Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Annie0710 on March 15, 2015, 08:09:32 PM
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I am having lots of phases of palpitations, I don't like the panicky feeling I am getting with them either. My most horrible symptom today has been during the palpitations I am feeling light headed as if I will pass out, even when I am sitting. This happened several times whilst chatting at home today with family. I get it when I am out quite a lot too. I woke up with yet another headache and nausea which lasted until the afternoon.
What medication helped with these panicky/faint feelings ?
I had this a few years ago but don't recall it happening much in between until this massive onset of new menopausal symptoms. I don't feel depressed, but it's getting me down for sure.
TIA
xx
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Low blood sugar can cause anxiety surges, nausea, palpitations. How is your diet?
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Low blood sugar can cause anxiety surges, nausea, palpitations. How is your diet?
My diet isn't tip top, I eat veg but hardly any fruit (as per dentist instructions) I went to a slimming club just over a year ago and ate lots of fruit, shortly afterwards I suddenly developed painful gum disease, dentist said only piece of fruit per day as it contains sugar.
When I experienced these feelings before my friend tested my blood sugar and it showed no abnormality, that was her immediate thought too
Xx
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Annie0710 I really sympathize with you,just had 4 weeks of what you are suffering.
As CLKD and others told me and I try to do now where possible is to eat every 4 hours whether I'm hungry or not little and often. I know it's difficult if you feel nauseous.Take deep breaths and do some conscious breathing techniques.
Hope you get some relief soon.
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Annie0710 I really sympathize with you,just had 4 weeks of what you are suffering.
As CLKD and others told me and I try to do now where possible is to eat every 4 hours whether I'm hungry or not little and often. I know it's difficult if you feel nauseous.Take deep breaths and do some conscious breathing techniques.
Hope you get some relief soon.
Thank you ,
Have yours gone away now ? I will try that in fact I bought some snack pack ritz biscuits to nibble on whilst at work for next week for mid morning (I pack a sandwich for lunch)and during the afternoon. I only have one coffee on waking then water thereafter, and I am a non smoker
Xx
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You are not eating enough ::) and as for the fruit issue ……….. :-X the dental symptoms are probably due to perimenopause ::). The thing is not to clean our teeth too soon after eating.
As fillers to stave off hunger dips I use dried fruits/nuts, Dextrose tablets, chocolate eclairs; cheese/crackers; we eat home cooked meals every day and occasionally fish and chips ………
Keeping hydrated can ease headaches too.
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Mine have abated now but have started on medication for this as my hrt is being tweaked so until that is sorted I needed something to help.
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It's interesting about the gum issue, I was referred to a private clinic as this came on out of the blue, and was rapidly receding. my dentist doesn't have a hygienist and I've spent £100's ( I'm really not kidding) on appts/treatment at this private clinic. They couldn't understand why it had because although my routine wasn't perfect, it certainly wasn't bad, and no different to the average person. Pain in my gums started a few weeks after my onset of hormone problems 3 years ago and I've only recently read that this is a symptom. Again, if the docs had addressed everything then, I wouldn't be in this situation.
I will try my best to snack through the nausea
Xx
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Mine have abated now but have started on medication for this as my hrt is being tweaked so until that is sorted I needed something to help.
Is it ADs they have put you on Dazned?
I would consider them but will strongly urge them to look into what can be done for my hormones, I am on oestrogen 2mg daily at present
Xx
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What treatment have you had at private dentist? I also had very sudden gum disease, all fine at dentist in June and then major issues in December. Am now para noid about losing teeth. Had no idea this was part of menopause. It adds considerably to my health anxiety!
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Sorry no solutions at present but I do send heartfelt sympathy. I have been having horrible symptoms for a long time now. Turned sixty last summer. The nausea one is really getting to me. It is just like morning sickness really. I wish doctors would understand this one, it is very depressing and debilitating. Before menopause, I really had no idea that it could be so horrible, perhaps is was as well to be ignorant. People speak about starting periods but at the other end it is still not opened up enough. Women are lucky if they have an understanding GP or some sort of dedicated NHS menopause clinic.
Meg
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Annie0710 yes it is antidepressant for anxiety mainly ,I se a gynecologist privately for meno as gp isn't interested in that side of things.
