Hi ladies!
I'm new on here (first post), but I've been reading for at least a year and a half!! At least I found out that I wasn't crazy or completely alone in this situation!! I have been experiencing peri-menopause symptoms for at least 5 years or more as far as the hot flashes, night sweats, can't sleep, etc., but the worst of all started happening several years ago when I started having the anxiety and panic attacks! I thought I was going crazy - I had NEVER had nerve problems before and had no idea what was going on. I ended up in the ER several years ago after my husband and son had to call EMS because they (and I) thought I was having a heart attack, only to be told at the ER that it was a panic attack.
My doctor started me on cenestin, progestin, and ativan. Eventually I was given Zoloft which I had a TERRIBLE reaction to and have been on Lexapro 10 mg. for about 2 years now and about 2 mg. of ativan a day (i cut the pills in halves and quarters and space it out through the day). I have also developed high blood pressure which I take Hydrochlorathiazide and now Benicar (20 mg) for. I have been on the same dosages of cenestin and progestin for several years now. I am currently 51 years old.
My last period was in April 2007, but I have spotted off and on ever since. I have been unable to work for the last several years and sometimes have to force myself to leave the house (and sometimes I can't do that)! We haven't been on a vacation in 4 years. I have been doing much better, but recently the anxiety seems to have become almost unbearable again. My GYN has referred me to a psychiatrist for blood work, but I have to go to a therapist before I can see him and my appointment's not for another month! I guess I'm wondering if taking the same amount of hormones for several years could make you immune to its effects? Also the lexapro doesn't seem to be doing much, but I always take it (scared not to) so I don't really what would happen without it. I also take Ambien CR 12.5 nightly to sleep and have for several years.
My husband has been wonderful and supportive, but it's starting to get to him too, which adds to the anxiety. My stomach gets upset at the least little thing, finding something to eat that won't make me sick is getting harder and harder, I have headaches daily which I alternate taking excedrin migraine, tylenol or sometimes ibuprofen. Sorry to make this so long, but thought if I gave you some background, maybe somebody had similar experiences and can give me some direction. ANY help would be appreciated!! I am a Christian and sometimes have to pray just to make it minute by minute, but I'm really tired of missing out on so many years of my life!! This hit me like a freight train out of nowhere - when will it end??? Any help out there??? Thanks!!

Hi Joette! You are not alone or crazy. You have come to the right place! I have found out so much info by reading here on PowerSurge. I know some ladies will come along and reply to your post who can help you out. I have anxiety and take xanax as needed. I have felt alot of what you are feeling. My bp was up for awhile and I was on a bp med for awhile but am off it now-so far so good. I am 54 and have not gotten a period since May. Hang in there! Pam

Joette,

Many of us have been so helped by the books of Claire Weekes. Her most famous is "Hope and Help for Your Nerves." Most libraries have it, or can get it for you for free through inter-library loan.

That book helped me as much as (if not more than) any other approach I took to deal with peri-menopausal symptoms. Many of the Power-Surge sisters love Claire Weekes as much as I do.

(((HUGS)))

JJ

Thanks for the info on the book! I will definately be checking it out! I appreciate any help I can get!!

Hi Joette,
I'm trying to deal with the panic/anxiety also....it is very scary at times. I was doing really good for awhile and now I'm getting the anxiety more and more. I think with the hormones we have to be tested (I think anyway)every 6 months or when your symptoms change to see if you need to up your dosage or add testostone or estrogen. I just recently had another test done because my symptoms had returned and found my results had really changed so now we are trying so new things....its a slow process. Have you read Dr. Wilson's book on Adrenal Fatigue? I highly recommend it. Take care of yourself during this time....keep stress low (don't laugh!)....eat good (watch sugar and caffeine)......exercise. As I'm writing this I'm thinking how I haven't walked in a week! Preach it sister!!!
Just know you are not going crazy and you are not alone.....

PS...Would you share what your experience on the Zoloft was like...My doctor gave me some but I still have not taken it. I do take Xanax when needed.

Oars

http://controllinganxiety.com/dsp_downloads.php

Listen to Claire Weekes on the link above and do get the book JJ recommends. It's brilliant!

Dearest has also loads of great info about anxiety, start here -
http://www.power-surge.com/educate.htm

and here's a list of the symptoms -

http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/inde...mp;#entry200792

Try to relax, don't worry about your symptoms, take things day by day and remember -
this will pass! It will not kill you and you'll come out of the tunnel and feel great again.

Perhaps "Recovery Stories" will encourage you.
Hugs, Jonie

Hi ladies!

I appreciate the advice of those who responded. Anyone else have any ideas? What doctors have been most helpful to you in dealing with anxiety/nerves, etc. associated with peri?

My GYN has sent me to a psychiatrist now and I've had two sessions with a therapist. I won't get to see the psychiatrist himself for another month and I really don't know if this is what I need to do or not!! The first time I went, I felt worse for days afterwards after dealing with the insurance people etc. and wasn't even able to leave the house for several days! Is this normal?

