Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Fiona1968 on January 18, 2023, 04:43:34 PM
-
Hi
I am 55 years old and about 10 years post menopausal.
Thankfully, I have never had to deal with the common symptoms of menopause (hot flushes, night sweats) but about 3 months ago I started suffering from anxiety and occasional panic attacks which are having a big impact on my day to day life both at work and socially. I have never had anxiety prior to this.
Should I be speaking to my GP about an anti-depressant or HRT?
Any advice from ladies in the same situation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Fi
-
After that long without a period I would ask for an anti-anxiety medication. Some ADs can ease anxiety but it might be Trial and Error, same with HRT.
Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use. What triggers the anxiety?
-
Thank you for your reply.
The anxiety/panic attacks come out of the blue. I can be sitting having a coffee with a pal and it hits me or I can be at work and for no reason I need to escape :'(
-
Oh I've left full shopping trollies in supermarkets or left DH shopping as I dash to the car :'( :-\
How is your diet overall as low blood sugar dips can cause anxiety surges. I was advised by NAPS to eat every 3 hours, 24/7.
-
Hello Fiona and welcome. I am sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety. It is such a horrid condition. CLKD has given you great advice. I think you would find an anti anxiety medication very helpful.
-
I had one of those abandoning grocery moments last weekend :'(
My overall diet is good but when I feel nauseous I don’t eat the same quantity as I would normally..
I have a telephone consultation with a GP at the start of February and I will ask about an anti depressant.
-
Hello Fiona and welcome. I am sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety. It is such a horrid condition. CLKD has given you great advice. I think you would find an anti anxiety medication very helpful.
I will see how I get on with the GP at the start of February.
Thanks
-
Fiona - that's me all over!
I suggest that you begin to graze, trying to eat B4 the body requires energy. My go-to snacks are: mixed fruits/nuts; bananas; cream crackers; ginger biscuits; chicken curry with rice; pancakes - mix can be kept in the fridge for a couple of day ready to use immediately 1 feels hungry, even if it's not a meal time. Important to listen to my body!
Anti-anxiety for easing panics etc.
Anti-depressant if 1 is depressed: not low, but can't get out of bed depressed. Some can ease anxiety.
My GP gave me Valium many years ago on an 'as necessary' basis - the evening prior to an event that I was unable to get out of
I also had Propranolol every night which really did help ease those early morning anxiety surges
Let us know how you get on.
-
I love my ginger biscuits and I always have a stash of raisins in my bag :)
Thank you so much for your advice and I will keep you posted.
-
:hug:
-
Hello Fiona 1968 and welcome to the forum.
Your description of sudden and unexpected anxiety sounds very familiar to me and I am sure to many other ladies as well. My trusty meno book talks about these sudden changes and how feelings of panic can arise with little provocation.
For these reasons I believe that hormones are the culprit but of course anti depressants may be helpful as well.
Hopefully your GP will be able to help you and please let us know how you get on with your appointment.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
-
Hello Fiona 1968 and welcome to the forum.
Your description of sudden and unexpected anxiety sounds very familiar to me and I am sure to many other ladies as well. My trusty meno book talks about these sudden changes and how feelings of panic can arise with little provocation.
For these reasons I believe that hormones are the culprit but of course anti depressants may be helpful as well.
Hopefully your GP will be able to help you and please let us know how you get on with your appointment.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
Thank you Kathleen.
I am also going to try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to see if it helps with the anxiety.
Fiona
-
Relaxation therapy can help too ........ stretching and relaxing the muscle groups from toes up the body. I never get further than the knees ::)
Singing .......... makes us breathe correctly, my music teacher told me when I was 11 that not many people actually breathe as we are built to!
-
Hello again Fiona1968
I understand that CBT Therapy can be offered by a GP and I believe other ladies have tried it for their meno symptoms.
I hope it goes well and please keep us updated.
Take care.
K.
-
Relaxation therapy can help too ........ stretching and relaxing the muscle groups from toes up the body. I never get further than the knees ::)
Singing .......... makes us breathe correctly, my music teacher told me when I was 11 that not many people actually breathe as we are built to!
I do Pilates which helps me physically and mentally..
-
That sounds too much like hard work for me ::)
Relaxation for the body at night is different. It supposedly has a calming effect all the way up.
-
Anxiety that bad when I woke up this morning I’m having to take another day off work :'(
-
Hello Fiona 1968
I am sorry that your anxiety is causing problems for you today.
I think a CBT therapist would ask you what you were thinking about before the anxiety started. I must admit that I found this question difficult to answer because the anxiety seemed to come out of nowhere. Infact I could be thinking the exact same thought later in the day and feel calm and happy.
Hopefully your upcoming appointment with your GP will be helpful.
Wishing you well and sending hugs.
K
-
Hello Fiona 1968
I am sorry that your anxiety is causing problems for you today.
I think a CBT therapist would ask you what you were thinking about before the anxiety started. I must admit that I found this question difficult to answer because the anxiety seemed to come out of nowhere. Infact I could be thinking the exact same thought later in the day and feel calm and happy.
Hopefully your upcoming appointment with your GP will be helpful.