Meg know you mean about the nausea ,told my gynecologist it was like having severe morning sickness all the time!
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Ginger can help: biscuits, tea, chopped in grub ;) eases nausea.
Do discuss menopause with your dentists, I talk to mine and he seems clued up even though he's young ;)
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Not one professional has mentioned gum disease and menopause being linked but it makes sense.ive been going to a private clinic because I was beside myself with worry that on top of everything else I was/am going through, my teeth would fall out. The recession was fast and painful, dentist and hygienist and have been working together with me and I was told to do extra extra thorough cleaning.
Because I was so self conscious of the gaps left between the front teeth they took impressions and fitted me with an acrylic gum mask
I can only liken this nausea to morning sickness, I hate being sick but yesterday really thought seriously about forcing myself to be sick, but it didn't !
I suffered during puberty with hormone imbalance, my pregnancies were never straightforward, resulting in a hysterectomy relatively young, so why am I shocked menopause is hard ?! Xx
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It suppose it does make sense gum disease would be linked to menopause. My dentist once told me he could always tell if a woman was pregnant before she told him just by looking in her mouth. Gums get puffy and bleed easily because of hormones. And last year I was having a filling put in the front of a tooth, the white composite kind that matches the tooth, but because it was during my period my gums were more sensitive and blood got mixed in the filling material and stained it. It was not my usual dentist who did it, and I was unhappy with how it looked, so I was glad when it fell out 6 months later and I had my regular dentist put in a new one. I am having issues with receding gums now, one area is particularly bothersome, so I can hardly wait for my April appointment to find out what exactly is going on.
I am so sorry you're experiencing such nausea, I wouldn't want to re-visit morning sickness. I do sympathize with hormone imbalance issues, I've been imbalanced since my periods began. Occasionally I also feel some lightheadedness along with my anxiety and panicky feelings. I was quite worried about it at first, until I figured out it goes along with all the other hormonal issues.
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Not one professional has mentioned gum disease and menopause being linked
Hi Annie,
I've been working my way through Amazon recently reading anything and everything about the menopause and I've come across gum issues being mentioned a wide number of times due to a lack of oestrogen. There's a significant amount about it on t'internet too, this is from a leading UK health site:
"Numerous oral changes can occur as a consequence of advanced age, the medications taken to combat diseases and hormonal changes due to the menopause. These oral changes can include altered taste, burning sensations in the mouth, greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and decreased salivary flow that can result in dry mouth.
Dry mouth, in turn, can result in the development of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva is not available to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralising acids produced by plaque. Dry mouth can also result from many prescription and over-the-counter medications that are commonly prescribed to older adults.
The decline in oestrogen that occurs with menopause also puts women at greater risk of loss of bone density. Loss of bone, specifically in the jaw, can lead to tooth loss. Receding gums can be a sign of bone loss in the jawbone. Receding gums also expose more of the tooth surface to potential tooth decay."
It's sad so few healthcare professionals make us aware of the issues, or indeed even seem to know what they are themselves, and how to treat them?
Hope you find some resolution soon.
GG x
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All that info makes sense - just wish I had known! But then again - what could I have done???! Annie - just come back from Dental Surgeon about infected molar. Absolute panic in advance thinking all teeth are loose and will have to come out... OH sick of my anxiety... Dentist was totally lovely and recommended extraction and implant procedure over 7 months. He really put my mind at rest as bone density is enough for implants and other gums look reasonably healthy.
So - I need a replacement for what OH calls my 'toothgate'. Any suggestions about what I can feed to my menopausal anxiety now? I have time for a quick heart attack before lunch?.. ;)
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Hi...I too have irregular heartbeat. Combine that with chest discomfort that I get as well, and a panic attack is sure to follow. Think I'm dying of heart disease every time. I'm getting worked up for the heart stuff...and you should as well if you're not...not everything is menopause. But I'm betting that this is. I also have the nausea...it doesn't usually last long, and I try to think of it like morning sickness. Not much helps it but I'm hopeful if I can get the HRT right it might work.
