Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Amazing grace on July 15, 2022, 11:10:41 AM
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Hi, I left the site because finally I found a very good place regarding menopause, and felt it was time for me to move on, but unfortunately I find myself back and looking for advice, I will just give you some background on my situation I had a hysterectomy retained ovaries at 43, but was peri from age 38, I struggled for 4 years trying to find a balance on hrt, I've had every symptom going anxiety in early peri was severe and caused me to be house bound for 8 months, controlled with AD and cbt, for the last year I've been really good, still had some symptoms but accepted I would never find perfection, and learned to live and accept existing symptoms that would come and go, suddenly out of nowhere I'm back to that all knowing familiar feeling of anxiety, jittery, shaky, fuzzy head, nervous about going out, muscles are tense, headaches, feeling spacey and floaty, weak wobbly legs, racing heart and palpitations, had lots of tests for heart all is normal, but I'm now struggling to get it under control, I don't understand the sudden return after feeling so good, I have no stress in my life at all, my life is very good and happy, I'm looking for advice from ladies who had a return of anxiety, also looking for advice regarding propranolol, as gp has given me this to ease racing heart and physical symptoms of anxiety, I was on amlodipine for blood pressure but now taking propranolol, my regime of hrt and meds is as follows
3x pumps of estrogel daily
Ovestin x2 weekly (no problems with va at all now)
10mg amitriptyline daily for insomnia and bladder issues.
Hydromol to wash with and use on labia after shower daily, plus yes vm every 3 days.
B12 injections every 12 weeks
I've had a ton of blood tests too, thyroid is fine gp thought it was possible causing heart palpitations and fatigue.
Sorry this is so long, thought if I give as much information as possible would be easier for ladies to advise.
I'm frustrated and depressed I just can't face this feeling again I have 3 major events to attend and I feel like I'm not going to be able to enjoy them or even get there, especially as I'm going to LA in a few weeks time, Im shaking terribly just walking my dog, because leaving the house is once again making me feel overly nervous, just don't understand it feel very upset but I physically can't cry although I feel the need to, just to add I'm 49 now, assuming I'm post meno as peri started at 38,and having a hysterectomy even though I retained ovaries it's been almost 5 years and consultant said menopause would come within 5 years but not always the case,.
Thank you in advance for very much needed advice. X
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Hi, I left the site because finally I found a very good place regarding menopause (will split so that I can answer )
Menopause is literally, the last period. Ever. One is told to count 12-14 months after the last bleed to begin to believe that 1 has reached menopause, however: Nature throws the occasional curved ball as well as if you've had a hysterectomy, you are there. I don't know what speciality that consultant was in :-\. or where he got 5 years from ?
Anxiety can be caused by lots of issues. It lays dormant with me until I try to plan a holiday. Then WHAM - have to cancel :'(. Could your sudden onset be due to a busy schedule? I try not to plan too far ahead! Otherwise ........ :-\
My GP gave me Propranolol years ago to ease anxiety surges in the early hours which really worked. I've used 'valium' in the past with success. Thyroid function: GPs won't test if results are returned 'within normal limits' even when patients complain of continuing symptoms. Do U think that thyroid might be one of the issues?
Im shaking terribly just walking my dog, because leaving the house is once again making me feel overly nervous, just don't understand it feel very upset but I physically can't cry although I feel the need to, just to add I'm 49 now,
. How is your diet overall? With this heat wave the body may burn up energy quicker than usual, so topping up food intake little and often, even in the night, may well help. Don't walk the dog in this heat!!!! they don't need it.
Having felt well then getting anxiety again can be a bummer. Often worse than the initial onset, there's a feeling of 'OH NO not again and will this every completely go away?'. Betablockas certainly helped me a lot to gain control. I also have an emergency anti-anxiety medication for when I am floored by it, though you probably wouldn't be allowed into the US with some of what is prescribed here.
How does your B12 injections fit in with your proposed flights? Make sure that you are up to date with that. How long have you been swallowing the BB? It may take a while to ease anxiety symptoms, i.e. 3-5 days. Initially, in 2001, I had 80mg 3 times a day :o for 4 weeks, then cut to 40mg twice a day for several years. I cut myself to 20mg twice a day then weaned off.
