I am new to this board and after spending the last 3 hours reading over vairous posts I decided to post myself. I have recently discovered that I am in peri and my life has turned into a living hell. For a while I wanted to deny I was at this stage in my life, but I can no longer do that. I have discovered that I have many symptoms of peri that I did not even realize were even part of this, such as panic attacks and loss of libido. Plus I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety all the time, nausea, fatigue, irratability, wierd periods, sleeplessness, crying no good reason, depression, sense of dread at times and the list seems to grow all the time. My poor boyfriend has been very supportive but I know this has to be taking a tole on him too. My main issue today has been crying. And I cant find a good reason for the tears. I have always been one of those people who was always "fine", dealt with my problems and moved on. Lately I cant seem to stop wanting to cry and I really hate that!! I have also been very irritated and the stupidest things. I have had cats for many, many years and suddenly I cant stand for them to bathe near me as I can hear the licikng and it drives me up the wall!! I dont recal ever even hearing it in the past and if I did, it didnt bother me, but now, I have to move away from the or toss them in another room to finish their bath! It's rediculous and driving me nuts!! How do we get through this with our sanity intact??? I have always been a strong independent person with a level head and I am not even sure who I am most days anymore.
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
Full Version: Crying and totally irritated
QUOTE (willow521 @ Dec 1 2008, 11:37 PM) 
Hi, sorry you are feeling so bad but this is part of perimenopause for sure. I was this totally together person who people came to for advice and then when I hit my forties it all changed!! Just know that you are not alone. I don't know if that helps but we are all in the same situation or at least I am. Panic attacks are so common. I watched my sister go through this and so when it happened to me it was like wow she wasn't crazy!! Try to do things that you enjoy and relax if at all possible!! Write me and we can chat!!
I am new to this board and after spending the last 3 hours reading over vairous posts I decided to post myself. I have recently discovered that I am in peri and my life has turned into a living hell. For a while I wanted to deny I was at this stage in my life, but I can no longer do that. I have discovered that I have many symptoms of peri that I did not even realize were even part of this, such as panic attacks and loss of libido. Plus I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety all the time, nausea, fatigue, irratability, wierd periods, sleeplessness, crying no good reason, depression, sense of dread at times and the list seems to grow all the time. My poor boyfriend has been very supportive but I know this has to be taking a tole on him too. My main issue today has been crying. And I cant find a good reason for the tears. I have always been one of those people who was always "fine", dealt with my problems and moved on. Lately I cant seem to stop wanting to cry and I really hate that!! I have also been very irritated and the stupidest things. I have had cats for many, many years and suddenly I cant stand for them to bathe near me as I can hear the licikng and it drives me up the wall!! I dont recal ever even hearing it in the past and if I did, it didnt bother me, but now, I have to move away from the or toss them in another room to finish their bath! It's rediculous and driving me nuts!! How do we get through this with our sanity intact??? I have always been a strong independent person with a level head and I am not even sure who I am most days anymore.
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
I am new to this board and after spending the last 3 hours reading over vairous posts I decided to post myself. I have recently discovered that I am in peri and my life has turned into a living hell. For a while I wanted to deny I was at this stage in my life, but I can no longer do that. I have discovered that I have many symptoms of peri that I did not even realize were even part of this, such as panic attacks and loss of libido. Plus I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety all the time, nausea, fatigue, irratability, wierd periods, sleeplessness, crying no good reason, depression, sense of dread at times and the list seems to grow all the time. My poor boyfriend has been very supportive but I know this has to be taking a tole on him too. My main issue today has been crying. And I cant find a good reason for the tears. I have always been one of those people who was always "fine", dealt with my problems and moved on. Lately I cant seem to stop wanting to cry and I really hate that!! I have also been very irritated and the stupidest things. I have had cats for many, many years and suddenly I cant stand for them to bathe near me as I can hear the licikng and it drives me up the wall!! I dont recal ever even hearing it in the past and if I did, it didnt bother me, but now, I have to move away from the or toss them in another room to finish their bath! It's rediculous and driving me nuts!! How do we get through this with our sanity intact??? I have always been a strong independent person with a level head and I am not even sure who I am most days anymore.
