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[Julia45]

Hi everyone,

I have had feelings of anxiety, on and off, for a while now. I'm 45 and have always been in love with life and have had plenty of energy. I look after my health and usually exercise well - running etc. Since the anxiety has struck, this is stopping my enthusiasm for the things I enjoy. I never feel angry, just an anxious feeling. I had hot flushes last year which have subsided. I am continuously self-diagnosing myself with the most terrible things (although I have been diagnosed with Labyrinthitis at the moment which is making me more anxious due to dizziness and ringing in my ears - which I pray will subside when the Lab goes). Yesterday evening, I even had to ask my lovely Mum to come and stay with us (me and my children as hubby was away) for the night because I was so teary and jittery. She makes everything better and is so calm, caring and understanding - she looked after me as if I were a child again, bless her. I obviously can't have this all the time though! She said I defo needed to speak to the Doctor - which I phoned AGAIN today.  I had bloods taken last week and they came back normal - that reassured me a little over the ridiculous illness scenario. My follicle stimulating hormone was very high and other hormones borderline.

I asked the Dr about HRT and she said because I was only having symptoms of anxiety and not hot flushes, night sweats etc she recommended a low dose (50mg) of Sertraline. I am really anxious about taking it (no surprise about the anxiety). She said the only symptoms her patients tell her about are slightly loose bowel movements. Plus, with Sertraline, the very slight risks associated with HRT, are taken away. She said if I didn't like Sertraline (which she said would really help) I could just stop taking it and it would be out of my system fairly quickly because the dose is low. She couldn't justify full HRT because it was only the anxiety I need to tackle and Sertraline is used as HRT therapy.

What do you lovely lot think? Any experience of Sertraline? I am really teary about this - I feel like I want my Mum all the time, which is ridiculous at my age! My Mum said "what's the point of asking the Dr and then not taking her advice?". I think she is right. Don't get me started on the hairs which have appeared on my chin.....what the heck is that about??

Julia

[CLKD]

Your GP is not following guide lines.  Obviously 1 who thinks that menopause is only about hot flushes  .

Which symptom would you like to ease first?  Some find that keeping a mood/symptom/food diary of use.

What's the point of a GP not giving correct advice?  Sertraline may help anxiety but your GP is quoting old fashioned warnings, i.e. 'health risks'.  I would ask for a referral to a Menopause Clinic - not a Gynaecologist as they don't know much more than GPs about menopause - where you should get specific advice for specific conditions.

The Change can throw up all kinds of symptoms  .  You are in good company  .

MayB the Surgery is anti HRT due to costs?  Cynical.  Moi  ?   

[Julia45]

Thanks so much for your reply....right, I’m defo going to see a meno-specialist. There is one that comes highly recommended in a hospital near me. Didn’t think of HRT costs for the surgery. The anxiety and low mood is the worst symptom so far. Yes, I’m keeping a diary so track my feelings etc.

[CLKD]

Sertraline may help but it really is a personal choice.  If you feel that symptoms are menopausal it might be worth getting proper advice.

Maybe put the drug name into the search box to see what pops up, it will give you an over-all view on how others found it.

[Julia45]

Good idea. It’s a low dose so hopefully very low risk of side effects. I hate taking tablets. I also have aching hand joints sometimes and patches of slight skin discolouration which is down to peri-menopause, but this doesn’t bother me. Anxiety is rubbish and very new to me.

[CLKD]

Anxiety is the worst for most people.

If you try it you may find benefit.  You may need to wait for appts. so it might be worth while giving it a go and keeping up with the diary.

Let us know how you go?

[Julia45]

Will do...will let you know how I get on!

[Shelster]

Hi Julia, I’m not sure if you’re still keeping track of this post but I’ve just come across it. I’m the same age as you and the doctor put me on 50mg of sertraline 18 months ago. I was on it for a year. Perimenopause clearly wasn’t even on her radar, even though I’d gone to her with brand new anxiety and depression and horrendous periods. I stayed on sertraline for a year, then weaned myself off as it wasn’t helping. I now assume that’s because it was a hormonal issue, not a serotonin issue. I’ve had a private HRT appointment and have been given HRT. Just waiting for a coil fitting so I can start the oestrogen. Fingers crossed it will help me to start feeling better.

Just wondering how you’re feeling. Hope you’re okay. Sending love xx

[sed]

Hi Julia, I was prescribed Escitalopram when my anxiety symptoms started suddenly 3-4 months ago - I was on it for about two weeks and something told me, it has to be something else and stopped taking them.   Everything started to fall in line with meno, GP was treating me at the beginning of the year with suspected pulled muscle in my arms and pain in my hand joints... I went back to the GP and requested a hormone test as something did not resonate with me.  That came back v high and HRT was prescribed.  I am still waiting for my appointment with a specialist - Covid has delayed a lot of appointments but don’t stop being on the ball with your GP.  I have been the one requesting all the blood tests that have been bringing back a diagnosis.

I am getting to understand and accept now after two weeks on this forum that it isn’t a quick fix and a long winding road with a lot of women on the same seesaw  I have recently started listening to an audible called “Dare” another eye opener to anxiety.  I am always hopeful that the HRT will start to help me (and you) with this horrible symptom soon.

Stay positive even though it can be hard at times - who feels it knows it x

[Baby]

Julia I believe it's all menopause you are suffering. Its absolutely horrible. I had PND with my first child 26 years ago and how I feel now is Exactly the same as how I felt then. I never thought I would feel so I'll as I did then but I do. I am having a few good days now and pray that they will increase over time.x

[Flan747]

Has anyone taken Sertraline just for a week a month just before their period! If so did it help? This is what I have been advised to do!

[dahliagirl]

Strange advice - I took one once and didn't get on with it, and the doctor told me I should have given it at least 2 weeks 

[Flan747]

The advice came from my menopause specialist!! I did try Citalopram last year for 2 weeks and had terrible side effects so having it for a few days doesn’t make sense! Any other advice welcomed

[scrubdub]

When everything kicked off with me- I've was on a low dose of sertraline 25mg for 2 weeks then go up to 50mg for 2 weeks then drop down again. I actually felt better on the 50mg but that made my insomnia worse until the HRT was settled.
I was on the Sertraline for about 14 months and made the decision to wean off it which happened during the lockdown but I managed it. I still have moments of anxiety but I try to manage it.

[Flan747]

Thank you that’s interesting to hear! I can’t see how a week of Sertraline would help so may not go with that. Have had to remove a Everol40 patch this morning as fee so wired and mood very low think the 100 maybe too much. Hope things settle soon as I fee like taking the other one off and see how I feel