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:foryou:
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Have you ever had your estrogen levels checked ? Might be worth asking GP, if not do a home test. I know from experience that you can suddenly stop absorbing estrogen. I switched patches recently due to shortage and felt really awful, migraine, neck ache with tension, insomnia, feeling really low. I think I was absorbing too much so that might also be another reason for your symptoms. I tried Estrogel too and didn't absorb that at all 😐
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Hi CLKD, thanks for your reply, it could be I'm overthinking the upcoming events that have triggered the anxiety, no I never thought thyroid was an issue just my gp suggested testing to rule it out, regarding fatigue and heart palpitations, my consultant is a gynecologist, at time he wanted remove my ovaries with the uterus but I refused as didn't want to go Into surgical menopause, he then said most women who have there uterus removed go into menopause earlier than those who do not have a hysterectomy usually within 5 years, something to do with blood supply, I've no idea weather that's absolute fact, he did say it was not a definite but highly likely.
I only walk my dog very early am or late pm when it's really hot.
Hoping the propranolol works to calm the anxiety down, reassuring to know it worked well for you, I'm just confused as to how the anxiety has suddenly come back, hoping it's a temporary blip x
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:foryou:
Thank you xx
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A lack of oestrogen can cause anxiety surges.
My anxiety begins in the gut, a sudden feeling of intense nausea :'( followed by a total collapse, hence the emergency tablet. A therapist tried to tell me that I must have thoughts in order to trigger the anxiety. I walked from that session. HOW DARE SHE!
Hunger can trigger the anxiety :-\. So eating little and often helps, mostly.
I think that it's the time away etc. that is making you anxious.
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Hi CLKD, I think you are right about the time away, it's all I'm thinking about, and I can very much relate to your description of how anxiety begins I also feel it begin in my stomach, like a strange surge feeling, I appreciate your advice thank you so much x
Hi lillith112, thank you for your reply, I have only ever had my estrogen levels checked once which was years ago, I did wonder about levels, think I will get that checked through medi checks, as my gp definitely won't do blood tests for estrogen levels, thanks again for your reply x
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hormone blood tests can be reliably unreliable ::)
I can sympathise and empathise :-\
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Hi amazing grace, just wondered if you’d had covid recently or other virus or a booster jab? Just because many women on this site have found this brought back many symptoms (not permanently) x
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Hi scampidoodle, I did have covid which coincidentally the anxiety returned soon after being infected, I asked my gp if it would cause anxiety he said no unless I was anxious about having covid, which I wasn't, I also asked him about interference with hrt he almost laughed at me when I asked that, but I think it could be a possibility seeing as others say they have a return of symptoms, thank you for your reply x
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Yes if you search ‘covid’ and ‘hormones’ on here there are a few in the same boat xx
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Amazing Grace - hi. Just wanted to say I feel your pain. Have been experiencing all the symptoms you mention and have been struggling for weeks. I had to stop my normal HRT as it became unavailable due to the shortages and was swapped onto patches and progressively became worse and worse despite trying 2 different sorts. Just had a blood test of oestradiol levels and it was very low at 91 which I think explains why I am feeling so awful - just like you dreadful anxiety plus the other symptoms. Have been changed now back onto my old HRT but need to work up the dose slowly as am uber sensitive to dose increases. I saw your post and really wanted to reply to just say to you - you truly are not alone. Its beyond awful but hopefully you will start to improve on the higher dose of oestrogen. Sending love and empathy xx
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Hi pippa52, thank you so much for your lovely message, it helps so much to know others are experiencing the same, although I wish no one had to suffer these horrible symptoms, I hope you find relief with your symptoms with a hrt that suits, it's very frustrating, I too had trouble with some of the patches and have done better with gel, fingers crossed we both find a happy balance, your message is very much appreciated, very kind of you thank you x
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A lack of oestrogen can cause anxiety surges.