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
Thanks for the reply! After spending so much time reading posts here I do now know I am not the only woman out there who feels this way, and as obsurd as that sounds it does help. It's just thst this has hit me so fast and so unexpected I am not sure how to handel everything. Luckily my boyfriend has been supportive and I am sure he will be always. I am going to tell him about the men's forum here also. Maybe that will help him understand a bit more also what I am going throught right now.
Welcome Joanne...pull up a chair and get ready to read...your experiences are similar to ones a lof of us have felt...look around the website, and you'll find lots of articles on the symptoms of peri and what we can do about it. And there is a search feature to the message boards...if you search for the terms 'panic attack' you'll probably find enough reading material for the next 3 days!
It's a big shock when this happens to us, but some relief that we are not alone. Keep reading, keep postsing, and see your gynecologist to have your hormones tested. You might benefit from HRT, or some other type of medication. Or there are lots of non-drug alternatives we gals have tried. So many I couldn't even list them here.
Welcome to Power Surge!
It's a big shock when this happens to us, but some relief that we are not alone. Keep reading, keep postsing, and see your gynecologist to have your hormones tested. You might benefit from HRT, or some other type of medication. Or there are lots of non-drug alternatives we gals have tried. So many I couldn't even list them here.
Welcome to Power Surge!
QUOTE (RoundRobin @ Dec 2 2008, 05:15 AM)
Welcome Joanne...pull up a chair and get ready to read...your experiences are similar to ones a lof of us have felt...look around the website, and you'll find lots of articles on the symptoms of peri and what we can do about it. And there is a search feature to the message boards...if you search for the terms 'panic attack' you'll probably find enough reading material for the next 3 days!
It's a big shock when this happens to us, but some relief that we are not alone. Keep reading, keep postsing, and see your gynecologist to have your hormones tested. You might benefit from HRT, or some other type of medication. Or there are lots of non-drug alternatives we gals have tried. So many I couldn't even list them here.
Welcome to Power Surge!
It's a big shock when this happens to us, but some relief that we are not alone. Keep reading, keep postsing, and see your gynecologist to have your hormones tested. You might benefit from HRT, or some other type of medication. Or there are lots of non-drug alternatives we gals have tried. So many I couldn't even list them here.
Welcome to Power Surge!
Thanks for the reply. A big shock is an understatement!! I have always been more or less in control of my life, in the drivers seat; and now I fell like I was tossed in the trunk and on a ride I dont want to be on. It is hard to deal with. But yes, knowing I am not alone does help some. I have read allot on here already and plan on reading much more. As for the Gyno, I dont have insurance since I lost my job in August and I cant really afford to go there right now, but we did order some stuff from a website called Menersa. Will see how it does. And thanks for the welcome to the site. I am sure it will be a big help to me.
((((((((Joanne))))))))))
Welcome to the site. You will find a wealth of information here about what you're going through. The women are kind, compassionate and caring. Please know that you are not alone.
Keep us posted.
Hugs,
Karen
Welcome to the site. You will find a wealth of information here about what you're going through. The women are kind, compassionate and caring. Please know that you are not alone.
Keep us posted.
Hugs,
Karen
Welcome, willow. I hope you will find as much comfort here as I have. These women are wondeful!
Panic attacks are an old friend of mine--I've had them off and on since I was 15.
Peri does make things worse--it seems to amplify all those symptoms that we used to able to brush off. It's been described as PMS times a thousand.
The important thing to know is that you will get through it. Support is a very important thing, and I'm sure you will find plenty of that here.
There are even supplements out there that you can take to help you. B-complex vitamins, especially inositol, magnesium, good ol' antioxidants like C & E, Vitamin D, etc.
((hugs))
Panic attacks are an old friend of mine--I've had them off and on since I was 15.
Peri does make things worse--it seems to amplify all those symptoms that we used to able to brush off. It's been described as PMS times a thousand.
The important thing to know is that you will get through it. Support is a very important thing, and I'm sure you will find plenty of that here.
There are even supplements out there that you can take to help you. B-complex vitamins, especially inositol, magnesium, good ol' antioxidants like C & E, Vitamin D, etc.
