Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Losingtheplot on April 22, 2023, 09:59:06 AM
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I have had 2 awful panic attacks since 5am today this is just getting too much. I think I'm peri and just started new HRT regime alongside anti anxiety meds. I am struggling to cope with this now on a daily basis not knowing how many times I will suffer these attacks today. I am finding my quality of life being so badly affected and really am starting to feel that this is my life now and I can't face a life like this. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I am waiting to see a meno specialist and on a long waiting list but honestly the way I am feeling the past few days its whether I can cope with this much longer. This is no kind of life feeling dread, anxiety panic everyday. Its just too much. :'( :'( :'(
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Hi there,deep breaths girl.Anxiety is the pits and sadly one of the worse effects of meno in my opinion,the early hours are usually the worst,surges of adrenaline make you feel this way. I don't know much about HRT but it sounds like you need it tweaking and should go back to your Dr. When I get these awful episodes, I do breathing exercises,whilst tapping on my chest/legs/wherever with my hands,breathing in for four and out for four,this of course won't cure you but might help until you see someone.
Have you tried CBD? Also a few of us on here are great advocates in Vit D,this has helped me greatly,takes a few weeks to get into your system but worth a try. You'll get there,you're definitely not alone on here xx
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Hi there,deep breaths girl.Anxiety is the pits and sadly one of the worse effects of meno in my opinion,the early hours are usually the worst,surges of adrenaline make you feel this way. I don't know much about HRT but it sounds like you need it tweaking and should go back to your Dr. When I get these awful episodes, I do breathing exercises,whilst tapping on my chest/legs/wherever with my hands,breathing in for four and out for four,this of course won't cure you but might help until you see someone.
Have you tried CBD? Also a few of us on here are great advocates in Vit D,this has helped me greatly,takes a few weeks to get into your system but worth a try. You'll get there,you're definitely not alone on here xx
Thank you for the information its very kind of you to share xxx
This is my 2nd shot at HRT and only started it on Monday so need to give it time. Ive just had a pelvic scan and an awful probe up my vagina! And seems I may be post meno!!!!
The lovely sonographer couldn't confirm for definite as its my GP who will make the diagnosis but she did say everything looked shrivelled e.g ovaries etc so seems very likely I am post!
So my HRT will need tweaking in that case your right!
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Yes,it will,if you're producing next to no oestrogen you'll definitely need it changed.
The vit D can also help with sleep and anxiety,I've been taking it since last year and there is definitely an improvement.
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Yes,it will,if you're producing next to no oestrogen you'll definitely need it changed.
The vit D can also help with sleep and anxiety,I've been taking it since last year and there is definitely an improvement.
My Gp has me on 0.5 of estradoil gel for 14 days and then Utrogestan 2 x 100mg capsules for next 14 days.
I am only on day 6 of the gel so far
Also I don't bleed on my current contraception so unclear whether to get the implant out to see what happens.
I don't want to have horrendous bleeding like some people have reported poor ladies but I want to know what my periods are doing as that would confirm if I was post meno. The vit d sounds a good idea I am taking Ashgawandha and ordered some msm capsules so will look to add vit d also thanks again
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I can sympathise for sure. The medical staff are aware how bad things are, that's why they keep striking, but for those of us on waiting lists it can feel like we're forgotten.
I think my first peri symptoms were anxiety, I didn't realise that was a symptom, so age 48 I started antidepressants because my GP didn't think of menopause either. I feel I've more excuse for my ignorance than my GP has, I'm no medic.
I'm really glad they made that mistake though because the antidepressants worked for a good while, even if menopause is the cause, some ADs might make life easier right now while you're waiting and afterwards if you want to keep taking them after getting hrt you can.
I had an eight month wait for the menopause specialist to phone me and was on tibolone rather than hrt for that wait because my GP thought it was perfectly safe, no risk from tibolone, rubbish, I've high blood pressure and I'm peri menopausal, so no, tibolone was all wrong for me even if I hadn't had a heavy period every month, for the whole eight months, that didn't lessen.
So on a scale of no effect to wonderful my GP scores a minus for that.
I remember walking holding the pain and thinking I can't live like this any more and I promptly relapsed onto the thing I'm addicted to, only off it two months (and 11 days) now, but with ADs and now HRT I'm far far better, although still in some pain.
