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[janjan1962]

Hello lovely ladies
I would like some comfort from those out there suffering anxiety whilst in post menopause...or even in just menopause. I have been so low and with such anxiety I do not know some days how I will get through the day!!  I am taking a supplement named 5-HTP recommended to me an take extra B vits with extra magnesium and vit D oh and omegas. I eat healthy and exercise when I can. So I am doing all the 'things one should be doing but I can't as yet shift this anxiety. Will love to hear from anyone else and how you are handling it x

[CLKD]

I had my first panic attack at the age of 3  so there was definitely no hormonal connection then!  Also, pre-menstrual anxiety was totally different to that I have suffered through-out my Life.

Fortunately by the time I reached peri I was already on a good medication regime: anti-depressants, a Beta-blocka to ease anxiety surges and have an emergency pill to take when anxiety floors me.

Maybe think back to how you felt during your menstruating years?  Is this anxiety similar?  How badly does it affect you?  I would have a chat with my GP and see what is suggested to ease symptoms.  Maybe an 'as necessary' tablet for when the anxiety is bad, I used Valium successfully in the 1980s/90s - took it the night prior to events that were un-avoidable!

[Annie0710]

I suffered in puberty to what I now know as social anxiety, albeit quite briefly, no medication although went on the pill at 16

Menopause caused it to return on quite a large scale.  Adding testosterone to my oestrogen has helped enormously, it's given me back some self esteem, wellbeing and the desire to socialise again

[peri]

Sorry to hear you're having a hard time.  Have you ever considered hrt, or taken it?  I manage it all by using patches (evorel 50), utrogestan for progesterone and testosterone.  I also take a good quality multi B complex and concentrated fish oil.  I follow a healthy diet and lifestyle like you too, but that wouldn't be enough for me on its own, the hrt and supplements make all the difference x

[Hurdity]

Hi janjan1962

If you are peri-menopausal with hormones fluctuating then this may be part of the problem unfortunately. Do I remember from another thread you are also taking HRT? If so then maybe have a look at whether either you need a higher dose oestrogen or a different progestogen maybe? There are lots of self-help strategies for dealing with anxiety - nomorepanic website might help, various mindfulness techniques and lots of books - there was a thread somewhere. What does 5-HTP do? I think I looked up something about this once  . Sounds like you are doing the right things with healthy diet and exercise - maybe try to get out every day for a walk in the open air and some time just to contemplate nothing in particular to let your mind relax - even for 10-15 mins? Hope you feel better soon

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

nomorepanic were useless for me ......... my anxiety started at an early age.  Deeply embedded.  I have used relaxation therapy successfully at times: breath in via the nose sharply, hold for 1, 2, 3 and then let out slowly through the mouth.  This needs practising.  So that it becomes automatic. 

I also find that tensing and relaxing from the toes upwards useful.  Stretch, hold, relax through the muscles groups including the chin and scalp 

[Taz2]

It's a shame Nomorepanic didn't work for you CLKD but it was probably worth a try.

This is the breathing technique we use at school, janjan,  during anxiety sessions. I'm surprised you have been taught to breathe in sharply by the way CLKD - I've only ever been taught that the breath in must be slow and steady so that you can feel your lower and upper lungs expanding. http://www.anxieties.com/57/panic-step4#.Wb76sMiGMdU 

Taz x