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[Nita5691]

Hiya All

Just wondered if anyone else has noticed increased symptoms of anxiety, the further into the menopause you get?

Never had anything like this until symptoms of the menopause started. I'm currently taking femoston conti, which for a period of time calmed symptoms down. Recently, things have seemed as if they've become unbalanced again.

Struggling to sleep. Feel in a panic. Symptoms seem worse at night. it's like a feeling you can't keep control and get anxious

Can menopause be a cause, when hormones fluctuate?

[Donnadoobie]

Hello Nita

I have been crippled by anxiety for the past 10 months, mine has been around health anxiety.  I have always been a worrier but never anything like I have experienced in the last year.

Reading through many of the threads here, anxiety runs through the vast majority and is one of the symptoms of the menopause, the worst for me.

I don't take any oral HRT, or medication for anxiety, I was prescribed Sertraline but did not take it.

I feel for you, it is horrible to feel like this and I hope you can find a solution.  Is you GP sympathetic?  Mine has left the practice and I am struggling to find another good one right now.

Easier said than done but try to keep busy ( I know when I feel bad that is the last thing I want to do) it does help as it takes your mind of things for a while.

[Nita5691]

Thanks for your reply.

I had read where anxiety can be linked to the menopause. We can all have periods where we worry about things but sometimes the trivial things become a big thing. Sounds like lots of ladies are suffering these anxious symptoms.

Will have to make a trip to the GP. With taking the conti form of HRT I don't get any periods, so there's no way of knowing where I am in the menopause. Maybe need to go and discuss this. I've thought about trying to get off the HRT but then you get worrying if all the horrible symptoms return.

Wishing you all well ladies, hopefully these anxious symptoms calm down eventually

[sheila99]

It might be that your ovaries are producing less oestrogen so you need a higher dose. My main symptoms were anxiety and insomnia and I've had to increase gel to keep it under control.

[Kathleen]

Hello Nita5691

Another anxiety sufferer here. My trusty men book describes a jittery sensation and a feeling of unease  which certainly fits with my experience.

I can forget about it if I'm sufficiently distracted but it is usually there in the background. My various HRT regimes didn't eliminate it completely probably because I never found the right mix.

You are definitely not alone and sending hugs.

Take care.

K.

[pebbles]

You are definitely not alone with this. I am on hrt but i still have awful anxiety. i cannot seem to make a decision without over thinking every mortal thing i say and do.
i have tried mindfulness app which has helped a bit. i also have down loaded a colouring app on my phone which distracts me a bit but it is not easy. i have tried all the usual supplements and herbal stuff but it didnt really make any difference. i also find posting  on online sites such as this helps me get my anxiety into perspective sometimes too.
good luck

[kdee69]

...and another. I've NEVER suffered from anxiety but have find that trying to lower my dosage of Oestrogel has allowed me to become really anxious. To the point where, when I'm in control of literally everything, I'm fine and when teensy thing happens -could be anything- someone not replying to a text that I know they've seen, not being able to get hold of a piece of info etc, causes me to catastrophise until there's a resolve. I've gone back up to one pump now from 1/2 ( having previously been on four to two to one) and I seem to have settled again. it's just unbelievable. I have nothing but admiration for the women who didn't have HRT as an option and those who don't take it for other reasons.

[Nita5691]

Well thanks so much for all your responses. You do sometimes think, is it just me, Im all out of control with things, and you talk to yourself to get a grip of yourself, but reading all your replies, Its helped a lot. Looks like feelings of anxiety is a real symptom, and judging by this many of you are unfortunate to suffer with it.

I'm due a review of my HRT soon, think I?ll have a chat about things, and see what is suggested. As Sheila99 says, it could be oestrogen levels have dropped more, and might need an increase in dose. They do like to keep to the lowest dose if possible.

Thank goodness we have this site, where we can all have a chat and give and receive support

Thanks a lot

[MoaningMyrtle]

Hi Nita5691

I suffered horrendously a few years ago with anxiety,  especially health, and I literally thought I was going to die.  This was a similar experience i had during my late teens, I was a late starter.

I've had psychological help both times which helped but it's only now I've realised that my ectopic heartbeat and palpitations are down to hormones. 

The anxiety is always there and I get stressed about the most stupid things but I am coping better on that front thesedays.

[Countrygirl]

I've had anxiety for years, but no where near the degree it is now. It's now physical as well which has completely thrown me. I never knew hormones could be at the base of it till I realised that it followed a pattern and wasn't caused by the usual triggers x

[Nita5691]

Hiya ladies

Here I am again. Felt tired, got into bed, it all kicks in. Can't settle to sleep, feelings of anxiety start, so I'm now up.

For all of you suffering the same, how do you try and overcome these panicking feelings.

[Countrygirl]

Hi Nita mine is at it's worse at night and in the morning, I've been awake since just after 4 again with the racing brain and heart. I find getting up and on with things is the only thing I can do otherwise I just lay there and get into a right state.

Hope you managed to get some sleep x

[Nita5691]

Hiya CountryGirl

Sorry to hear you?re struggling with the same thing.  That does best describe it. The racing starts and you?re back awake again.

When I started early  menopause my GP said fluctuations of hormones can cause lack of sleep and anxiety. Things settled when they changed HRT but it's back with avengence and I'm not coping well at night with it all. In the day it's easier to cope with it but as night falls it gets more difficult. it's quiet and nothing occupies the feelings

Managed 4 hours sleep That's it

Hope you managed some too

[Nita5691]

Sparkle

Yes what's the point in trying to force sleep if its not happening.

You may as well get up, and find something to occupy yourself. If not, you just get yourself in more of a state thinking about not sleeping.

We can do it ladies 

[Holsy]

Me too....

I think it is a lack of oestrogen too...I started on 25mcg a year ago, as my symptoms were exactly the same, insomnia, severe anxiety, etc...so after 5 months I increased to 50mcg and my symptoms did start to improve. I was taking a million supplements etc... too, but I don't think they really helped, as I have cut down on them all now. After a month or so, I started to feel so much better and definitely sleeping better, anxiety improved and I felt I could start living again. Now 8 months on I am starting to feel a little anxious again, as soon as my sleep starts to dip, my anxiety gets worse. So I am considering upping my dosage of oestrogen to 75mcg, but I don't want to go too high. I have the mirena coil, so I also don't know what stage I am at in the menopause.

I would recommend upping your dose and see what happens, you can always go back down again if it makes no difference. Good luck, stay strong....we're good at that  There is light at the end of the tunnel...