((hugs))
First I want to thank everyone for thier replies and wonderful words of encouragement. I think one of the hardest things for me is realizing that I am actually at that time in my life! It just always seemed so far away, like it would be years before I had to worry about this. My first thought was "NO! I am too young for this to happen now!! Not yet NO NO NO!!!" But, I had to admit that it was here. Now I just have to learn how to deal with all these symptoms at once. I just want to call whoever is in charge and say "Ok, we will schedual uncontrollable crying for Thursady, maybe put sleeplessness in sometime next week...." But all at once??? It is driving me nuts!! But I do have to say that is is some comfort to read the boards here and know that someone out there knows I have not lost my mind completely (although some would disagree 
) and can understand my situation. I just hope I get a handle on things soon and can learn to deal with it. I look forward to talking to people in the chat room eventually also, especially if I am having a really bad day, it might help me get through it. I do have to say that today was a little bit better. I did wake up way too early and I am very tired, but at least I didn't have to put a customer on hold just so I could pull myself together and not cry in their ear today! Will see what tomorrow holds. 
Joanne
) and can understand my situation. I just hope I get a handle on things soon and can learn to deal with it. I look forward to talking to people in the chat room eventually also, especially if I am having a really bad day, it might help me get through it. I do have to say that today was a little bit better. I did wake up way too early and I am very tired, but at least I didn't have to put a customer on hold just so I could pull myself together and not cry in their ear today! Will see what tomorrow holds. Joanne
Joanne, I have written your exact post many times. In fact, if you search, you will find them written by me years ago. But there's good news--it gets better. Right now, you're drowning in all the symptoms. But gradually, and you'll have to just believe me here, those symptoms become less frequent and eventually they disappear. Then for a while, they will show up again just when you thought you were done. It's a long ride, but the worst is now. So it will only get better. It's just so slow! I wish I knew a way to speed it all up and make it take five minutes. I used to wish that myself when I felt as you do. I can remember a time when every sound I could hear irritated me. I'm sure my dogs washing would have bothered me once. But now the irritation has calmed down and actually I feel comforted hearing them. There was a time when I'm sure that my cat doing figure eights around my feet would have annoyed me, but now I just step over him--he doesn't know that it's annoying. You may need to check out some help that's available, either through the doctor or OTC. Ity's worth it to try and find out if anything can help you, and then don't be afraid to stick with it. It's temporary, and once you get through this, you can do without it. Otherwise, just try and be patient and wait it out; the day you stop thinking about the symptoms is the day you will notice that you don't have all of them anymore, or they are much less intense. The biggest thing that helped me was just coming here to PS every day, sometimes being here for hours, reading and reading and posting and receiving support. When I found out that so many others had what I thought was my problem alone, it was so comforting.
I remember when I had my first actual, undeniable hot flash, and I felt as you describe, that it could NOT be a hot flash; I was too young for meno, it would be later on, it couldn't be happening now, etc. But the flash was so intense I had to sit down and I felt a wave of nausea and dizziness. The whole thing lasted about five minutes and was followed by the blackest feeling of depression I've ever had; thoughts that I was getting older, a dried up old crone, no doubt about it, and I was entering menopause. That was then and now, I can have a stupid old flash (that's nowhere near as bad as then), and I just ignore it. Doing some positive self-talk will help; I'd tell myself it would pass, which it did, and life goes on.
Life can be pretty good in post. It is for me, and I know it's not for some women. But I do feel so much better now that everything has calmed down. Like I said, the only problem with this is how long it takes, but knowing it gets better will help, I hope.
I remember when I had my first actual, undeniable hot flash, and I felt as you describe, that it could NOT be a hot flash; I was too young for meno, it would be later on, it couldn't be happening now, etc. But the flash was so intense I had to sit down and I felt a wave of nausea and dizziness. The whole thing lasted about five minutes and was followed by the blackest feeling of depression I've ever had; thoughts that I was getting older, a dried up old crone, no doubt about it, and I was entering menopause. That was then and now, I can have a stupid old flash (that's nowhere near as bad as then), and I just ignore it. Doing some positive self-talk will help; I'd tell myself it would pass, which it did, and life goes on.
Life can be pretty good in post. It is for me, and I know it's not for some women. But I do feel so much better now that everything has calmed down. Like I said, the only problem with this is how long it takes, but knowing it gets better will help, I hope.
Hi Joanne:
Welcome! You will find tons of support and information here. but the biggest thing you find out is that you are not alone in this horrible ride.
I have been in peri for quite some time and cannot wait for it to get better! I feel like I am almost there but Csugar is right, it seems to take forever. I can honestly say that I am better now than I was 5 years or even 10 years. coming here is excellent therapy.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne
Welcome! You will find tons of support and information here. but the biggest thing you find out is that you are not alone in this horrible ride.