I've been with the same GYN for 22 years and he helped me through two really difficult pregnancies, but I have been trying to research some other doctors. I really don't want to hurt his feelings - he has been GREAT through the years, but he doesn't know what else to do about my anxiety except for the psychiatrist!! He just says take more ativan until I get to see him. I'm taking 2 mg a day now. I cut them in halves and quarters and spread them out through the day, but don't know if this makes it less effective than just taking a whole 1 mg pill at a time.

My sons go back to college next week and I just REALLY need some advice, encouragement, etc. It's been 3 years now and I'm really tired of dealing with this and I'm sure everyone else is too!!

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Hi Joette,
How about trying a different type of HRT? I don't think Cenestin is bioidentical is it? Maybe a bioidentical patch like Climara or Vivelle and bioidentical progesterone like Prometrium would work better for you. Sometimes the dosages need to be tweaked too. I experience anxiety when my estrogen drops too low; when my hormones are balanced I feel great.

I hope you are feeling better.

Joette -

I'm in the process of testing my throid gland, adrenal gland and pituitary gland as prescribed by an Endocrinologist.

I was also experiencing anxiety, depression, etc. and was referred to "psychiatric care". I spent the last year and a half trying every different anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, and anti-anxiety drug available. I got all the side effects and no direct effect from the drugs. I even went to Mayo Clinic and checked into the Mood Disorders Unit, to no avail. I am now approaching the depression and anxiety as a symptom and trying to find the REAL reason for all of my hormonal and chemical imbalances.

Hang in there and research all of your options. I am a true believer that we have to help ourselves and be knowledgable BEFORE we see the "docs".

Remember that nothing ever stays the same!

Tonya

Hi Joette,
You need someone really up on hormone replacement therapy and I don't mean cookie-cutter type that some doc's give to all their patients. If you are suffering from anxiety, depression or any mood disorder,you should not be taking a progestin. It is not the same thing as progesterone and is a very bad idea for anyone suffering from depression. Cenestin is like Premarin except that is plant-based and not equiline estrogen. It is also synethetic and is much stronger than the estrogen your body is used to. My recommendation is that you follow Skiergirls advice. You need a doctor that knows the difference between a progestin and progesterone. If you make the switch to bioidenticals, I think you will see an improvement in your blood pressure also.

Psychiatrist may be of help as well....as you probably know that there are many, many kinds of antidepresents and one may work better for you than another...perhaps the one you are taking currently isn't quite doing it for you...I have started down this route myself....my MIL did as well and it took a while and several tries of different types and brands and a few combinations, but she is sooooooo much better now. Joan

Hi,

I first had anxiety and panic symptons when I was 23. I am now 44. I grew up with a lot of abuse in my home as a child. ........ I learned how to deal with my anxiety with the help of a good therapist. I got closer to God. I learned to trust God. I get up in the morning and say to myself, "Today I am going to trust God no matter how hard it seems." By the end of the day I am so thankful I did. The anxiety is depleated................... The same wonderful power that made this earth made me and you and loves us TOTALLY. Wants the best for us. ...............Anxiety is not easy but with help you will get better. Just having someone to listen to you such as your therapist will help. You are not alone. I have a prescription for Xanax I take as needed. Usually 1/2 tab at bedtime these days. This is the first time in years I have needed it so often. I am in menopause now and it helps calm me down after the day. I am also on a hrt patch. It is really helping with my moods, although I am hoping to start bioidentical replacement soon. I hope I feel as good on the bio replacement................. Be patient with yourself. I have also tried some tapes from Lucinda Bassett on anxiety. They are helpful too. She talks about remembering your dreams when you were younger. I have started to do this.............. I have started to hope again! Hold on to your hope!................. Let me know how you are doing. God Bless.

Lady In Pink

I am going to echo Slowbear and suggest considering ADs. They help so many of us that have severe and debilitating anxiety. Sometimes depression is hard to see in ourselves and anxiety and depression can be together. Hang in there and welcome to PS!

Sincerely,
Suz

Dear Girls
Have been on Prozac and HRT therapy for a number of years and yes they did save my sanity and possibly my life .Sometimes I admit I feel weak and really wish I could go it alone but I can't so just accept how much better I feel.Go to the Gym a lot and pracise Yoga both of which are very calming.

God Bless all
You are not alone in your struggles
Best Wishes
Elizabeth

Joette - my heart goes out to you. I am in the same boat, going through peri symptoms gradually but then WHAM the sudden anxiety. I am now 2 years into it and just when I think I am feeling better, I go on a downward spiral again. however, I do admit that HRT has given me a better frame of mind and I am able to deal with it better. I am convinced my adrenals are shot and still trying to get in to see an endo who will confirm. we shall see. In the meantime, i shake, rattle and roll with the punches. some days are incredibly tough and some days I can laugh thru it. I have certainly learned to enjoy the good times cause god knows when the bad times come, they are tough. Best of luck to you.