The heart arrhythmia is usually highly associated with where I am in my cycle...pre-ovulation= perfectly normal, ovulation onwards= crappy :(
Good luck...you're not alone
TarA
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Your OH needs :kick: ………… :(
Skip the heart attack, how about VA instead - that'll stop him in his tracks ;)
At least your dentist is supportive. My implants sit well in my gob :-X
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You ladies make me laugh !
I dread telling my OH my daily symptoms! But I do need to talk about them, today I had a scary phase, I was quietly sitting at my desk at work (I've been light headed nearly all day) and my left arm went weird, kind of heavy but kind of numb too, and tingly. I thought " right stay calm, it's not a stroke, it's just your hormones playing yet another cruel blow to you" it was horrible as I've had constant headaches today too.
I have slight nausea right now, and have had some double vision.
Re:my heart - I was told aged 40 I had arrythmia, it settled down them came back with a Vengeance 3 years ago and went on for ages, and it's returned in recent months. 3 years ago I had the 24 hr monitor put on and readings were crazy, even through sleeping, so they wanted the exercise test and scan, everything normal apart the palpitations but no treatment given. I was prescribed beta blockers 8 years ago but didn't persevere with them, they made me feel worse
Xx
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I started my menopause at age 36 the consultant at the time asked did I want anymore children as I had only just given birth a few month before I said no,so her answer was HRT patches which I tried but was suicidle within days of starting them so stopped and she said its HRT or nothing so I went or nothing,anyway that was 16 years ago and so far have just muddled through without any meds or help but I'm now suffering with anxiety/panic attacks, these attacks are beginning to interfere with my everyday life,I don't drive anymore etc my Dr gave me some Valium to use when needed but I haven't had the guts to try them.anyone got through these attacks without meds?
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I started my menopause at age 36 the consultant at the time asked did I want anymore children as I had only just given birth a few month before I said no,so her answer was HRT patches which I tried but was suicidle within days of starting them so stopped and she said its HRT or nothing so I went or nothing,anyway that was 16 years ago and so far have just muddled through without any meds or help but I'm now suffering with anxiety/panic attacks, these attacks are beginning to interfere with my everyday life,I don't drive anymore etc my Dr gave me some Valium to use when needed but I haven't had the guts to try them.anyone got through these attacks without meds?
I haven't, but I'm seeing a gp Thursday to discuss mine plus what can be done for my 100s of other symptoms, I'm scared to try new medication as I've recently started a new job and can't be doing with feeling any worse than I already do. Do you work ? If I didn't work I'd feel happier trialling new medication
I feel for you, I have my moments and I really hate them :-(
Xx
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>welcome< Kat …….. nope, I have to take medication to help the anxiety surges. Otherwise :-\
Drop of oestrogen can cause laxity of muscles = weird sensations in limbs, cheeks, face, etc.. Also if your sitting position is incorrect and now at 'this age', you may find that you feel these weird sensations more often.
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>welcome< Kat …….. nope, I have to take medication to help the anxiety surges. Otherwise :-\
Drop of oestrogen can cause laxity of muscles = weird sensations in limbs, cheeks, face, etc.. Also if your sitting position is incorrect and now at 'this age', you may find that you feel these weird sensations more often.
CLKD, do your anxiety mess give any side effects ? I've had more today and I'm not liking it
Also, I'm noticing some double vision, I've read this can be a meno symptom too, I'm developing new things daily, I'm totally convinced I'm not ill from anything, over the 3 years I think I've had every organ possible tested.
Also, I'm on 2mg elleste solo daily, I've been told that's the max dose, 'if' I am lacking oestrogen can it be topped up another way ?
I just want to take all info I can for my visit to the gp (don't think I've seen this particular one before) in case I need to fight my corner
Xx
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Yep. I take a BetaBlocka 40mg at night as well as an anti-depressant 5mg morning and evening. I feel slightly hung over which is FAR better than the depression that kept me in bed for days and does help the anxiety. Should panic take over then I have an 'emergency' pill to swallow - for years I used Valium on an 'as necessary' basis …….
I have learnt not to do too much each day and not to plan too far ahead, otherwise :-\. I always begin new medication at night and over a Fri./Sat./Sun. …………. ;)
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Yep. I take a BetaBlocka 40mg at night as well as an anti-depressant 5mg morning and evening. I feel slightly hung over which is FAR better than the depression that kept me in bed for days and does help the anxiety. Should panic take over then I have an 'emergency' pill to swallow - for years I used Valium on an 'as necessary' basis …….