Wishing you well and sending hugs.
K
I would also find that question difficult to answer Kathleen as my waves of anxiety seem to come out of the blue but the impact on my day to day/work/social life is awful.
-
The therapist who asked me that Kathleen got a look and I left the session. I have never had thoughts prior to an attack, it happens instantly. "Well you must have thought something to trigger the anxiety". :bang: :bang: :bang:
It can come out of the blue, usually when my body is hungry = nausea and the panic floors me. If U felt bad first thing Fiona it may be that cortisol 'waking' hormone which can be startling. When it happened in the early hours I would suffer prehensile terror.
Any improvement during the day?
-
The therapist who asked me that Kathleen got a look and I left the session. I have never had thoughts prior to an attack, it happens instantly. "Well you must have thought something to trigger the anxiety". :bang: :bang: :bang:
It can come out of the blue, usually when my body is hungry = nausea and the panic floors me. If U felt bad first thing Fiona it may be that cortisol 'waking' hormone which can be startling. When it happened in the early hours I would suffer prehensile terror.
Any improvement during the day?
I have my first CBT appointment in a couple of weeks so will see how it goes. No luck with an earlier telephone consultation with GP today :(
It has taken me most of the morning to feel less on edge and dry mouth and heart racing has calmed down. I know that I couldn’t go out the house even for a short walk as I feel it would all start again :(
-
Hello again Fiona 1968
Meg Matthews talked about her Meno anxiety and said that at it's worst she couldn't leave the house. She said that she just about made it to the corner shop for groceries and when her friends phoned her she told them that she had Glandular Fever. All this came on suddenly and was due to her hormones and menopause.
It will be interesting to see how your CBT person helps you. I spoke to someone ages ago who was very new to the profession and still learning all the necessary skills. I remember asking them how they would explain the 'up ' moods I had where everything felt fine and they were a bit confused by that. I am sure a more experienced therapist would have been a better bet but unfortunately that option wasn't available at the time.
I'm sorry to hear that the telephone consultation with your GP didn't go well.
If you have any further questions I'm sure the lovely ladies of the forum will be able to advise you.
This time of life can be a rollercoaster ride but you are not alone.
Wishing you well and take care
K.
-
My mood can dip for no apparent reason. Fortunately it passes quite quickly.
Sorry about the GP lack of assistance. Quite common, sadly.
-
Fiona, it could be a case of needing both HRT and an AD..
Menopause specialists usually like to prescribe hormones first and then filter in ADs if and when necessary. It's not unusual to suddenly find you have symptoms for the first time when post menopause. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are closely linked to low serotonin which in turn is linked to low oestrogen.
So it's a vicious circle which I can personally relate to for different reasons. I was controlling my silent migraines with hormone manipulation for over 10 years post menopause but it suddenly stopped working. My migraine specialist said more intervention was needed because it was clear that my serotonin levels had tanked and the hormone therapy could no longer stem the tide as it were. I needed an AD and she suggested either venlafaxine or amitriptyline so I opted for the latter because I already had some. Six months on I can say it's worked very will indeed. Obviously migraines are a different manifestation of a similar problem but they are linked to anxiety and depression.
My advice is to read as much information online as possible and perhaps start with a low dose of HRT and see if you have any improvement.
-
:thankyou:
-
Fiona, it could be a case of needing both HRT and an AD..
Menopause specialists usually like to prescribe hormones first and then filter in ADs if and when necessary. It's not unusual to suddenly find you have symptoms for the first time when post menopause. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are closely linked to low serotonin which in turn is linked to low oestrogen.
So it's a vicious circle which I can personally relate to for different reasons. I was controlling my silent migraines with hormone manipulation for over 10 years post menopause but it suddenly stopped working. My migraine specialist said more intervention was needed because it was clear that my serotonin levels had tanked and the hormone therapy could no longer stem the tide as it were. I needed an AD and she suggested either venlafaxine or amitriptyline so I opted for the latter because I already had some. Six months on I can say it's worked very will indeed. Obviously migraines are a different manifestation of a similar problem but they are linked to anxiety and depression.
My advice is to read as much information online as possible and perhaps start with a low dose of HRT and see if you have any improvement.
Hi Mary
A GP phoned me yesterday and gave me 2 options:
First option 100mg continuous Utrogestan and 1 pump of Oestrogel
Second Option Evorel Conti patches
I really didn’t know which one to go for so said I would have a think about it over the weekend and phone the surgery on Monday with my decision.
Is there a better option to try first?
Many thanks
X
-
From my little knowledge, I believe that patches bypass the gut in delivering the HRT.
MayB put the product names into the search box : separately : to see the threads relating to the medications. Make notes ;-)
-
From my little knowledge, I believe that patches bypass the gut in delivering the HRT.
MayB put the product names into the search box : separately : to see the threads relating to the medications. Make notes ;-)
I did have a go at that and there is so much information..
I like the sound of the patches because it’s not something I have do every day and also I’m not very good with tablets at the best of times.