Hang in there, it gets better. Sometimes its best to concentrate only on today, other times it pays to think of a later time which will be better, like the day after an event you are dreading, the next day will be mint because you not dreading it any more. If I'm really anxious I'd think of the time afterwards with some real effort, keeping it in mind.
I'm sending you a great big virtual hug now. :foryou:
Hi poppytoast
Sounds like you went through an awful time I am pleased you found the right combination to help you.
Your words are very encouraging and I will look at Ad's if I feel I am sinking too low. It doesnt help when the brain fog makes everything harder I just need someone professional to assess all the symptoms I am experiencing no sex drive, anixety, palpitations, panic attacks.
I just like many ladies on here to find something that helps. Anxiety and panic attacks are the most crippling for me. Sex drive back would be good too but I do try and take 1 day at a time but sometimes like today gets too much
Thanks again
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Hi losingtheplot
I really hope you start to feel better soon, your HRT and anti anxiety meds should start to help very soon, and you have the option on antidepressants which also work on anxiety. I’m not very knowledgeable about them but apparently there are some to avoid if you have sleeping difficulties. I have heard good things about sertraline. You might find that your hrt is sufficient though. It sounds like you need to really take care of yourself and do whatever it takes to feel better. And the main thing, try to keep in mind that this is only temporary and you will get through this time.
Sending hugs,
Katherine
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Hi losingtheplot
I really hope you start to feel better soon, your HRT and anti anxiety meds should start to help very soon, and you have the option on antidepressants which also work on anxiety. I’m not very knowledgeable about them but apparently there are some to avoid if you have sleeping difficulties. I have heard good things about sertraline. You might find that your hrt is sufficient though. It sounds like you need to really take care of yourself and do whatever it takes to feel better. And the main thing, try to keep in mind that this is only temporary and you will get through this time.
Sending hugs,
Katherine
Thank you so much Katherine I really mean that.
I know I need to give things time to work and I really am trying so hard. I have had a major blip today and if I start feeling like its getting worse (which I think it might be) then I may need Ads again.
Whether the ones I have used in past help me again or not remains to be seen but I recall trying sertraline and did not suit me at all.
Thanks again and I hope you are ok xxx
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Yes,it will,if you're producing next to no oestrogen you'll definitely need it changed.
The vit D can also help with sleep and anxiety,I've been taking it since last year and there is definitely an improvement.
I do take wellwoman multi vits that have rda of vit d in them. I take 2 huge tablets everyday. I do feel its hormonal especially after my scan today and i have extreme painful bloating when I eat but I am only on very low oestrogen gel. I do appreciate your help.
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Losingtheplot, you’re welcome. It shouldn’t take very long for the meds and HRT to start working, I would give it a week at most, don’t suffer when there is help available. I’ve never tried SSRIs, are any of them any good? Venlafaxine was once recommended to me in my twenties but I never tried it.
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Don't forget just how much you are going through at the moment. You had scans and a vaginal probe, which whilst being an essential investigation, they can feel a bit invasive. Understand just what you have been through the last couple of weeks. Are you expecting a bit much from yourself all at once maybe?
Because we can feel so bad we want almost instant results from a change in medication - at least I know I can feel that way. Because we are in the pits we are pretty desperate for any sign of improvement and when we don't get it straight away then the bloody anxiety spirals out of control again.
I don't have the magic wand for you, or any of us. I wish I did.
Would you benefit from a form of therapy, just so you can talk with someone? I have done this in the past and have referred myself again for different reasons. Whilst it can never take symptoms away, sometimes it helps us find ways and methods to help us cope. It's not for everyone, but may be worth a thought?
I really wish you well sweetie
X
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Losingtheplot, you’re welcome. It shouldn’t take very long for the meds and HRT to start working, I would give it a week at most, don’t suffer when there is help available. I’ve never tried SSRIs, are any of them any good? Venlafaxine was once recommended to me in my twenties but I never tried it.
Hi hunni well the anti anxiety tabs I take on an as and when basis when I feel the onset of physical symptoms and they do seem to help. The Ads I have taken in past that really helped me was Fluoxetine. This was after trying a couple of different kinds that didn't! I had a pelvic scan yesterday and looks like I may be post meno although I don't bleed on current contraception never have.
I am experiencing terrible pelvic pain lately too which was reason Gp referred me for scan. The scan ended up being an internal probe which was painful when was placed on my shrunken ovaries which the sonographer had a job finding!