My anxiety begins in the gut, a sudden feeling of intense nausea :'( followed by a total collapse, hence the emergency tablet. A therapist tried to tell me that I must have thoughts in order to trigger the anxiety. I walked from that session. HOW DARE SHE!
Hunger can trigger the anxiety :-\. So eating little and often helps, mostly.
I think that it's the time away etc. that is making you anxious.
I've started quite recently getting sudden feelings in the gut accompanied by anxiety in the morning.
I have been on the same dose 25mcg for over a year, I am now wondering if the cause can be hormonal?
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Hi dandelion, think it's same for me been on same dose for a year and been stable until now, maybe it's a drop in estrogen, funny my anxiety always starts in the morning, usually better by the evening, maybe you could try an increase, hope you find relief soon, I literally hate the feeling of anxiety surging, x
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My anxiety would begin any time after 3.30 a.m. and I would wake. Terrified . :'(
By evening I was a different person who had to learn to say 'no' to any one otherwise, a 'yes' would result in more anxiety first thing :-\
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I can really relate to that CLKD, that seems to be the pattern with my anxiety, bad in the morning, totally different in the evening, x
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Hi pippa52, thank you so much for your lovely message, it helps so much to know others are experiencing the same, although I wish no one had to suffer these horrible symptoms, I hope you find relief with your symptoms with a hrt that suits, it's very frustrating, I too had trouble with some of the patches and have done better with gel, fingers crossed we both find a happy balance, your message is very much appreciated, very kind of you thank you x
Amazing Grace - thanks so much for your lovely message. It certainly is that different routes of getting oestrogen suit different people so it's so good there are options to choose from. I really hope so much you start to feel better soon and I know you will get lots of support on here it is such a great site with so many lovely ladies on it. Take care xxx
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Hi,
I'm not on HRT but I'm postmeno.
I have anxiety too but I am of anxious nature as I used to have anxiety prior to meno. The feelings I usually get are mainly this horrible butterfly sensation in the stomach coupled with a fast-beating heart. It can also make me lethategic a d dizxy.
As for thoughts causing anxiety, it's not always the case. Thoughts & feelings are interrelated and one can trigger the other in any order. This is particularly horrible though and those who don"t suffer from it will not understand what others have to go through.
As for testing oestradiol levels, I would say it's fairly accurate in postmeno. I've done a home test every year since I've reached the menopause and I can clearly see that there is a decline in that hormone. The result of the last test I did in Jauary 2022 was 29 pmol/l, which is quite low, and is likely to go down even further. I believe my ovaries have now packed in and, because I'm not on HRT, I don't think the level of oestradiol will shoot up to a higher level than 29 pmol/l. I would think that the most significant hormonal decline occurs in postmenopause until it stabilises to a very low level.
Karine
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Anxiety is the pits in my view.
I had it so bad during peri menopause, that I was barely able to drive my car.
Only my HRT patch makes it more manageable now.