I have been in peri for quite some time and cannot wait for it to get better! I feel like I am almost there but Csugar is right, it seems to take forever. I can honestly say that I am better now than I was 5 years or even 10 years. coming here is excellent therapy.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne
Joanne: You mentioned that you don't have insurance right now. Please don't let that stop you from getting gynecological care. There are many organizations that will help women pay (sliding scale, reduced fee, sometimes waived fee) for preventive exams...especially pap smears and mammograms. PM me if you want a few places you could start. Sometimes a town or city will hold a screening day for anyone who comes in and you can get a free mammogram. Not sure where you live but you try calling the dept of health in your city or state and asking about services like this.
I really appreciate all the help and support I have found here. I think this site will be a great place to be to help me get through all this. The past few days have gone by fairly well I suppose as compared to a few days ago anyway. Still a bit blah, but have come to terms with the fact that I am going through this wether or not I want to. I have spent quite a bit of time reading posts on here and I do know that I am not alone in this and it helps tremendously to know that others understand what I am facing even if I dont myself. Now if I could just get some good sleep I will be very happy!!! UGGGG!!
QUOTE (willow521 @ Dec 1 2008, 10:37 PM)
I am new to this board and after spending the last 3 hours reading over vairous posts I decided to post myself. I have recently discovered that I am in peri and my life has turned into a living hell. For a while I wanted to deny I was at this stage in my life, but I can no longer do that. I have discovered that I have many symptoms of peri that I did not even realize were even part of this, such as panic attacks and loss of libido. Plus I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety all the time, nausea, fatigue, irratability, wierd periods, sleeplessness, crying no good reason, depression, sense of dread at times and the list seems to grow all the time. My poor boyfriend has been very supportive but I know this has to be taking a tole on him too. My main issue today has been crying. And I cant find a good reason for the tears. I have always been one of those people who was always "fine", dealt with my problems and moved on. Lately I cant seem to stop wanting to cry and I really hate that!! I have also been very irritated and the stupidest things. I have had cats for many, many years and suddenly I cant stand for them to bathe near me as I can hear the licikng and it drives me up the wall!! I dont recal ever even hearing it in the past and if I did, it didnt bother me, but now, I have to move away from the or toss them in another room to finish their bath! It's rediculous and driving me nuts!! How do we get through this with our sanity intact??? I have always been a strong independent person with a level head and I am not even sure who I am most days anymore.
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
HI Joanne,
yes this all sounds quite normal for peri .... you sound like me! lol ...I totally understand about not wanting to really admit this was "the change"....I was like that too, bec. I am young on the INSIDE, and really couldn't grasp the fact that this was THAT change....you know, the one old ladies go through...lol...
.. yeah, so, it took a while for it to really sink in, but I'll tell you, the symptoms came so hard and fast, that it wasn't long before i "gave in" to the fact that I was indeed in the thick of this! The dreams, .. oh gosh, are you kidding? I used to have dreams like NORMAL people .... but since peri hit, forget about it! HOLY COW! Almost every single night of my life, i have DREAMS....and i mean..DREAMS! Nightmares! one after the other, all night! I have had some doozies too, just like yours. I've read, not only here, but on other sites, that during peri, dreams become much more vivid and detailed, and BAD! WEll, I can testify to that completley!
I also have 2 cats (and two dogs), and although I'm not the cat person in the house, they never really "bothered" me, UNTIL NOW! Nearly everything they do, bothers me now.....even the dogs as well. I am a "dog person", and yet, every noise they make, every bark, every little ANYTHING .... gets on my nerves. All your symptoms are very peri .... I'm loaded with them, as are most of the women here, so you're not alone!
Just keep coming back here and absorb all the info. and other posts, you'll soon feel better, knowing you're not alone!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely, MyDarling
Joanne, i forgot to include.....a sense of DREAD, worried you're dying, (that's a biggie around here), irrational fears (that seem quite rational at the time!), ANXIETY to the max, (keep xanax handy!), heart palps, aches ALL OVER, ...... well, as you can see, the list goes on and on ..... there is a thread here somewhere, on one of the forums (I think it's this one somewhere) of the 66 KNOWN symptoms of peri....there's probably more. But the point is, you're in good company!
