hot flush/panic attack/anxiety Options

[Laxgirl]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font] wondering what this is thats happening to me and wanted to know if any of you ladies could advise me....Today at work i was in the classroom with little children when all of a sudden i went extremely warm and then clammy then sweaty and also had a real sense of doom.Wanted to rush out of the room but i couldnot for obvious reasons.This lasted only about ten minutes then i had a real thudding heart which i carried on with my work whilst it was happening ut so hard and I then started shaking.This lasted only total of 30 minutes but i was left on edge infact i still am.....Im 41 mum and gran started at 37ish alike.I wasa wondering what i had..was it a hot flush was it a panic attack although i wasnt breathless or anything or was it plain old anxiety?so confused and am going to the doctors but want to know of your experiences before i go sounding like a loon.My gps already said im too young which i now know is rubbish....Ive had a few of these episodes and they are getting more frequent.The sense of doom was so strange and weird thought id lost the plot and wouldnt be able to stay at work but i got through.Think the anxiety was from fear of having another one.Im so confused please help.................I will take anti anxiety meds if i have to to stop this but would rather know it is hormones and then i can tell people so they dont think im strange......just want it confirming.P.S Im not a sweater even when i go to the gym so this sweat and clamminess was unusual......Cant wait for your replies

[stitchnanny]

Hi Laxgirl:

I am sorry I did not see your post sooner but my computer was on its own peri ride yesterday.

It sounds, from what you describe, that you had a panic/anxiety attack. Mine always start with that hot feeling and sense of doom. A hotflash can start the same way.

You are definitely not too young, as you will see here, to start perimenopause. It sounds like you are there with the rest of us.

Keep coming here and read, read, and read so more. You will learn so much. Post and Post too because the ladies are so smart and have been where you are and give good advice. If they dont have advice for something, they have big shoulders and wonderful ears to listen and comfort you.

These ladies have guided and hugged me through some of my worst days.
Welcome to PS!
Jeaninne

[moteachr]

The sense of doom is awful, isn't it? Sometimes it stays with me for hours after my anxiety attacks. It may scare you, but it's all a mind game.

The best thing I can do for myself when "gloom and doom" appears? Log on to this site. Just reading posts--new and old--and maybe trying to help someone else out is the best medicine I can give myself.

Keep coming back, and as stitch nanny says, read, read, read. You will learn SO much here!

Hang in there!

BJ

[milnbarr]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font] wondering what this is thats happening to me and wanted to know if any of you ladies could advise me....Today at work i was in the classroom with little children when all of a sudden i went extremely warm and then clammy then sweaty and also had a real sense of doom.Wanted to rush out of the room but i couldnot for obvious reasons.This lasted only about ten minutes then i had a real thudding heart which i carried on with my work whilst it was happening ut so hard and I then started shaking.This lasted only total of 30 minutes but i was left on edge infact i still am.....Im 41 mum and gran started at 37ish alike.I wasa wondering what i had..was it a hot flush was it a panic attack although i wasnt breathless or anything or was it plain old anxiety?so confused and am going to the doctors but want to know of your experiences before i go sounding like a loon.My gps already said im too young which i now know is rubbish....Ive had a few of these episodes and they are getting more frequent.The sense of doom was so strange and weird thought id lost the plot and wouldnt be able to stay at work but i got through.Think the anxiety was from fear of having another one.Im so confused please help.................I will take anti anxiety meds if i have to to stop this but would rather know it is hormones and then i can tell people so they dont think im strange......just want it confirming.P.S Im not a sweater even when i go to the gym so this sweat and clamminess was unusual......Cant wait for your replies

This definitely sounds like a panic attack. You only need 4 of 13 symptoms to meet the criteria for a Panic Attack as noted in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual. The 13 symptoms are as follows: 1) palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate 2)sweating 3)trembling or shaking 4)sensations of shortness of breath or smothering 5)feeling of choking 6)chest pain or discomfort 7)nausea or abdominal distress 8)feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint 9)derealization or depersonalization 10)fear of losing control or going crazy 11)fear of dying 12)numbness or tingling sensations 13)chills or hot flushes.