Thanks
-
Let us know how you get on. There are several ways of delivering HRT so don't give up too soon ;-)
-
Hi there
I've always taken HRT transdermally and had a nil-by-mouth approach, as the most natural way to get it into the system! So patches all the way for me....
Hurdity x
-
Hi there
I've always taken HRT transdermally and had a nil-by-mouth approach, as the most natural way to get it into the system! So patches all the way for me....
Hurdity x
I am certainly swayed more to the patches. I just pray they help with my anxiety :'(
X
-
Fiona, both options are nil by mouth. The gel is transdermal and the Utrogestan is used vaginally. This is the most flexible option and similar to my regime which is one pump of Oestrogel and 50mg progesterone every day. You can use 100mg Utrogestan every other day which would obviously equate to 50mg every day.
Evorel patches contain a synthetic progesterone but you might want to start with them and see how you get on. I found they didn't stick properly and I never managed to get enough oestrogen out of them.
-
Fiona, both options are nil by mouth. The gel is transdermal and the Utrogestan is used vaginally. This is the most flexible option and similar to my regime which is one pump of Oestrogel and 50mg progesterone every day. You can use 100mg Utrogestan every other day which would obviously equate to 50mg every day.
Evorel patches contain a synthetic progesterone but you might want to start with them and see how you get on. I found they didn't stick properly and I never managed to get enough oestrogen out of them.
Thanks Mary.
I did read about the Utrogestan being used vaginally and also read mixed messages about using 100mg Utrogestan daily and every other day.
I have done a bit more research and think I will try the Evorel Conti patches first.
Will let you know how I get on.
GP said whatever I try I must give it 3 months to see if it helps.
-
Because the body doesn't get where it is suddenly, 3 months-ish is suggested to allow everything to settle. Which is where jotting down symptoms etc can help.
If however you suffer badly from side effects do not press on as there are several methods with HRT ;-)
-
Because the body doesn't get where it is suddenly, 3 months-ish is suggested to allow everything to settle. Which is where jotting down symptoms etc can help.
If however you suffer badly from side effects do not press on as there are several methods with HRT ;-)
Notebook at the ready :)
-
Good luck Fiona and please do let us know how you get on. I would ask for the 50mcg dose if I were you.
-
Good luck Fiona and please do let us know how you get on. I would ask for the 50mcg dose if I were you.
Thanks Mary and to everyone for all the chat. It really has helped and very much appreciated.
Will let you know how I get on.
X
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
I see. I know in this thread you mentioned one GP did suggest HRT and you were thinking about it.
All the best with the mirtazapine. :)
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
I see. I know in this thread you mentioned one GP did suggest HRT and you were thinking about it.
All the best with the mirtazapine. :)
That’s right.. one GP mentioned HRT and another one suggested anti depressant first. If AD didn’t help, consider Patches.
I must admit I’m not sure what to do for the best but I have made the decision to take the AD and see how it goes. Trial and error isn’t it?
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
I see. I know in this thread you mentioned one GP did suggest HRT and you were thinking about it.
All the best with the mirtazapine. :)
That’s right.. one GP mentioned HRT and another one suggested anti depressant first. If AD didn’t help, consider Patches.
I must admit I’m not sure what to do for the best but I have made the decision to take the AD and see how it goes. Trial and error isn’t it?
It is hard to decide but trying the AD is a good start and it may help a lot. :)
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
I see. I know in this thread you mentioned one GP did suggest HRT and you were thinking about it.
All the best with the mirtazapine. :)
That’s right.. one GP mentioned HRT and another one suggested anti depressant first. If AD didn’t help, consider Patches.
I must admit I’m not sure what to do for the best but I have made the decision to take the AD and see how it goes. Trial and error isn’t it?
It is hard to decide but trying the AD is a good start and it may help a lot. :)
I hope so and thank you 😊
-
Just a quick update…
Another GP phoned me on Monday and has suggested an Anti-depressant for my Anxiety and not HRT. Her reasoning was that I wasn’t getting any “common” menopausal symptoms. Not sure what to think.. Anyway I have been prescribed Mirtrazapine 15mg so I will give it a go for a couple of months and follow up with the GP.
Take care everyone
X
Is it possible to see a different GP? Your GP does not sound like they understand menopause.
I hope the mirtazapine helps.
It has been so long since I needed a GP that I don’t have one that I know and vice versa. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t help I will be pushing to see a GP that I can actually see and discuss my concerns.
I see. I know in this thread you mentioned one GP did suggest HRT and you were thinking about it.
All the best with the mirtazapine. :)
That’s right.. one GP mentioned HRT and another one suggested anti depressant first. If AD didn’t help, consider Patches.
I must admit I’m not sure what to do for the best but I have made the decision to take the AD and see how it goes. Trial and error isn’t it?
It is hard to decide but trying the AD is a good start and it may help a lot. :)
Just a quick update after my first fortnight taking Mitrazapine 15mg. Only taking Mitrazapine and not HRT for Anxiety.
My sleep has certainly improved and with trial and error I take the meds about 2 hours before I go to bed as getting up in the morning for work is a real struggle. Still feel groggy and day time tiredness not as bad the past few days.