I also USED TO BE the type of person that could handle anything, no biggie......BUT NOW....oh please! Yes, the crying for no reason.......been there (and still am, really..lol)
CSugar........you said this will all pass! WHEN? ..lol....this has been going on now, non-stop for 2 and a half years...and I'm ready to "get off the train", this stinks! Just when one symptom disappears, another takes it's place. You really don't get a break....I think that's one of the hardest things during this time, is that you don't get a moment to really deal with a particular symptom, before another one hits! I know this eventually does pass........but wow, this constant bombardment is for the birds.
I'm really sorry about the bombardment of symptoms, mydarling. What are the symptoms and what is happening?
I remember being bombarded with symptoms, but I was still in peri. My periods started to become irregular and then everything hit. I read on the boards of a list of 34 recognized menopause symptoms and I could truthfully say I had about 33 of them at the time.
I'm trying to think back now, because I'm 57 and I was officially in menopause at 51. I do remember some bad years before I turned 51. I think I was 48 when I really started having definite symptoms. I did go through almost two years of really bad insomnia and I thought I'd never sleep well again. The year before meno and the year after meno weren't good. But it seems like when I turned about 53, things very gradually became less intense. I still get hot flashes, but they aren't as bad when it's cold outside, and that's a relief. I have problems with a dry mouth and bleeding gums if I don't floss and rinse a lot, more than I had to when I was young. My skin and my lips are very dry, too, and when I was young I never used moisturizer like I have to now. Even my hair is drier, though I still like to shampoo every day, so I have to use a shampoo with avacado oil or my hair feels like straw. Let's see....even on an SSRI I just don't have an optimistic feeling of wellbeing like I had when I was young. I have to make a definite effort to be cheerful. But otherwise, yes, things are not as bad as they were.
I remember being bombarded with symptoms, but I was still in peri. My periods started to become irregular and then everything hit. I read on the boards of a list of 34 recognized menopause symptoms and I could truthfully say I had about 33 of them at the time.
I'm trying to think back now, because I'm 57 and I was officially in menopause at 51. I do remember some bad years before I turned 51. I think I was 48 when I really started having definite symptoms. I did go through almost two years of really bad insomnia and I thought I'd never sleep well again. The year before meno and the year after meno weren't good. But it seems like when I turned about 53, things very gradually became less intense. I still get hot flashes, but they aren't as bad when it's cold outside, and that's a relief. I have problems with a dry mouth and bleeding gums if I don't floss and rinse a lot, more than I had to when I was young. My skin and my lips are very dry, too, and when I was young I never used moisturizer like I have to now. Even my hair is drier, though I still like to shampoo every day, so I have to use a shampoo with avacado oil or my hair feels like straw. Let's see....even on an SSRI I just don't have an optimistic feeling of wellbeing like I had when I was young. I have to make a definite effort to be cheerful. But otherwise, yes, things are not as bad as they were.
Dear Willow:
Yes you have come to the right place. I started all of your symptons in July 2008. Bam there they were and I thought I was going to loose my mind. In fact I thought I was a crazy lady. Finally the good ole "meno Angel" popped my on my head and said girl, go to the internet and look up symptons of menopause and yup that brought me to PS. But I found out that I had all 33 of the symptons except hot flashes. I am cold all the time. Insomnia was crazy and I did not eat, I had diarreaha. I cryed, I had anxiety....the list goes on. Even like you when my cat jumped up to sleep with me I would kick him off....that never happened before.
Now I know you said that you have no insurance. But you still need to go. This is your health. Like someone said there is somewhere or something that will help you. I found out through blood work that I was in menopause...I was freaked out, I really didn't experience any peri...but now I am in full Meno. I am still having somewhat of peroids but they are coming few and lesser, sometimes as long a a month...so yeah it is happening.
WHen the bad days come for me, like today,,crying and nervouse and don't know what to do with myself...I rely on a little xanax to help me out for the day....I hate that but when you get as bad as me you need something. Oh yeah I am on HRT for the past 5 months...Still trying to get those dosages right.
You hang in there. You are not alone. We are here getting through this time of our lives, and yes we will get through it.