Again, you only need to experience 4 of the 13 symptoms to meet the criteria for a panic attack. From your description it sounds like you met at least five symptoms. Make sure you include all of your symptoms when you speak with your doctor. Also, a Panic Attack is not a disorder, it is a symptoms of some type of Anxiety Disorder. Hope this helps some. Best of luck to you!

[janet c]

Laxgirl- It is NOT just a panic attack! I replied to you on a similar post the other day. You are obviously very worried and are looking for more reassurance. Trust me I suffered from panic attacks for years in my 20s and 30s and learnt how to deal with them and stop them happening. The panic which comes with a flush has a different origin and cannot be stopped-only accepted. I will repeat my post to you here-

"Laxgirl-the feeling of doom is classic hot flush territory as are the palptations I am afraid. It does feel like an anxiety attack. It is an adrenaline surge but it is not under conscious control.
I don't think it is possible until it happens to you to believe that it is so outside conscious control.
I suffered with anxiety for years and learned how to control it very well. However when the peri anxiety kicked in it was like another country. I was not able to control it-only understand and accept it for what it was.
My attacks first started around my period times in my mid 40s. As time went on they would come at all times of the month but again-hot flashes starting around your period is classic peri. You are not too young-given your family history.
You just need to accept that you are not causing them-they will happen regardless, although if you get worried about them it can make them worse.
You could try anti-anxiety meds but they won't in my opinion stop the hot flushes from coming. If you take a pill, by the time it kicks in, the attack has passed anyway.
You are in good company here-there are very many women in the same boat so don't worry-you are not going mad.


Please keep posting about it if you are still not reassured-but I promise you that what you have described is very common in peri and not just an ordinary panic attack.

janet c

[Laxgirl]

[quote name='janet c' date='Jun 12 2009, 02:01 PM' post='289804']
Laxgirl- It is NOT just a panic attack! I replied to you on a similar post the other day. You are obviously very worried and are looking for more reassurance. Trust me I suffered from panic attacks for years in my 20s and 30s and learnt how to deal with them and stop them happening. The panic which comes with a flush has a different origin and cannot be stopped-only accepted. I will repeat my post to you here-

"Laxgirl-the feeling of doom is classic hot flush territory as are the palptations I am afraid. It does feel like an anxiety attack. It is an adrenaline surge but it is not under conscious control.
I don't think it is possible until it happens to you to believe that it is so outside conscious control.
I suffered with anxiety for years and learned how to control it very well. However when the peri anxiety kicked in it was like another country. I was not able to control it-only understand and accept it for what it was.
My attacks first started around my period times in my mid 40s. As time went on they would come at all times of the month but again-hot flashes starting around your period is classic peri. You are not too young-given your family history.
You just need to accept that you are not causing them-they will happen regardless, although if you get worried about them it can make them worse.
You could try anti-anxiety meds but they won't in my opinion stop the hot flushes from coming. If you take a pill, by the time it kicks in, the attack has passed anyway.
You are in good company here-there are very many women in the same boat so don't worry-you are not going mad.
Thanks Janet.I did post in quite few areas when i signed up as i wasnt sure what i was doing so many many thanks for your kind wordsi do feel reassured now thankyou i felt it had to be perianxiety as i have no control over it...so thanks for helping me...





[quote name='janet c' date='Jun 12 2009, 02:01 PM' post='289804']
Thanks Janet.I did post in quite few areas when i signed up as i wasnt sure what i was doing so many many thanks for your kind wordsi do feel reassured now thankyou i felt it had to be perianxiety as i have no control over it...so thanks for helping me...

[DizzyD]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font] wondering what this is thats happening to me and wanted to know if any of you ladies could advise me....Today at work i was in the classroom with little children when all of a sudden i went extremely warm and then clammy then sweaty and also had a real sense of doom.Wanted to rush out of the room but i couldnot for obvious reasons.This lasted only about ten minutes then i had a real thudding heart which i carried on with my work whilst it was happening ut so hard and I then started shaking.This lasted only total of 30 minutes but i was left on edge infact i still am.....Im 41 mum and gran started at 37ish alike.I wasa wondering what i had..was it a hot flush was it a panic attack although i wasnt breathless or anything or was it plain old anxiety?so confused and am going to the doctors but want to know of your experiences before i go sounding like a loon.My gps already said im too young which i now know is rubbish....Ive had a few of these episodes and they are getting more frequent.The sense of doom was so strange and weird thought id lost the plot and wouldnt be able to stay at work but i got through.Think the anxiety was from fear of having another one.Im so confused please help.................I will take anti anxiety meds if i have to to stop this but would rather know it is hormones and then i can tell people so they dont think im strange......just want it confirming.P.S Im not a sweater even when i go to the gym so this sweat and clamminess was unusual......Cant wait for your replies