GP says it takes 4-6 weeks to see any improvement of Anxiety so time will tell…
-
Tnx for the update. U may find that taking it regularly for 6-8 months of benefit. :foryou:
-
Tnx for the update. U may find that taking it regularly for 6-8 months of benefit. :foryou:
Onwards and upwards hopefully :)
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take a day off work. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take time off. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
Welcome back Fiona. I really am sorry your anxiety is still bad. Do you think the anxiety could be hormonal as this would explain why there is no improvement. The nausea is awful and is often a meno symptom. I have had that out the blue too.
There are lots of threads about anxiety on here. You could always do a search in the search bar and have a browse.
Just to say, you do not need to delete your account at all. You can leave it open and post whenever you feel you wish to. :)
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take time off. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
Welcome back Fiona. I really am sorry your anxiety is still bad. Do you think the anxiety could be hormonal as this would explain why there is no improvement. The nausea is awful and is often a meno symptom. I have had that out the blue too.
There are lots of threads about anxiety on here. You could always do a search in the search bar and have a browse.
Just to say, you do not need to delete your account at all. You can leave it open and post whenever you feel you wish to. :)
Thanks for your reply and apologies for deleting and reinstating my account ;)
I thought because I was 10 years post menopause and not getting any other symptoms it wasn’t hormonal
but you’re probably right and the Anxiety is hormonal. The nausea is awful…
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take time off. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
Welcome back Fiona. I really am sorry your anxiety is still bad. Do you think the anxiety could be hormonal as this would explain why there is no improvement. The nausea is awful and is often a meno symptom. I have had that out the blue too.
There are lots of threads about anxiety on here. You could always do a search in the search bar and have a browse.
Just to say, you do not need to delete your account at all. You can leave it open and post whenever you feel you wish to. :)
Thanks for your reply and apologies for deleting and reinstating my account ;)
I thought because I was 10 years post menopause and not getting any other symptoms it wasn’t hormonal
but you’re probably right and the Anxiety is hormonal. The nausea is awful…
Please do not apologise. I just thought I would mention in in case you did not realise. :)
I have read threads on here were women started having symptoms post meno and then decided to take HRT. I also thought post meno would mean such symptoms went until I joined this forum.
How was the CBT?
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take time off. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
Welcome back Fiona. I really am sorry your anxiety is still bad. Do you think the anxiety could be hormonal as this would explain why there is no improvement. The nausea is awful and is often a meno symptom. I have had that out the blue too.
There are lots of threads about anxiety on here. You could always do a search in the search bar and have a browse.
Just to say, you do not need to delete your account at all. You can leave it open and post whenever you feel you wish to. :)
Thanks for your reply and apologies for deleting and reinstating my account ;)
I thought because I was 10 years post menopause and not getting any other symptoms it wasn’t hormonal
but you’re probably right and the Anxiety is hormonal. The nausea is awful…
Please do not apologise. I just thought I would mention in in case you did not realise. :)
I have read threads on here were women started having symptoms post meno and then decided to take HRT. I also thought post meno would mean such symptoms went until I joined this forum.
How was the CBT?
My first CBT therapist made me feel worse and discussed her own health issues and family problems so I have just had my first session with a new therapist this week who is thankfully more professional and easy to talk to. I am hoping she can guide me in the right direction over the next few weeks/months. Will keep you posted.
-
What a terrible therapist! Maybe you need to leave a review to warn others about her. I am glad the new therapist is easy to talk to. :)
-
I did think about leaving a review but I live in a small town and I would dread bumping into her.
-
I did think about leaving a review but I live in a small town and I would dread bumping into her.
I can understand that. Luckily the new therapist is much better.
-
For your sleep to have already improved it is a great sign! It sounds like your body is adjusting and the next day groggy feeling is wearing off which is so positive. Thank you for updating us.
Just to say, please feel free to use the forum for anything be it support or just a chat. We are all here for you.
Thank you… will update on how well anxiety improves over the next few weeks/months
I just wanted to give you a quick update after 2 months on Mirtazapine 15mg which I am taking for Anxiety.
My sleeping has certainly improved but unfortunately there has not been a noticeable change with my anxiety.
Some days it simmers away and I can manage it and on a couple of occasions it has been so bad I have had to take a day off work. I also feel nauseous most mornings I wake up. Simmering or worse, I am exhausted by it :'(
Not really sure what to do next. Options are to up the Mirtazapine to 30mg or give the HRT a go (Evorel Conti Patches)
At the moment I’m mulling over both options and I just wondered if anyone else out there was in the same boat dealing with Anxiety?
Hi Fiona
I suffer with anxiety and was taking anti anxiety tablets and hrt but I have recently just started on an antidepressant because I was very tearful and now feel much better.
I get bleeding every couple of weeks on evorel conti so have decided to stop taking it because it is stressing me out.
If the bleeding stops then I will know its the hrt causing it then I don't know what avenue I will go down.
-
Hi Mollymoo
Thanks for your message.
I have decided to try the Evorel Conti and stop the Mirtazapine to see if it helps with the Anxiety. If it doesn’t help I may try the Mirtazapine again but on a higher dose (30mg). I am willing to try different things as my anxiety is so debilitating. What antidepressant are you taking now?