I have learnt not to do too much each day and not to plan too far ahead, otherwise :-\. I always begin new medication at night and over a Fri./Sat./Sun. …………. ;)
I am worried that any thing new I agree to try is going to affect my ability to do my new job which I started weeks ago, i I have to be on the ball but I need slightly sedating too !
Xx
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Are you otherwise enjoying your new job?
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Are you otherwise enjoying your new job?
I am CLKD but it's very intense and fast paced, and deadlines to adhere to. The funny thing is, since my onset of peri 3 yrs ago, I'd left my bookkeeping job as I felt my brain wasn't switched on enough for the responsibilities, so I loved the sound of this one, data entry. I thought it was just inputting data! It's quite stressful but enjoyable in a weird way, I think that's why this new set of symptoms is upsetting me, I don't want to give in, but on troublesome days, it's really hard to manage
Xx
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Could you mention to your work mates that you have 'senior moments' ;)
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I'm always taking the Micky out of my age , and I dropped into a conversation to my female boss Monday that I have many symptoms of menopause but to be fair to her she runs a very busy office and wears many hats, so doesn't do illness very well. I understand that.
I have decided that I'm tackling this head on tomorrow at the docs and will try what they recommend then I will move onto my other meno symptoms to see what can be done for me
Onwards and upwards (hopefully)!
Xx
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A few of you have mentioned light-headed ness, low blood sugar feelings! I am diabetic and also on hrt and the one thing I do know is that low progesterone causes low blood sugar. Conversely progesterone increases insulin resistance! How do I know this? I discussed in detail with my endocrinologist as when I take progesterone my blood sugars go through the roof. Now that I'm only using cyclically, I am having to reduce my insulin when not using progesterone!! If this is one of your main symptoms, please be aware it is not likely to be related to estrogen levels at all but lack of progesterone (which also gives me a funny head!)
Hope this helps!
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Thank you Suzyq
I went to my gp appt, I haven't seen this one before, she was young and sweet and I did my usual and broke down as I started saying how I'm feeling. She was sympathetic and said not to apologise, it sounds like menopause and my crying is part and parcel.
She sent me for bloods and amongst others she's testing FSH, oestrogen and progesterone to see what the levels are, and said as long as the others come back normal we can talk next week about what we need to add, adjust etc. she said she will use the hormone results as a guide but even if they aren't showing anything she will work with me. I nearly got some tablets to take for the palpitations for as and when basis up to 3 a day but she then said I can't have them because of my asthma, but again assured me she will work something out for that and the anxiety issues I'm having, and for sex side of things. I have to take urine tomorrow so that can be tested as I'm having recurrent infections, and when emptying the bladder, it doesn't feel completely empty
I've come away with nothing apart from a plaster where the bloods were taken but really feel like I've a stumbled on a gp who actually cares, and at this moment in time, I feel I'm going to get some help
Xx
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It's a nightmare for all of us struggling with menopause! Who knew??
Annie so glad you found a helpful gp!!
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However, blood tests for hormone levels need to be taken at 'certain' times of the month ::) my Gynae won't do them, but goes on symptoms ……… let us know how you get on!
If the urine comes back 'clear' then you may have early vaginal atrophy!
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However, blood tests for hormone levels need to be taken at 'certain' times of the month ::) my Gynae won't do them, but goes on symptoms ……… let us know how you get on!
If the urine comes back 'clear' then you may have early vaginal atrophy!
I haven't googled vaginal atrophy yet CLKD
I think that's what she meant by the hormone levels, she won't take the result as gospel but she's testing also for
TSH + Free 4
Bone profile
Creatine and electrolytes
Liver profile
ESR
Full blood count
Glucose (random)
I took a pic of the list before I went to the hospital
She's kept my list I made of symptoms so she could write it on my notes
Xx
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It's a nightmare for all of us struggling with menopause! Who knew??
Annie so glad you found a helpful gp!!
I know!
I'm finding it extra confusing because I've had a hysterectomy, like when will I know I'm post menopausal ?