Xx
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Don't forget just how much you are going through at the moment. You had scans and a vaginal probe, which whilst being an essential investigation, they can feel a bit invasive. Understand just what you have been through the last couple of weeks. Are you expecting a bit much from yourself all at once maybe?
Because we can feel so bad we want almost instant results from a change in medication - at least I know I can feel that way. Because we are in the pits we are pretty desperate for any sign of improvement and when we don't get it straight away then the bloody anxiety spirals out of control again.
I don't have the magic wand for you, or any of us. I wish I did.
Would you benefit from a form of therapy, just so you can talk with someone? I have done this in the past and have referred myself again for different reasons. Whilst it can never take symptoms away, sometimes it helps us find ways and methods to help us cope. It's not for everyone, but may be worth a thought?
I really wish you well sweetie
X
Hi SarahT
I never thougt about how much I have actually been thru last few weeks your so right. I am desparately after a quick fix I think as last HRT didnt suit me when I started it mid Feb.
I just want to feel better. Like all of us ladies. With the pressures of a stressful job on top its all been getting too much. I will carry on for a while longer to see how things go if I see things getting worse then I will have a talk with my GP about starting Ads again if thats what I need.
I have tried talking therapy in past has helped so will consider that too something I hadn't thought about.
Thank u so much xxxx
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Hi
You have had lots of lovely replies, and everyone was fantastic with me when I posted about needing support.
What I will say is, it will pass, don’t fight this feeling or put pressure on yourself to be happy. This is what I do and I find it makes me feel worse.
Just say to yourself today is a 💩 day, but it will pass as quick as it came.
Be kind to yourself, something I’m trying to learn too.
I stopped HRT back in February after being on it since June 22 as didn’t feel it was working. I felt great at first, but I’m back on it as struggling with symptoms.
I was on 2 pumps of gel, and wondered if I was on too much as upped to 3 pumps (advice of my private menopause clinic).
I’m peri menopausal and wonder if this was too much for me, so I’ve decided to use just 1/2 pump a day and see how I’m feeling as I emailed Dr Currie and she said sometimes less it more.
Sending you a massive big hug. Xxxx
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Peanut, your reply resonated with me. I am trying to accept what is going on peri wise, whilst also trying to get the best dose\regime to help me.
I need to accept to good days, rest when I am feeling exhausted and just not fight it. Trying to get a good 'mind set ' balance really.
You've kind of out it into words for me, not fighting it, or putting pressure on ourselves to try to be happy when we are clearly not some days. Thanks for that.
I hope you too start to feel the benefits of her again soon. X
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Hello Losingtheplot
I am so sorry that you are suffering but as you can see you are not alone.
In the past I had horrendous anxiety attacks on waking, they would literally jolt me out of my sleep. The anxiety would then move up and down my body in waves. It was horrible and all that happened before getting out of bed!
Thankfully that phase has now passed along with most of the other physical symptoms. These things do change over time and it is true to say that 'this will pass'.
I completely understand how frustrating it all is however and there is every reason to explore every treatment available.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
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I think you’re doing the right thing losingtheplot by exploring your options on ways to help yourself. If you are having panic attacks and feel overwhelmed then I think you are right to explore anti depressants and therapy,etc, to get yourself to a place where you feel more stable and at peace. All the while being kind to yourself and knowing it’s ok to have difficult days and that all your feelings are valid.
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Hi
You have had lots of lovely replies, and everyone was fantastic with me when I posted about needing support.
What I will say is, it will pass, don’t fight this feeling or put pressure on yourself to be happy. This is what I do and I find it makes me feel worse.
Just say to yourself today is a 💩 day, but it will pass as quick as it came.
Be kind to yourself, something I’m trying to learn too.
I stopped HRT back in February after being on it since June 22 as didn’t feel it was working. I felt great at first, but I’m back on it as struggling with symptoms.
I was on 2 pumps of gel, and wondered if I was on too much as upped to 3 pumps (advice of my private menopause clinic).
I’m peri menopausal and wonder if this was too much for me, so I’ve decided to use just 1/2 pump a day and see how I’m feeling as I emailed Dr Currie and she said sometimes less it more.