I found Mirtazapine 15mg great for a more settled sleep but unfortunately it hasn’t really helped with the anxiety.
-
I understand that thoughts are linked to feelings but thoughts aren't always the root cause of the anxiety. Sometimes, I will wake and feel panicky for no reason. The therapist is talking rubbish saying that the person must have thought about something which triggered the anxiety.
Fiona1968, I'm surprised that after 10 years postmeno, you're having anxiety and panic attacks. One would have thought that everything would have settled after that time.
Karine
-
I understand that thoughts are linked to feelings but thoughts aren't always the root cause of the anxiety. Sometimes, I will wake and feel panicky for no reason. The therapist is talking rubbish saying that the person must have thought about something which triggered the anxiety.
Fiona1968, I'm surprised that after 10 years postmeno, you're having anxiety and panic attacks. One would have thought that everything would have settled after that time.
Karine
Hi Karine
I am exactly the same when it comes to my anxiety. Nothing specific triggers it and it just comes over me but jeez the impact on day to day work, social etc activities has been really difficult.
I thought the same that after 10 years without any problems, it can’t be hormones and that is why I tried the Mirtazapine on its own, hoping it would help with the anxiety. I am hoping the CBT will help.
-
Hi Fiona1968,
Sometimes I do think negative and it might mske me anxious but thoughts do not always cause anxiety. Anxiety can come out of the blue. I have had cbt before I'm not sure if it really works or if it's short-lived. I have issues linked to the past, having been brought up by a dysfunctional family & having had bad experience at school & work in the past. I would say I'm a sensitive person and it would make more likely to have anxiety than someone who hasn't had any past issues. Sometimes I'm not sure if my anxiety is meno or psychologically related.
CBT might work for you but have you considered having your thyroid checked?
Were you on HRT before and stopped? As for your hormones, after 10 years postmeno, they will be very low but they should be stable.
-
Hi Karine
I haven’t had any issues with Anxiety in the past. I have the normal worries with day to day life etc but nothing specific that rears its ugly head on an ongoing basis.
I had my thyroid checked at the end of last year and nothing was flagged by the GP. I have never used HRT as I never felt the need to. I am still undecided about trying the Evorel Conti patches but I’ll not know if it helps with the Anxiety unless I give them I go.
I have a GP telephone consultation on Wednesday so will see what she says.
-
So, for you, it's just kicked in out of nowhere? I'm shocked that this is happening. I would say that it could be a surge in cortisol but why now when you had nothing for almost 10 years? It's beyond me. Now if the anxiety is also happening at work, it's must be even more problematic.
-
Sorry to hear all this.
I do get nauseous as well from time to time in the morning. This is probably because of the anxiety.
For me, all this started in peri. I'm now 3 years postmeno. I don't know if it's a combination of meno and my terrible past resurfacing but this anxiety is hard to control at times.
-
I feel for you too Karine.
It’s also hard for work colleagues, friends, family etc because unlike a broken leg which you can clearly see is broken, Anxiety is simmering away on the inside of me and not so obvious to the outside world!
I’m screaming inside to “get me out of here” and everyone else sees me looking fine..
Can I ask if you take HRT and did it help with your Anxiety?
-
Hi Fiona1968,
I understand your pain and anxiety, as you said, is not obvious to the outside world but it terrible for us sufferers. In fact it can be debilitating as it's, sometimes, paralysing. It should be regarded as a disability. I still can't comprehend that you've never had it before but 10 years after your last period, it kicks in. Why?
I've never been on HRT because I'm worried about the side-effects. As for anti-anxiety medication, I'm worried about the side-effects and becoming dependent on it.
-
My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia, both cured by hrt though it did take 3 months on it. If your anxiety arrived with peri there's a good chance hrt will cure it (though obviously there are other causes of anxiety too).
-
Hi Fiona1968,
I understand your pain and anxiety, as you said, is not obvious to the outside world but it terrible for us sufferers. In fact it can be debilitating as it's, sometimes, paralysing. It should be regarded as a disability. I still can't comprehend that you've never had it before but 10 years after your last period, it kicks in. Why?
I've never been on HRT because I'm worried about the side-effects. As for anti-anxiety medication, I'm worried about the side-effects and becoming dependent on it.
Hi Karine
My GP is at a loss too which doesn’t really help. She tends to just go with what I suggest to try…
I’m not good with tablets and always seem to get the horrible side effects but I must admit after a couple of weeks of grogginess on the Mirtazapine the side effects passed, just a pity they didn’t help with the Anxiety.
-
My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia, both cured by hrt though it did take 3 months on it. If your anxiety arrived with peri there's a good chance hrt will cure it (though obviously there are other causes of anxiety too).
Hi Sheila
Thanks for your message and I’m glad HRT helped with your Anxiety. I’m 10 years post menopause and only now getting Anxiety so still not 100% sure about starting HRT for the first time.
I have ordered Saffrosun calm which I read on another thread in Menopause Matters so will give that a go.
-
Hi Sheila,
So, I guess that if someone is anxious by nature, HRT won't help.