Xx
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She is being thorough, that's good ! which gives you a base to work from. Vaginal atrophy, when the oestrogen level drops off = drying, thinning of skin, irritation which mimics bladder issues - can be treated ………
Let us know how you get on! Any experiences shared ;)
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Annie0710 at least your gp is open to things that's half the battle,wish I had her! Keep us all in the picture .
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Your GP could set up a Meno Clinic ………. ;)
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Mine certainly couldn't ! :D
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Mine could ……….. as could my Dentist ;)
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The female gp I saw a few years ago when these issues first came was older than me, I'd say at 55, she was a dragon, I cried in her room and she more or less told me to get a grip, crying because my gums hurt, crying because I felt weak and faint, she said she has to tell some patients they are terminally ill. I will never forget that day, of course I was/am aware that in the grand scheme of things, this is a phase, a non life threatening condition, but to be spoken to like that when you are at your lowest ebb was uncalled for, hence why I've never spoken about it since, until these past few weeks. I did go today probably 80% sure I'd get another dragon! I'm just hoping this young lady keeps to her word and helps me! I kept thanking her today for her understanding
I will definitely keep you updated
I've had panics tonight, my gums have receded slightly more :-( and I've either burnt parts of the roof of my mouth from eating dinner Monday night, or it's another symptom, it's sore and it's just something else to drag me down
Xx
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On my way to docs to drop my wee off I got an Nhs text saying bloods are all normal, no further action required. I was panic stricken and didn't understand it (obviously elated serious results were fine) so I asked the receptionist if she could tell me hormone results, the only figure I got, and she didn't understand them was progesterone was either 1 or <1 mnol ? She didn't tell me oestrogen or FSH not that i would've understood that either !
I can't really find anything on my beloved google searches , to me that sounds like progesterone is almost non existent but I don't know
Anyway, gp said yesterday she's using it as a guide only so I will do my best to plod on in this alien body and mind of mine and see her next Thursday
Xx
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The first thing to drop with me was progesterone - virtually zero all the time but estrogen (at that time and for at least 2 years after) was fine! I still had horrendous symptoms but managed very well for over a year just supplementing with progesterone. When estrogen levels dropped I then went onto full hrt
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What were your symptoms Suzy when progesterone deficient ?
Xx
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Hi Annie0710
You should ask for your oestrogen and FSH levels - because although you can't tell a huge amount from a sinlge blood test - it could give some indication. The progesterone is irrelevant - it is always very low in follicular ( first part) phase of menstrual cycle and in post-menopause. From what I've read of your symptoms it is likely that your ovaries did not completely pack up when you first went onto HRT - although may not have been working properly, and that if you are peri-menopausal or even post-menopausal now, your oestrogen levels have dropped - which is why you are experiencing symptoms.
Also the other thing is you may not be absorbing the tablet HRT so well - perhaps something has changed re your digestion in latter months/years?
My suggestion would be to change to an oestrogen patch (maybe starting at 75mcg?) which will deliver a more consistent dose, and take it from there.
Hurdity x
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Hi Annie0710
You should ask for your oestrogen and FSH levels - because although you can't tell a huge amount from a sinlge blood test - it could give some indication. The progesterone is irrelevant - it is always very low in follicular ( first part) phase of menstrual cycle and in post-menopause. From what I've read of your symptoms it is likely that your ovaries did not completely pack up when you first went onto HRT - although may not have been working properly, and that if you are peri-menopausal or even post-menopausal now, your oestrogen levels have dropped - which is why you are experiencing symptoms.
Also the other thing is you may not be absorbing the tablet HRT so well - perhaps something has changed re your digestion in latter months/years?
My suggestion would be to change to an oestrogen patch (maybe starting at 75mcg?) which will deliver a more consistent dose, and take it from there.
Hurdity x
I think I will ask Hurdity , about patches. I wasn't or haven't ever been offered patches. She did tell me those levels too but I couldn't remember them
The only indication over the years since my hysterectomy re ovulating was tender breasts, and we OH talked last night about it we both said it's been ages since that's happened, couldn't even guess when
I remember all those years ago my gp said the oestrogen results were much lower than she would expect from a woman my age who was ovulating normally