Menopause Discussion > Personal Experiences
Shortness of breath - desperate
Jari:
Hi Jules,
It sounds like a hormone imbalance. Why did you stop taking hrt and how long did you take it for?
Are you on any other medication currently? X
Jules53:
It was making me more anxious and itchy.
Have just stopped taking Escitalopram (an antidepressant). I was on Prozac before that. I take a very low dose of Diazepam if I need it but not very often. I am in such a mess a d the doctors are at a loss too!😓.
Thanks x
Dotty:
https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Health_Professionals/Menopause_symptom_scale_Greene_Climacteric.pdf
Hi Jules
Sorry to hear you are still struggling. Have a look at the above link and fill it in. You will see that "breathing difficulties" is a symptom of menopause.
As you are now off all medication, it would seem that your symptoms are due to menopause and HRT should help. But you will need to take the hrt for 3 months to see if it works. My first hrt didn't work even though I took it rigorously for 3 months and my symptoms didn't improve, infact some of them got worse. Once I was on the right type and dose of hrt I began to improve.
I really feel for you, because I know exactly how you feel. I had breathing problems and felt the i wasn't getting enough oxygen into my lungs.
Take care xx
Tc:
Jules. Anxiety can do this. But have you had your b12 levels checked? I get this from anxiety but it was worse when my b12 levels were low. If you've stopped the AD suddenly it could be an immediate withdrawal symptom which will pass.
A little tip I got from an anxiety workshop I once went to. . When you do your breathing excersises clasp your hands behind you round the middle of your back. If you're sitting pull your arms round the back of the chair behind you. It opens up the chest and makes deep breathing more effective.
Best wishes xx
Jari:
Would you consider maybe not taking any hormones or drugs for a 2-3 months? Keep a diary and see if you improve as they leave your system.
The hormones from hrt can take a good 2 months to leave the system.
Drink lots of water to flush the system.
Plan a good balanced diet with small portions.
Try to get out for some excercise like a brisk 30 mins walk daily.
Try a herbal tea instead of coffee ( if not already)
Have relaxing baths with magnesium salts that absorb into body. ( good for anxiety)
Give it a try for 2-3 months and see if this helps.
Currently, it's frightening to have difficulty breathing, but I do think as the drugs leave your system, you should feel better. Try to get out for a walk to take your mind off it a bit. It will start to improve!! Xx
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