I'll never forget my first episode when I felt as you did. It was five years ago and I was driving. It was AWFUL. I've had many such experinces since and I feel they are totally hormonally-related. I'm 45 this year and it started when I was 40. I have not taken anything for these episodes, as I don't do well on medication, and the episodes do pass. Just know you are not alone and you won't die from the feelings. I know exactly how it is and you just have to remind yourself that it will pass. Knowing that I have most of the other symptoms of peri/menpause helps. Do you have the other symptoms listed (the list of 34 menopause symptoms? www.34-menopause-symptoms.com). It will help to ease your mind if you find you have other symptoms besides the anxiety.

http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/inde...c=20968&hl=

You might find this other post helpful....it describes the anxiety symptoms really well and helps you see how they can be hormonally-related...

[Michah Hadley]

Hi Lax,

yep, go the hot flashes!! I started having them when I turned 32.......My worst I think was at work one day.......it was so bad that I felt like I couldn't breathe! Once I cooled down, it went away......terrible sensation. I had a really bad one in my psychiatrists office once.......so red and sweaty that he put the blood pressure cuff on me!! I had to fan myself with one of his mental health journals......he got all clucky like I was pregnant or something! Glasses of cold water, put the air conditioning up.......wonderful man....

I have found that HRT is making it easier, especially at night.......

Hope it improves babe.......

[Laxgirl]

Thanks to you all for your help/Yes Dizzy d i have the other symptoms on the list and didnt realise thats what they were until recently.Even strange symptoms i can now put all together under this heading of peri.Had a few other hot flushes and now my period has just ended i havent had one for a few days so maybe thats a pattern i have to look out for......

[joyceveronica]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font] wondering what this is thats happening to me and wanted to know if any of you ladies could advise me....Today at work i was in the classroom with little children when all of a sudden i went extremely warm and then clammy then sweaty and also had a real sense of doom.Wanted to rush out of the room but i couldnot for obvious reasons.This lasted only about ten minutes then i had a real thudding heart which i carried on with my work whilst it was happening ut so hard and I then started shaking.This lasted only total of 30 minutes but i was left on edge infact i still am.....Im 41 mum and gran started at 37ish alike.I wasa wondering what i had..was it a hot flush was it a panic attack although i wasnt breathless or anything or was it plain old anxiety?so confused and am going to the doctors but want to know of your experiences before i go sounding like a loon.My gps already said im too young which i now know is rubbish....Ive had a few of these episodes and they are getting more frequent.The sense of doom was so strange and weird thought id lost the plot and wouldnt be able to stay at work but i got through.Think the anxiety was from fear of having another one.Im so confused please help.................I will take anti anxiety meds if i have to to stop this but would rather know it is hormones and then i can tell people so they dont think im strange......just want it confirming.P.S Im not a sweater even when i go to the gym so this sweat and clamminess was unusual......Cant wait for your replies

Sweetie
It is o.k..It is officially your ticket into the Weird World of Menopause.
You had a combo!and will likely have one again.Remain as calm as possible and it will pass.
Age is no determining factor but you have come to the right place for understanding and sharing
You are not crazy just starting to deal with Hormone fluctuations.
It may well be that you transit very smoothly but if you need help there is a wealth of help out there
U would be well advised to get to your Gyno.explain your symptoms and see where you want to go from there.

Believe me I know it can feel scary and confusing but you will be fine.
Please keep coming here and Posting
We have a great bunch of ladies ready to welcome you and lots with plenty of experience under their belts.