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Hi AmazingGrace, I'm in the same boat atm. Was doing ok over recent weeks and getting to work and meeting friends to socialise and was all good. Without full HRT - using Vagifem only. Then few days ago bam!! back down to lowest and anxiety rocketed (husband has covid at mo and I was not even worrying if I caught it - thought get it out the way!!). But feels like I've gone back to the start point again. Trying my usual techniques to manage anxiety but feels bit deeper atm. Got HRT prescription in the draw and now may give it a try. Its hard work isn't it?? Exhausted anyway due to poor sleep but all of this just wears you down.... I cannot cry either but wish I could.. I'm trying to focus on positive things and making myself go out so to avoid that not leaving house feeling. Wish you well x
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Hi AmazingGrace, I'm in the same boat atm. Was doing ok over recent weeks and getting to work and meeting friends to socialise and was all good. Without full HRT - using Vagifem only. Then few days ago bam!! back down to lowest and anxiety rocketed (husband has covid at mo and I was not even worrying if I caught it - thought get it out the way!!). But feels like I've gone back to the start point again. Trying my usual techniques to manage anxiety but feels bit deeper atm. Got HRT prescription in the draw and now may give it a try. Its hard work isn't it?? Exhausted anyway due to poor sleep but all of this just wears you down.... I cannot cry either but wish I could.. I'm trying to focus on positive things and making myself go out so to avoid that not leaving house feeling. Wish you well x
ange63 - I can and do totally relate to all you say. It really takes away all confidence and I know exactly what you mean about leaving the house. The anxiety is most definitely just the pits - I do medication and use the CALM app which helps a bit and am now back on original HRT which has become available again so am praying things will start to calm down at some point soon. Just wanted to say you certainly are not alone in how you are feeling. xx
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Hi pippa52, thank you so much for your lovely message, it helps so much to know others are experiencing the same, although I wish no one had to suffer these horrible symptoms, I hope you find relief with your symptoms with a hrt that suits, it's very frustrating, I too had trouble with some of the patches and have done better with gel, fingers crossed we both find a happy balance, your message is very much appreciated, very kind of you thank you x
Amazing grace how are you feeling today? xx
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Hi KarineT, thanks for your reply, I wish I could go without hrt, sometimes it brings just as many problems than it solves, I also get the lightheaded thing just seems to be a never ending roller coaster, I think I'm going to test my levels as I'm pretty sure I'm post meno now, thank you for your reply I appreciate it very much.x
Nas, I agree anxiety is the pits, in fact this whole menopause is, just as one symptom is under control up pops another, I too went through that driving thing, at the time I thought how much more can this take from me, I hate the thought of spending the rest of my life this way, thank you for your reply x
Hi ange63, it is hard work, just when you think you've finally found some sort of normal out of the blue, it hits again I'm so fed up, Ive been like you really good, symptoms I was getting I was coping with really well, going out and enjoying life, I too am pushing myself to keep going out as to avoid not leaving the house, don't want to go back to that, good luck if you decide to try the hrt I really hope it works well for you, thank you for your reply x
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Hi pippa, I'm feeling a bit better the jittery feeling is still there but not as intense, still got the other symptoms, I'm really hoping it's a temporary thing and will pass, I hate the feeling, my shaky feeling almost feels internal it's a really weird feeling, not helping that my insomnia has also returned, thankyou for asking, I appreciate your support, very kind of you and really helps to not feel so alone In this misery xx
Hi pippa52, thank you so much for your lovely message, it helps so much to know others are experiencing the same, although I wish no one had to suffer these horrible symptoms, I hope you find relief with your symptoms with a hrt that suits, it's very frustrating, I too had trouble with some of the patches and have done better with gel, fingers crossed we both find a happy balance, your message is very much appreciated, very kind of you thank you x
Amazing grace how are you feeling today? xx
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Amazig grace - yes also have the jittery shaky feelings .... they seem to be worse in the mornings for some reason - really weird. We are certainly not alone - it seems quite a few of us have to go through these horrible symptoms to get to the other side and achieve the right dose and medication to help us. Hope so much you continue to improve xx
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Pippa, what is your usual HRT regime please. I've just started slow on half a 50 Everol patch but read on this forum of women who prefer gel.... only started yeday so hopeful will get some benefits... X
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Pippa, what is your usual HRT regime please. I've just started slow on half a 50 Everol patch but read on this forum of women who prefer gel.... only started yeday so hopeful will get some benefits... X
Hi Ange63 - I am now on 2 sprays of Lenzetto which I apply once daily in the evening. I was on Lenzetto before it became unavailable due to the shortages and was swopped on to patches which sadly really did not suit me. For me personally the spray or the gel suit me better but everyone is different and it all depends on what suits each person and which form of delivery of the oestrogen they prefer. I hope so much you start to feel the benefits soon although it does take some time to build up so don't be disheartened if you don't get immediate relief. I understand 3 months is the time when the beneifits will be totally felt.xxx
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Bit of an update: not sure if what I feel is due to the heat at moment or the HRT. Feeling bit whoozy/light headed and have to get up slowly or feel bit faint... getting some pressure around the head and face - not headaches but general pressure but this may be my sinusitis so back on antihistamine and bit of lower abdominal pressure so may be gynae build up. One thing however - usually only get 2/3 hours sleep but last night, in spite of the heatwave, I had a nap on settee for an hour and then went to bed and slept through for solid 5 hours - only did this once when I took Phenergan for insomnia So see how things go...... will keep you updated. x
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How is everyone doing? Do hope things are starting to improve for everyone. Thankfully the heat has calmed down too :) I am struggling a bit on the lower dose and have another 2 weeks to go before I can increase it on the consultant's advice. Definitely also feel light headed and a bit jittery, headaches not sleeping great with some flushes. Onwards and upwards hopefully. xx
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Struggling. After an 'incident' on Sunday evening I've kept to light, bland foods .... so my energy levels have dropped = feeling queasy. Hot weather always drains me = anxiety.
