Lately I've been experiencing adrenaline rushes and lots of anxiety. Is this a menopausal symptom or is something else going on? Quite frankly, these feelings scare me. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing it. Feedback would be most appreciated.

Bobbie! Yes, Yes and Yes!!!! Adrenaline surges and anxiety ARE symptoms of menopause!! The feelings are scary and all of us have thought we were losing it!! My understanding is as your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone at the rate they once did, the adrenals kick in, and will take over the production of those hormones. It seems the transition period can be pretty unpleasant, but eventually these symptoms settle down. Unfortunately it can take years for some kind of balance to be restored, depending on genetics, stress levels, lifestyle, etc.

For me personally, I had to take Ativan to control the anxiety and panic symptoms initially and now I am taking an AD which has greatly reduced the anxiety. I would be interested in hearing how some of the other ladies have dealt with their adrenaline rushes.

Kathie

Could someone please explain an adrenaline rush to me?

What I've experienced (infrequently) is a feeling like something is rising up out of my chest, up my throat to the top of my head. Not dizzy - maybe lightheaded? I think I'm going to pass out - but know that I won't. It only lasts a few seconds, but seems like forever. Most of the time I just sit there and wait it out. Most of the time, after it's over, nothing. But sometimes my heart is racing (probably because it made me panicky?) The first time it happened, I was just sitting at the computer. OUt of the blue it hit me. That was about 4 years ago. Sometimes I'll go for months w/o it happening (so I guess it's not fatal ). Like I said, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it really freaks me out. After coming to this board, I figured it was a peri/meno thing.

Is that an adrenaline rush?

Kate, I had palpitations and adrenaline rushes for several years while I was still menstruating regularly. I suspect it's due to low progesterone. I have been using Pro-Gest for 9 months and I have had a major improvement, much less frequent palpitations and rushes.

You might want to visit your doctor and just make sure you're healthy ! If you are, try to not worry about the palpitations and rushes and work on ways of combatting them. I try to breathe slowly and deeply and relax my muscles. I noticed the palps and rushes are worse if I'm stressed out about something, like I'm running late or upset about something at work.

I have times when I wake up suddenly with the adrenaline rushes.I hate that feeling.I have found that caffeine and sugar make this worse,while magnesium helps make it better.I also take zovia 1/35(low dose bcp)which has helped tremendously.GODbless