Karine
-
Hello ladies.
Surges of anxiety and mood changes are a daily occurrence for me unfortunately.
I was never the calmest person on the planet but I believe that these sensations are unique to the menopause.
There is a paragraph in my trusty Meno book that describes feelings of unease and a fluttering, internal shaking feeling. Apparently many women report this and it is due to low oestrogen levels. When I first read this it didn't resonate with me at all as I was still having regular periods and had no peri symptoms. Fast forward about five years and I can tick every box in the book plus the above description sums up my day!
For me the emotional/ psychological symptoms are the most troublesome. I am on a medium dose of gel and low dose of progesterone, I also take an antidepressant because I was told that HRT isn't always sufficient for anxiety.
I hope that my poor old body will eventually get the memo and adjust to a life of low oestrogen and calmness will prevail. I am keeping everything crossed but still taking the meds lol.
Wishing you all well ladies.
K.
-
Hello ladies.
Surges of anxiety and mood changes are a daily occurrence for me unfortunately.
I was never the calmest person on the planet but I believe that these sensations are unique to the menopause.
There is a paragraph in my trusty Meno book that describes feelings of unease and a fluttering, internal shaking feeling. Apparently many women report this and it is due to low oestrogen levels. When I first read this it didn't resonate with me at all as I was still having regular periods and had no peri symptoms. Fast forward about five years and I can tick every box in the book plus the above description sums up my day!
For me the emotional/ psychological symptoms are the most troublesome. I am on a medium dose of gel and low dose of progesterone, I also take an antidepressant because I was told that HRT isn't always sufficient for anxiety.
I hope that my poor old body will eventually get the memo and adjust to a life of low oestrogen and calmness will prevail. I am keeping everything crossed but still taking the meds lol.
Wishing you all well ladies.
K.
Hi Kathleen
Thank you for your message. I’m glad you have found the right combination of HRT and AD and I hope you also find calmness in your day to day life. We’re not asking for much😊
Fiona
-
Hi Kathleen
I do hope this is helping you but it's terrible to realise that low oestrogen has the power to cause emotional distress.
The sensations you describe, I get them from time to time. I'm a sensitive person and I'm always worried that someone at work is going to say something bad to me and I'm going to crumble. I do visualise being in control if this happens but my brain always goes back to bad things and it makes me feel particularly insecure. I have to say, I've always been an anxious person since I was 5 or 6 years old.
I'm not on HRT or AD. I am worried about the side-effects of these.
Karine
-
I had my GP telephone consultation this morning and she has suggested stopping the Mirtazapine and giving the Everel Conti patches a go. I’ll give them a go for 3 months hopefully and see if they help.
-
Will you have to taper the mirtazapine? I know it can be difficult to come off. I really hope the evorel conti patches help.
-
Will you have to taper the mirtazapine? I know it can be difficult to come off. I really hope the evorel conti patches help.
I have only been on the Mirtazapine for 2 months so I can just stop them.
Part of me wants to keep on them for another couple of months because I think they have helped my body relax generally which has helped my back pain (disc bulge which I have had bother with for a few years) It’s just they don’t help with the anxiety.
Maybe the patches will help the Anxiety and general aches and pains.
-
You could stay on it if you think it is helping your body to relax. Helping your back pain is something I would stay on it for. I remember it is helping you sleep too.
-
You could stay on it if you think it is helping your body to relax. Helping your back pain is something I would stay on it for. I remember it is helping you sleep too.
My way of thinking is “I don’t want to complicate things” and would rather try the HRT on its own to see if helps with the Anxiety which is more debilitating than the back pain at the moment. If the HRT doesn’t help I would probably go back to the Mirtazapine as it certainly helps with sleep and an overall relaxed body feeling.
-
You could stay on it if you think it is helping your body to relax. Helping your back pain is something I would stay on it for. I remember it is helping you sleep too.
My way of thinking is “I don’t want to complicate things” and would rather try the HRT on its own to see if helps with the Anxiety which is more debilitating than the back pain at the moment. If the HRT doesn’t help I would probably go back to the Mirtazapine as it certainly helps with sleep and an overall relaxed body feeling.
I can understand that. I really hope the HRT helps with the symptoms. HRT has done wonders for my aches and pains. :)
-
Thank you.. will keep you posted
Fiona
-
I’m so late to this party, but like you, my anxiety came from nowhere. It kicked in 3 or 4 months after coming off HRT that I’d been on for 6 years. However it also coincided with the emerging virus threat back in 2020, and as we went into lockdown I was a wreck. I used to give myself a good talking to and tell myself that everyone was in the same boat, that people had lost loved ones without being able to say goodbye etc, and almost felt vindicated in my anxiety due to the global situation at that time.
Fast forward to summer 2022 and life is pretty much back to normal, but I’m not. I had the dawning realisation that all the other symptoms I was experiencing weren’t just me getting old, but it was meno rearing its ugly head again. I was a mess, both physically and emotionally, when previously my mental health had never been an issue.
I came across this video on YouTube. It’s an interview by James Smith with Louise Newson, and it really was a lightbulb moment for me. Now been back on HRT since last August and feel brilliant.
