Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Redlocks on December 17, 2019, 12:01:34 PM
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Me again :/
I lowered my dose of Utrogestan after an increase made me very unwell and severely anxious. I've been on the lower dose for two weeks and although I've noticed some improvements I'm feeling flat at the same time as being panicked - I didn't realise that was possible!
When my estrogen was too high I would take a lorazepam for short term relief and that really made a night and day difference, but lorazepam doesn't seem to be helping as much now :( Could that be because my progesterone was too high?
Please, I'm really scared and not seeing my consultant until 3rd January. I'm scared I'm going to go crazy before then and feel like I'll never be well again, that I'm a lost cause :(
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Hi there,
I'm not able to comment on whether the utrogestan is the cause of your problems but if you're feeling very scared and anxious, don't forget that you can go to your GP. I have been to A&E 2 or 3 times in the past few years when I was in a mental health crisis caused by perimenopause. You get to speak to the mental health team and they can provide ongoing support if you need it.
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Thanks Wilks, I'm not sure what's causing what but I think I need to ride it out — not easy! I started panicking because of the flat feeling today, it's not pleasant!
I hope you feel better now? X
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Hello!
Yes, I am fine at the moment thanks :-)
I find that a long walk or bike ride helps with anxiety. x
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Very glad to hear it! :) Yes, I've ensured I've gone out for a walk every day even if I don't feel like it :) Again, thanks for replying to me, I must be driving everyone mad on these forums at the moment in the state I'm in! If I ever manage to find a balance I'll defo report back.
X
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Hello Birdy,
That makes sense! Thanks, looks like I'll have to find some alternative short term relief.
How are you doing now? X
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Hi Redlocks - I read your post and couldn't just pass by. You probably know that lorazepam, and all benzos are addictive -i.e. you need to increase the dose to get the same relief if you have taken them for an extended period of time, regularly. They just stop working and you need higher dose as time goes by.
Maybe if you have taken lorazepam on a regular basis, it has now stopped working so you need to consult your doctor on the way forward.
Ditto Birdy on benzos and progesterone affecting the same (GABA) receptors in the brain but in your case, if you have been taking a benzo long-term, you need to speak to your doctor of next steps.
Milamam
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Glad you've seen some improvement, Birdy! The fogginess will pass, been there X
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Hello Milamam,
Thanks for your message! I'm managed to get an urgent appointment with a consultant tomorrow thank goodness and I will mention all this. I haven't used lorazepam long term, just when I had a blip at the beginning of this year after changing my dose (had not taken any benzodiazepines for over a year until that point) and for the last few weeks since I've been feeling ill (not every day and have managed to lower my dose over the last few days). Still, I'd rather not have to take them at all, especially as my progesterone is probably high!
On the plus side my sleep is better overall, just still panicky in the mornings.
X
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:( I found mine settled after I stabilised earlier this year. When you feel better emotionally it should ease, but obviously no one can say when that will be as everyone is unique.
Did you manage to get an idea of which hormones are causing you issues? I found I was extremely anxious when my estrogen was high but maybe I was reacting to halving the dose of progesterone so quickly and getting withdrawal. I'm wondering now whether it might have stabilised if I had waited, but I just couldn't handle it at the time.
I'm getting the same symptoms now, feeling as though I'm not in my body and panicking about everything. It could be imbalance rather than estrogen or progesterone themselves, but I wish I knew.
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Sounds familiar! I originally cut down on Utro not just because of the bleeding but also because it was occasionally making me a feel a bit 'drunk' and I found I would be much better and more motivated and clear on my Utro-free week, but then when I increased it again I found I felt much calmer on the progesterone after my last 'meltdown'. What the hell?! I don't know what's causing what either! :/
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Lol don't worry, I wasn't checking for typos!
How's it going today? Do you still feel anxious or more foggy?
X
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Thought I was getting better but really bad since yesterday! I would take the fogginess, slightly subdued feeling I had before over this severe panic. I don't understand what's happening to me, I need help. Logically I know things are just as they were but I'm in a black pit.
X
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Hello ladies
I think it's easy to forget that when our sex hormones go awry, all our other hormones have to recalibrate as well.
For example I have just had my Thyroid tested as a result of faltering hormones.
Wishing you well.
K.
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Kathleen, do you mean sex hormones can actually cause other hormones to go off balance?
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Hi Redlocks- I have come to the conclusion that loss of oestrogen basically trashed every system in the body!
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Interesting! I've heard that estrogen affects a lot, including serotonin apparently!
X
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Thank you, Birdy :0) The knowledge of everyone here is amazing, you should all be researchers!
Do you think then the change in my hormones might be causing the overwhelming panic and sadness I'm experiencing? I feel like I'm in a deep bereavement and things that I can usually keep a handle on are overwhelming me. I'm usually able to put worries to one side and be practical and enjot things! X
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I do feel angry when I'm premenstrual, but usually it comes out as panic rather than anger.
I had a better day yesterday but feeling overwhelmed with anxiety this morning after waking up nice and calm - I cannot calm myself down and I know logically there's nothing bad happening right now but it's still there! And I have no idea what my hormone levels are or what's causing what.
I'm so up and down and don't know what to do with the attacks - I've tried to sit through them and sometimes I can and other times it's just too much.
I'm on my progesterone-free week and restart the 100mg tomorrow night.
How was your Christmas? X
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;D At least you have kept your sense of humour!
I don't think you did ask me :) how much do you need to take to help symptoms? Can you take it even if your levels are normal?
As I said utter panic and anxiety are my most disruptive symptoms! It makes me feel disassociated and I don't know what to do with myself...
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Birdy, you are a star, thank you :)
Now, let's go watch Paddington 2 ;D
X