!
I was so excited when I finally went through menopause completely -didn't care that I was only 46!! I say it is the only thing in my life that I have done easily -- I quit and had a few symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and it was done. I had heard horror stories and my mother had a really rough time so I was expecting to have trouble. NOPE - everything seemed fine in Dec. and never had any PMS symptoms the next month and then no more of the PMS symptoms or periods. Done, over, through!! I thank God that it was an easy time for me.
Hope this helps you - even if it to just know that there are things out there to help and that not everyone has a horror story about menopause!!!

[ewardo]

@Brandt - I actually am on 50mg of Zoloft currently and the intensity of the episdoes seem to have subsided.  My arms and legs feel heavy a lot but I am feeling a tiny bit better.  I had blood results this week which showed my B12 was a little too low and I was given a shot of B12 and put on supplements.  I am currently researching this and trying to determine if this has any correlation with the way I have been feeling.  It is very horrible.  I am not an anxious person to those that see me either.  I really have a hard time buying into the panic disorder diagnosis. My most recent episode was at the movies and it was bad-just overall feeling like I am going to faint. 

Sounds like your Thyroid levels are off - if that is the case, perhaps you simply need a med to get that right.  I hope you get some answers and find some peace.  Keep me posted if you find anything that helps.