I hope the Evorel Conti works for you. I started on that, and was on it 4 month but it caused me to have bleeds, so I’m now on Evorel 50 with 100mg oral Utrogestan nightly. Still getting some bleeding but is now much less frequent and much lighter, so hoping it’ll peter out in time. But it’s common, apparently. HRT is different for everyone, and it’s not a ‘one size fits all’’. Mine’s still being tweaked 9 months on, but the benefits are so worth it for me.
Good luck and keep us posted. I’ve added a link to the YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/NOTZZxhQw9Y
-
Hi
Thanks for your message and I’m glad you are feeling good. It always makes me smile and feel more positive when I read encouraging stories.
I will definitely watch the video and keep you posted.
-
Hi Fiona1968
Big hugs xxxxxxx
I totally sympathise with you as I am suffering these awful bouts of anxiety too hunni 1st thing on a morning seems to be the worst time for me but can filter into the rest of the day. I really hope the HRT helps you as it does get exhausting feeling so anxious all the time. My sister who is also peri meno like myself has started drinking Sleep infusions tea before bedtime and says it has helped her sleep much better! So I am going to buy some to try. Chamomile tea has also helped her relax.
Just a suggestion hunni. I will be hitting the supermarket tomorow to buy some to see if it helps me.
Waiting to see a meno specialist as GP unsure what HRT to give me as Evorel sequi and Conti didnt suit me terrible side effects on Conti. I was offered anti dep to help with my anxiety but I refused..for now until I see if HRT helps like it did before. All trial and error :(
Xxxxx
-
Hi Fiona1968
Big hugs xxxxxxx
I totally sympathise with you as I am suffering these awful bouts of anxiety too hunni 1st thing on a morning seems to be the worst time for me but can filter into the rest of the day. I really hope the HRT helps you as it does get exhausting feeling so anxious all the time. My sister who is also peri meno like myself has started drinking Sleep infusions tea before bedtime and says it has helped her sleep much better! So I am going to buy some to try. Chamomile tea has also helped her relax.
Just a suggestion hunni. I will be hitting the supermarket tomorow to buy some to see if it helps me.
Waiting to see a meno specialist as GP unsure what HRT to give me as Evorel sequi and Conti didnt suit me terrible side effects on Conti. I was offered anti dep to help with my anxiety but I refused..for now until I see if HRT helps like it did before. All trial and error :(
Xxxxx
Hi
Thanks for your message. Like you my mornings are usually worse as I feel nauseous nearly every morning I wake up. My nausea (which usually improves by late morning) doesn’t seem to match up with my anxiety which can happen at any time throughout the day.
It must be nice having a sister to compare notes with. For months I have been drinking Pukka Womankind tea which I love.
I hope your next HRT helps you. I am only a couple of weeks into using Evorel Conti so early days. I do feel bloated and my aches and pains are worse so I’m hoping this will settle down.
Fiona xx
-
Thank you my next hurdle is a GP appointment next Monday to see what other HRT I can try possibly Utrogestan (not sure if I have spelt that right) and the Oestrogen gel as the progesterone in Evorel Conti didnt suit me.
I really do hope Evorel Conti helps you xxxxx
And yes my anxiety can like yours filter into my day it was initially worse on a morning but that panicky feeling and churning in stomach can come on randomly for me too so I totally sympathise xxxx
-
Thank you my next hurdle is a GP appointment next Monday to see what other HRT I can try possibly Utrogestan (not sure if I have spelt that right) and the Oestrogen gel as the progesterone in Evorel Conti didnt suit me.
I really do hope Evorel Conti helps you xxxxx
And yes my anxiety can like yours filter into my day it was initially worse on a morning but that panicky feeling and churning in stomach can come on randomly for me too so I totally sympathise xxxx
Good luck with your GP appointment.
I spoke to a GP a couple of weeks ago as I was stopping the Mirtazapine which didn’t help my Anxiety and asked her about trying HRT to see if that would help.
I’m glad it was a telephone consultation because I was angered beyond belief. She told me that there was too much discussed about Anxiety and that I should either go for walk, do some Yoga, potter in the garden or run a bath and light some candles😡
-
What an ignorant GP! They must never have had anxiety to say that. I really am sorry you had such a horrid experience Fiona. I would make a complaint about her. >:(
-
What an ignorant GP! They must never have had anxiety to say that. I really am sorry you had such a horrid experience Fiona. I would make a complaint about her. >:(
She was retiring at the end of that week I had my telephone consultation. I did say to her “you obviously have your retirement head on” and when she mentioned going out for a walk I told her that sometimes I can’t even leave the house. She wasn’t interested and I had to ask for the HRT to try otherwise the call would have ended with no outcome. I was raging for quite a while that day… Anyway, onwards and hopefully upwards.
Thanks
-
Thank you my next hurdle is a GP appointment next Monday to see what other HRT I can try possibly Utrogestan (not sure if I have spelt that right) and the Oestrogen gel as the progesterone in Evorel Conti didnt suit me.
