I've had anxiety before but never this depression and heart palpitations. It's worse in the morning and especially around when I'm supposed to ovulate then again 2 weeks before my period. I just feel too anxious to be in social situations.I try to make myself but it isn't always easy.I have a very active 4 1/2 yr old and this makes things even more difficult...anyone have similar symptoms?I'm also more self conscious. Is this part of perimenopause and will it get better once I reach menopause?

Hi,

Yes I feel the same way. I do force myself though, and it helps. I have 2 teenagers and when they are out at night ( which is every night during the summer) I feel like I can't do anything until they come in the door. If I'm out, I call them constantly and drive them nuts! My husband keeps telling me to "leave them alone"....but my mind just goes crazy wondering what they're up to and I can't enjoy myself if I'm out. I feel it's just easier to stay home. When I do manage to go out I do end up having a good time and realize that my kids are still out whether I am home or not! It's all in my head! Forcing myself to go out is a good thing. I have been going out alot lately with the 4th of July parties and a few other parties, granted I call the kids every hour on the hour but atleast I'm out! lol.........This is something that has been gradually happening to me over the last 2 years. Home on the couch is where I feel the most comfortable!

Yes, I have the exact same symptoms. I too have a 4 1/2 year old and it really makes things much more difficult. I am in a major anxiety mode now. I am trying acupuncture, but it doesn't seem to help. I also take an anti-anxiety medication (similar to Valium) that seems to work, but is very temporary...I try not to take them too often, as I do not want to become addicted. I really hate this and I feel so robbed. I am scared of my own shadow and feel like I am going to die. I am only 38...my peri started right after I had a miscarriage about a year ago. I have never been the same since. I had always been a bit anxious, but never like this. I can't go out when I am feeling like this. I am lucky I even make it to work and while at work I can't concentrate or focus. When will this end.

Sorry for rambling, but I am new to this board and am very scared and confused. After reading everything I can about perimenopause, I do believe that these symptoms are part of the transition and from what my mother tells me, they do go away after menopause, but at 38...I sure do have a long way to go. How are are you if you don't mind me asking.

First of all I'm so sorry about your miscarriage.That's a very difficult thing in itself then having to deal with this.I had invitro off and on for 5 years trying to get pregnant and we finally adopted a little girl from guatemala.

we have alot in common?
Do you have a tough time in the mornings? I do. I get very overwhelmed thinking of things I have to do.I also take ativan a really low dose 2x a day. I still go through alot of the anxiety and depression . I feel like I'm not a good mother because I should be taking her to more things and getting out more which I do try to make myself. My husband kinda makes up for it too.
I've always been anxious too but nothing like this with the off and on depression.It sure is quite a rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to get off of it.
My dr. wants me to have a hysterectomy but I'm kinda sceptical right now.....I wish I had a defenite answer as to if it would help aleviate these symptoms. I also have endometriosis and fibroids.
If you ever need to talk...I'm here .If you need to e-mail me.I'm going through the same stuff just waiting for menopause to finally get here. my e-mail is rjfrost@twcny.rr.com

Thanks so much for responding. I just emailed you from my work account it's glibbey@usatoday.com.

I have felt a lot better since I started taking a low dose Birth control pill-It has helped the anxiety.I also recommend taking a magnesium supplement(500mg daily) and walking for at least 30 minutes daily.These things have really helped my anxiety.I am 32,and have three kids so I feel for you.GOD-bless

The social anxiety has probably been the very worst symptom for me. It has caused me to avoid people and places like never before. I have even found that when there are more than a few in chat, I go into overload very quickly.

I think I always had it but worse now. Before, I thought I was shy and introverted. Some years ago, I read about social anxiety. Lately with having heart palps, etc. I worry something bad will happen when I go out. Once I am out and about, it's not so bad. Today I had to go into Nashville for a dr appt. I don't take the interstates but go a longer route. Since I have taken it a few times, the drive is not so bad. I later went to an upscale area and checked out a few stores. So I felt good for awhile. Get home and start to worry again. My dr appt was with an endo surgeon. I knew he'd want to do more blood work to check levels of calcium and parathryoid hormone levels. If they are high, I will have surgery to remove the bad parathryoid gland. Yesterday, I had more anxiety going to my regular dr for blood pressure checkup and cholesterol. I can go off my bp med since my at home readings have been on the low side. I am going to wean off it for two weeks. I am afraid to get off in case bp and heart rate goes up. I can try and if it does, I can go back on bp med. I am not too happy with this dr so I know I should find a new dr. I mentioned to him I had missed 3 periods and might be in peri-menopause. He asks who is your gynecologist? I said I don't have one. They gave me some names. I don't feel I am at that point where I need to see gynecologist. So social situations, I am not so great with. Live chat? I once went in and said hi and got the heck out of there. It is even hard for me to be active on message boards. Pam

I don't have the anxiety or depression, but I know what you mean about social situations. I never really cared for them to begin with, but the last few years with peri I just feel like not being around people at all! That's a major reason I "retired" from my job of 25 years -- I just didn't want to put up with continual contact, all day long, with people. They irritated the heck out of me, and by the time I got home in the evenings I just wanted to be by myself (except for hubby of course). The only reason I go out anymore is to do my grocery shopping or take my 70+ year old parents to dr appts.!

Except for grocery shopping and doctor appointments I don't go anywhere, I don't see anyone and rarely answer the phone. When I do grocery shop, I run around the store grabbing items as if my life depended on it...and in a way it does. I make sure I shop during slow times and use self checkout if there are lines at the cashier counters.

I've become a recluse. When I was growing up, we had this "crazy" woman that would yell out her window at anyone who walked by her house. I think I'm well on my way to being just like her.

Yeah, when I grew up I wanted to be like the crazy woman down the street..

I was always uncomfortable around people but would just deal with it but now my heart starts to race....dry mouth....shake and a desire to run out of the room! I hate this! Even going to church is getting my panic attacks to start! My doc just gave me zoloft but I'm a chicken to try it....he also gave me xanxax.
I'm determined not to let this get me....I try to just go and deal with it but it's getting harder. I know what you mean about the kids....I have four teenagers and they are always involved in something at school. Do you get dizzy? Lately I've been so dizzy and lightheaded which scares me which makes the anxiety higer which makes the panic attack come on....it's a nasty cycle. Have you thought about trying bio hormones? They really helped me at first but I think they are off again and I need to fine tune. Hang in there and know some days will be worse than others.....