All the Best
Elizabeth

[adriataras]

Dear Laxgirl I am 41 mum, too and I have the same symptoms as you since last year. I started taking supplements of calcium and magnesium and I feel better. Can you help yourself these supplements.
I have the same symptoms as you since last year. I started taking supplements of calcium and magnesium and I feel better. Can you help yourself these supplements.

http://www.schiffvitamins.com/product_detail.asp?id=59


Good luck!

[Laxgirl]

Thanks will give the calcium and magnesium a go....sounds better than a load of drugs im unsure about.Ill go this route first.Many Thanks

[Cyn3a]

I'm a newbie and this is my first reply - I hope I do this right!

I'm 42 with a 2 year old and defiitely in the last 6 months heading into Perimenopause.......... yikes! Among the many symptoms I've experienced is the same hot flash/panic you describe. I am familiar with "regular" panic attacks and "regular" depression - but this is totally different. I'll get a hot rush (no sweating, just super hot all over) and it seems to bring on intense anxiety, agitation (feel like pacing) and also sometimes very depressed feelings. It may last an hour or several hours, but eventually it's like a fist that releases its grip, and I'm pretty much fine. I HATE it, but I am trying to accept that this is a journey with a beginning and an end, and I will get to the other side some day.

Good luck : )

-Cynthia

[Laxgirl]

I'm a newbie and this is my first reply - I hope I do this right!

I'm 42 with a 2 year old and defiitely in the last 6 months heading into Perimenopause.......... yikes! Among the many symptoms I've experienced is the same hot flash/panic you describe. I am familiar with "regular" panic attacks and "regular" depression - but this is totally different. I'll get a hot rush (no sweating, just super hot all over) and it seems to bring on intense anxiety, agitation (feel like pacing) and also sometimes very depressed feelings. It may last an hour or several hours, but eventually it's like a fist that releases its grip, and I'm pretty much fine. I HATE it, but I am trying to accept that this is a journey with a beginning and an end, and I will get to the other side some day.

Good luck : )

-Cynthia

Thanks for your opening up and comforting me.I am now due to have nother period again and just retunrd from the supermarket where i was in the chiller section and went all hot and then clammy and sweating and was extremely agitated then almost manic with energy like you say Cyn3a pacing.....my mum was with me and she was fine......i ve had many of these episodes since my original post and since reading the sites i have to try to reassure myself it is erratic hormones which also causes eratic gloomy thinking and emotions all over the place.....I had the odd anxiety situation before but that was natural but this isnt like that its just relentlesslyhigh ....reassurance isnt always easy when around people but thanks it helps to talk.I just say to myself over and over .....hormones hormones hormones>>>>>

[joyceveronica]

I'm a newbie and this is my first reply - I hope I do this right!

I'm 42 with a 2 year old and defiitely in the last 6 months heading into Perimenopause.......... yikes! Among the many symptoms I've experienced is the same hot flash/panic you describe. I am familiar with "regular" panic attacks and "regular" depression - but this is totally different. I'll get a hot rush (no sweating, just super hot all over) and it seems to bring on intense anxiety, agitation (feel like pacing) and also sometimes very depressed feelings. It may last an hour or several hours, but eventually it's like a fist that releases its grip, and I'm pretty much fine. I HATE it, but I am trying to accept that this is a journey with a beginning and an end, and I will get to the other side some day.

Good luck : )

-Cynthia

Dear Cynthia
Welcome to the Forum.You are surrounded by some great ladies.
You sound very sensible and yes it is a journey and yes many do navigate the waters very well and for those who don't there are many options.
So keep us Posted

All the Best
Elizabeth

[Snowmoon56]

Lax, have you seen your doctor and have rule out of causes like thyroid etc? The episodes are really awful even scary! Sure wasn't what I expected a hot flash to be.
Glad you found this site! TC for the internet!
Makes you wonder what ladies did back in the old days?

[the elder]

Hi there Laxgirl,

I think you just described what happened to me the other day, hit me like a bolt of lightening!
I was standing in a store with my son and came over dizzy and hot, then it felt like the world was going in slow motion and the horrible sense of impending doom set in and I thought I was going to die!!!

I thought It was a heart attack and have just been told the scans I had done were o.k.

Doc thinks it was a panic attack but after reading numerous posts on here I'm convinced it was a menopause episode!!

How have you felt since? anxious?? I know I do and I loathe going out now!