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[Pearg]

Hi everyone I am so happy to be a part of this forum . I am 51 and in Perimenopause. I woke up in May with a racing heart and nausea and since then I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety which I’ve never had . I’m on Estrogel 1 pump and Progesterone and also 75 mg of Zoloft which is an antidepressant. I thought I was getting better and was able to attend my kids skating lessons without being anxious but yesterday I was back to anxiety in my arms and legs , nausea feeling like I can’t sit. I’m so disheartened and my husband said he can’t handle much more . I’m literally still doing everything in regards to kids and the house but I could use some encouragement. Thank you 🙏

[jaypo]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.
Anxiety is the pits and was one of the worst symptoms for me,still get it every now and then and like you, I was never really troubled by it before.
There is a thread on here ....advice for husbands,would he read that? It's sad when husbands feel they're at the end of their tether,my OH is so understanding and I know I've not half put him through it but talking to them,letting them know how we  really feel can help,we really do need their support at this time x

[Pearg]

Thank you .. I’m happy to be a part of this extremely important topic ..Yes him not supporting is making it worse that’s for sure. Did you do anything for your anxiety? I’ve got a psychologist for CBT and Ativan which now I’m scared I’m addicted to . It’s the only thing that helps with the panic attacks .

[CLKD]

Ativan can become addictive but surely it's better to have a Quality of Life ?  That's been my thought pattern for many years, with Valium.  How much are you taking and how often?

I was prescribed 10 mg 3 times a day for 3 weeks followed by 5 twice a day then 5mg as required.  I used it the night prior to events that I was unable to avoid [visiting family ] knowing that I could swallow 5mg the next afternoon, never required it.  Did make me drop off mid-afternoon much to MinL's horror 

MayB over haul your diet: keep a note for 3-5 days/nights of what you eat/drink to C if there's anything that could be altered?  Also eating little and often can ease anxiety surges.  Some find that foods that we have eaten for years, the body decides that it can't process it as well, also alcohol   

I now have an emergency pill to swallow when anxiety over whelms me.

Also - husband 'cant handle much more'.  So he's taking U to the GP for a joint discussion anytime soon?  This isn't about him.  However, what might he B worried about the most, it's The Change - does what it says on the tin.  Some people can't cope when their partner suddenly has a wobble ....... so talking openly about his concerns might help, because we are all on a learning curve 

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use.  Let us know how you get on.  Browse round, ask away. 

[Pearg]

Thank you for your response .. I’m trying to eat more protein .. I ate rice the other night and it did not sit well with me.. I will start a diary that’s a good idea .. I’ve been off work because of this since May .. I really need to get better .. I wouid pick quality of life and keep taking the Ativan but they won’t prescribe anymore once I’ve run out .. my Hormone Dr said to do two pumps of Estogel which k did yesterday but on top of the anxiety then I was crying a lot so I don’t know .. thank you again ..

[bombsh3ll]

One pump of estrogen gel is unlikely to have a therapeutic effect so it's a good start increasing to two.

That won't take effect after just one day though so I would persevere with this for at least 3 months so that you can properly assess it.

I agree that quality of life should take precedence over theoretical (and often exaggerated) concerns about addiction with regards to benzodiazepines.

I can also understand your GP being reluctant because they face increasing scrutiny and pressure not to prescribe them, so it may be an idea to see a psychiatrist if you feel you would benefit from an ongoing prescription.

I would also consider whether the antidepressant is actually adding any value because some of the symptoms you describe also resemble SSRI side effects.

SSRIs also only marginally outperformed placebo in clinical studies with patients with a diagnosis of depression.

[CLKD]

How much Ativan are you taking Pearg?  And how often?

Your GP can oversee your prescription if he/she is supportive, that's what mine did.  Ativan is used as a premed too.  There R also other anti-anxiety meds as well as Bachs Rescue Remedy mouth spray etc..

...... and breath.  It's not easy to relax as the brain goes into overdrive! 

Rice is a food that passes through the system quick, we feel full then suddenly hungry again  .  Little and often helped me cope with that sudden energy depth.

[jaypo]

Thank you .. I’m happy to be a part of this extremely important topic ..Yes him not supporting is making it worse that’s for sure. Did you do anything for your anxiety? I’ve got a psychologist for CBT and Ativan which now I’m scared I’m addicted to . It’s the only thing that helps with the panic attacks .

I took CBD,it worked to a certain extent,if I have a panic attack in bed I just do breathing and counting techniques,there's a few on YouTube,sorry I don't have a magic answer  I just kinda weathered the storm, I'm not on hrt either x

[CLKD]

Adrenaline 4 me is like hot water coursing through my veins ...... anxiety starts in my gut, goes to my thighs and into my calves immediately.

[Pearg]

Thank you everyone , I’m literally holding the upped dose of the SsRI in my hand not wanting to take it but being pressured to take it .. has anyone had any success with SSRI’s and Perimenopause anxiety ..
I did two pumps of Estrogel yesterday and was a crying mess but maybe it was unrelated ..

[Pearg]

Sorry I didn’t answer this .. I have 1 mg pills of Ativan .. I was panicking when trying to sleep .. I started them on July 2 and was tapering off but now I find if I don’t take one I don’t sleep well and I’m a mess the next day with high anxiety and crying spells .. I’m scared I’m addicted now .. I have a psychiatrist appnt booked for Sept 9 .. hopefully he can help me ..