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Struggling. After an 'incident' on Sunday evening I've kept to light, bland foods .... so my energy levels have dropped = feeling queasy. Hot weather always drains me = anxiety.
So sorry to hear you are struggling - its so grotty :( You certainly are not alone. I hated the really hot weather too it made me feel pretty unwell on top of the other symptoms. It's the anxiety symptom I really hate and also palpitations. Do hope you start to pick up soon. Sending love and empathy x
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Tnx. My fear overtook me :'(
I am trying to eat little and often to put off any anxiety surges :-\
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Tnx. My fear overtook me :'(
I am trying to eat little and often to put off any anxiety surges :-\
Good plan - hope so much it helps. Blood sugar must have a bearing on anxiety as well xx
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It certainly does which is why Dr Dalton recommended that I eat every 3 hours. Not easy for a recovering anorexic :-\
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It certainly does which is why Dr Dalton recommended that I eat every 3 hours. Not easy for a recovering anorexic :-\
Oh bless you - I can imagine that really is a big ask - huge credit to you that you are carrying out her advice. x
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Tnx. I still have safe foods ...... though am a little more adventurous when feeling well ::)
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hI all, just changed to my second half 50 Everol patch. I'm not sure if I was already getting benefits or just wishful thinking. Slept good on the first heatwave night but last night back to usual - so who knows. Thought I was feeling OK (which I'll gladly accept) but now so tired, head drops and I'd be off to sleep, bit brain fog and feeling whoozy but is this because patch needed to be renewed or do I need to go to full patch sooner rather than later..... so many questions. So lets see how it goes on second half patch. IF you have words of wisdom let me know. Lets see how I get on..... xx
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Feeling a bit better with anxiety, but unfortunately the intense heat has caused horrible insomnia, I've only had a few hours sleep over the last couple of nights, don't feel like eating either which isn't helping, jittery, headache , nausea, heart palpitations today, :(, hope you feel better soon CLKD I hate feeling queasy, was your incident Sunday evening vomiting?, if so I understand your fear, I too I'm scared of vomiting sending you best wishes and a quick recovery, pippa hope you start to feel better soon and you see improvements once you increase your hrt, best wishes to you, xx
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It was Amazing grace and I appreciate your words. VILE! fortunately, once but then couldn't sleep 'in case'.
High heat levels drains me of energy = lack of appetite when really I should be taking on more slow release foods. Have gone off bananas >:(
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Sending lots of sympathy CLKD, hope you are managing to eat something, thankfully just once but even that's too much when you fear it, hope you regain your appetite and energy very soon, the heat definitely didn't help xx
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:thankyou: :foryou:
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Hi All, I had a few days of nausea as soon as I woke up lasting throughout the day over last week but was never sick. I'm doing regular small meals to keep nausea at bay and its sort of settled. But last night worst sleep in a while and today anxiety crept in. No noticeable improvement with use of HRT but its low dose with slow build up. So anxiety made me feel like taking patch off earlier today - thought if its giving anxiety I'll avoid HRT - but then I calmed and thought again. Anxiety still sitting lurking.... got work again at 3pm so see how I get on with it... Bloody nightmare.... How are you all doing and hope the cooler weather is helping some of you who were struggling.... x