I really do hope Evorel Conti helps you xxxxx
And yes my anxiety can like yours filter into my day it was initially worse on a morning but that panicky feeling and churning in stomach can come on randomly for me too so I totally sympathise xxxx
Good luck with your GP appointment.
I spoke to a GP a couple of weeks ago as I was stopping the Mirtazapine which didn’t help my Anxiety and asked her about trying HRT to see if that would help.
I’m glad it was a telephone consultation because I was angered beyond belief. She told me that there was too much discussed about Anxiety and that I should either go for walk, do some Yoga, potter in the garden or run a bath and light some candles😡
Thank you xxx
Ahh no that is terrible! I am not surprised you were angry because its as easy as that! You can't switch anxiety on and off like those of us that suffer from it know only too well.
You took the step of contacting your GP about your anxiety which is extremely brave. Anxiety is not an easy topic to discuss and to be made to feel like your making a big issue out of what your GP was insinuating is a exaggerated condition is just awful.
Just as well she is retiring!!!!
I hope the HRT helps you I really do xxxx
-
Hello again ladies.
This forum is a such a comfort because everyone here understands the struggles we have ( unlike your recently retired GP Fiona1968!).
Surges of one sort or another, both good and bad have been a feature of my post meno years. I was never a moody person when younger or a wildly emotional one so all this feels very odd.
At my Consultant appointment last week I explained that my physical symptoms are sorted with my HRT but my mood changes are like the emotional equivalent of a hot flush. He said many of his patients had complained of the same thing.
Fiona1968 - I hope your HRT helps with your anxiety and do please keep us updated.
Take care ladies.
K.
-
Hi Kathleen
I remember you saying that your “emotional/ psychological symptoms are the most troublesome” and that runs so true for me too. I too feel odd that all of a sudden this Anxiety has appeared in my life …
It’s a relief that your physical symptoms have settled and I will keep you posted on how I get on with my HRT.
Thanks
Fiona
-
My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia, both cured by hrt though it did take 3 months on it. If your anxiety arrived with peri there's a good chance hrt will cure it (though obviously there are other causes of anxiety too).
Hi Sheila
I also am suffering terribly with anxiety first thing on a morning its crippling. I am so pleased yours improved on HRT. I was given HRT to try but I had an intolerance to progesterone in the patches I used weeks 3 and 4. This was my 1st HRT and only managed to try it for 1.5 months
Ive been asked by my GP to see how I go without HRT so currently taking nothing and the anxiety is getting too much for me to handle on a morning so much so I dread opening my eyes.
Can I just ask which HRT helped you? I know not one fit for all but I am currently trying natural vits and not seeing any improvement yet
-
Hi Kathleen
I do hope this is helping you but it's terrible to realise that low oestrogen has the power to cause emotional distress.
The sensations you describe, I get them from time to time. I'm a sensitive person and I'm always worried that someone at work is going to say something bad to me and I'm going to crumble. I do visualise being in control if this happens but my brain always goes back to bad things and it makes me feel particularly insecure. I have to say, I've always been an anxious person since I was 5 or 6 years old.
I'm not on HRT or AD. I am worried about the side-effects of these.
Karine
Hi
I am so sorry you are feeling like this but I can completely relate.
Its just so awful. I am too very sensitive and hate confrontation but more so recently with awful internal fluttering feeling of panick. Have you spoken to GP/ specialist about what treatment options would be available to you?
Xxx
-
What an ignorant GP! They must never have had anxiety to say that. I really am sorry you had such a horrid experience Fiona. I would make a complaint about her. >:(
She was retiring at the end of that week I had my telephone consultation. I did say to her “you obviously have your retirement head on” and when she mentioned going out for a walk I told her that sometimes I can’t even leave the house. She wasn’t interested and I had to ask for the HRT to try otherwise the call would have ended with no outcome. I was raging for quite a while that day… Anyway, onwards and hopefully upwards.
Thanks
Oh my, your consultation sounds similar to my first one when I decided to go back on HRT.. I got a locum, who just wouldn’t let me speak. She was rude, told me I couldn’t have HRT because I’d been on it for 6 years before my 2.5 year break. But armed with knowledge from this forum, I told her that she couldn’t refuse it if I knew the risks, and wanted it. In the end she gave me a 1 month supply(!) of Evorel Conti, just to shut me up. I was tearful and raging in equal measures after that. When I realised she’d only given me 1 months supply, I rang the practice and spoke to the manager, who explained she was a locum, and that she was gone at the end of the week “and certainly won’t be coming back to this practice”. Manager was brilliant and got me an appt with a nurse at another practice who is trained as a menopause nurse. I haven’t looked back.
Don’t give up. If you don’t get the outcome you want from one place, keep trying. It’s exhausting when you feel terrible, anxious etc, but worth it.
-
My worst symptoms were anxiety and insomnia, both cured by hrt though it did take 3 months on it. If your anxiety arrived with peri there's a good chance hrt will cure it (though obviously there are other causes of anxiety too).
Hi Shelia,
This is reassuring to hear that HRT helped your anxiety etc as I am suffering terribly at the moment and only on week3 of new HRT. So I am undecided whether to carry on till 3 months is up or start ADs alongside