Sending you a massive big hug. Xxxx
Hi Peanut31
Thank you so much this is great advice and I will try to be kinder to myself like you suggest. And you are so right today has been a better day for me :) I had very faint symptoms of a panic/anxiety attack this morning but nothing on the scale they have been! So I think the HRT Sandrena estradoil that I am using is started to help me! Which is good. I am pleased your new HRT is working for you. Xxx
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I think you’re doing the right thing losingtheplot by exploring your options on ways to help yourself. If you are having panic attacks and feel overwhelmed then I think you are right to explore anti depressants and therapy,etc, to get yourself to a place where you feel more stable and at peace. All the while being kind to yourself and knowing it’s ok to have difficult days and that all your feelings are valid.
Hi Katherine
Thankyou for making me feel better about things. Today has been a better day for me. My brain and thinking is sharper I feel more myself and defo a lot less anxious so I do feel its hormonal
I have done some exercise today and that always seems to help me. Obviously motivation isnt always there to do some but I know I will better after.
I do feel like the new HRT is starting to help :)
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Losingtheplot that is so good to hear and to see you smile! I can tell you are a strong person. X
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Hello Losingtheplot
I am so sorry that you are suffering but as you can see you are not alone.
In the past I had horrendous anxiety attacks on waking, they would literally jolt me out of my sleep. The anxiety would then move up and down my body in waves. It was horrible and all that happened before getting out of bed!
Thankfully that phase has now passed along with most of the other physical symptoms. These things do change over time and it is true to say that 'this will pass'.
I completely understand how frustrating it all is however and there is every reason to explore every treatment available.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
Lovely helpful words thank you for understanding and also reassuring me. Take care xxx
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Losingtheplot that is so good to hear and to see you smile! I can tell you are a strong person. X
Ahh hunni that is so kind of you to say. Thank u. I sincerely mean that. We are all very strong to share our stories on here and you have been such a support to me.
I think you also hit the nail on the head on a previous post where you stated how much us poor ladies go through from onset of puberty onwards.
I was thinking of my experiences how as a teen I was self conscious, lacked confidence, then in my 30s struggled with a new born baby, 40s onset of peri meno! When do we ever get a break ; ;D ;D ;D
Xxx
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Exactly losingtheplot, we have to be strong from a young age, we go though so much and so we must look after and be kind ourselves. Xxx
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Hi losingtheplot
I really hope you start to feel better soon, your HRT and anti anxiety meds should start to help very soon, and you have the option on antidepressants which also work on anxiety. I’m not very knowledgeable about them but apparently there are some to avoid if you have sleeping difficulties. I have heard good things about sertraline. You might find that your hrt is sufficient though. It sounds like you need to really take care of yourself and do whatever it takes to feel better. And the main thing, try to keep in mind that this is only temporary and you will get through this time.
Sending hugs,
Katherine
Hi Ladies,
Just an update to say that I have started to feel alot like my old self again in the last couple of days!!
I do think the HRT is helping as I have now been on Sandrena 0.5mg gel for 10 days and the anxiety has calmed down massively as have the awful crippling panic attacks!! I could feel a very faint one this morning with palpitations but with the advice of a lovely lady on this forum deep breathing helped me control this so I didn't even have to take an anti anx med!
I have been taking Ashwagandha and well woman multi vits alongside HRT so unsure if the combination is what has helped or just the fact my body is getting Oestrogen. Either way I am feeling good - still have other issues joint pain, loss of libido etc which I am working on but the most crippling symptoms for me anxiety and panic attacks seem under control.
So ladies thank you for reassuring me that things would improve! Not that I doubted any of you for one second but as you all know when we are going thru these awful periods it is difficult to see when it will end!
Thank you again and wishing the very best to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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So happy to hear that news my lovely,we're tough old gals,onwards and upwards xx
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So happy to hear that news my lovely,we're tough old gals,onwards and upwards xx
Thank you Jaypo we sure are ! xxxxxx
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Thank you for posting a happy message!
Am so pleased for you feeling so good. 😍 xx
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Yay, I’m so happy for you, that fab news! Xxxx
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Thank you ladies :) I don't doubt that there may be more hurdles and bumps along the way (hopefully not too many!) but I now have the confidence to realise that things can improve once my body responds to HRT/Vits/Therapy/Meds that are right for me.
And that there is some light at the end of this tunnel called Menopause!!
For now things seem stable at least for some symptoms
Thanks again everyone xxxxxxxxxxx