Hang in there
sishaircut
Yes you have come to the right place. I started all of your symptons in July 2008. Bam there they were and I thought I was going to loose my mind. In fact I thought I was a crazy lady. Finally the good ole "meno Angel" popped my on my head and said girl, go to the internet and look up symptons of menopause and yup that brought me to PS. But I found out that I had all 33 of the symptons except hot flashes. I am cold all the time. Insomnia was crazy and I did not eat, I had diarreaha. I cryed, I had anxiety....the list goes on. Even like you when my cat jumped up to sleep with me I would kick him off....that never happened before.
Now I know you said that you have no insurance. But you still need to go. This is your health. Like someone said there is somewhere or something that will help you. I found out through blood work that I was in menopause...I was freaked out, I really didn't experience any peri...but now I am in full Meno. I am still having somewhat of peroids but they are coming few and lesser, sometimes as long a a month...so yeah it is happening.
WHen the bad days come for me, like today,,crying and nervouse and don't know what to do with myself...I rely on a little xanax to help me out for the day....I hate that but when you get as bad as me you need something. Oh yeah I am on HRT for the past 5 months...Still trying to get those dosages right.
You hang in there. You are not alone. We are here getting through this time of our lives, and yes we will get through it.
Hang in there
sishaircut
So, I'm new to this too, but my screen name says it all.... I started crying when I began to read the posts here, after googling "anxiety and perimenopause" because I am feeling completely overwhelmed. I feel like someone just punches me in the stomach, anytime of day, and boom, this overwhelming anxiety just takes over. It completely exacerbates anything that would give mild anxiety and makes me feel like I just can't take it. My stomach hurts, my heart races and I feel nervous and shaky - a level of discomfort that is almost unbearable a times. As a teacher, I can hear the anxiety in tension in my voice as I teach and I often feel like I have absolutely no tolerance for my kids and just can't wait to come home and climb into bed. I have taken Nyquil almost every night for the last month because I can't sleep and, when I can't sleep, my mind starts racing and the anxiety kicks back in and I get all anxious and then, forget about ever falling asleep. Everytime I say to myself "It must be perimenopause" (I'm 49) I feel like I'm just making excuses for myself, but I just feel so out of control. I don't really want to talk to people about it because I don't want to be perceived as a whiner or complainer....but I just feel so out of control. . I sometimes feel confused and kind of "can't find my words." (The other day I said to my class, "We'll work on that yesterday.") How embarrassing! I lost 40 pounds this last summer, started running and I'm in the best physical shape I've ever been in, so for all intents and purposes, I should be feeling pretty good about myself, so it feels confusing...I guess it feels good to just vent and to know it's not just me, but I also would like to find some suggestions for getting through this.....(drug free??)
QUOTE (Yikes @ Jan 29 2009, 07:27 AM)
So, I'm new to this too, but my screen name says it all.... I started crying when I began to read the posts here, after googling "anxiety and perimenopause" because I am feeling completely overwhelmed. I feel like someone just punches me in the stomach, anytime of day, and boom, this overwhelming anxiety just takes over. It completely exacerbates anything that would give mild anxiety and makes me feel like I just can't take it. My stomach hurts, my heart races and I feel nervous and shaky - a level of discomfort that is almost unbearable a times. As a teacher, I can hear the anxiety in tension in my voice as I teach and I often feel like I have absolutely no tolerance for my kids and just can't wait to come home and climb into bed. I have taken Nyquil almost every night for the last month because I can't sleep and, when I can't sleep, my mind starts racing and the anxiety kicks back in and I get all anxious and then, forget about ever falling asleep. Everytime I say to myself "It must be perimenopause" (I'm 49) I feel like I'm just making excuses for myself, but I just feel so out of control. I don't really want to talk to people about it because I don't want to be perceived as a whiner or complainer....but I just feel so out of control. . I sometimes feel confused and kind of "can't find my words." (The other day I said to my class, "We'll work on that yesterday.") How embarrassing! I lost 40 pounds this last summer, started running and I'm in the best physical shape I've ever been in, so for all intents and purposes, I should be feeling pretty good about myself, so it feels confusing...I guess it feels good to just vent and to know it's not just me, but I also would like to find some suggestions for getting through this.....(drug free??)
Dear'Yikes'
Sorry you are having such a high time of it.I was Menopausal at the time I was teaching and often felt very spaced out and anxious .It is wonderful that you lost the weight and are in good shape physically,big plus
I think it is o.k to talk about this to a very near and dear family member or friens.We love to share on this Forum but for your own peace of mind sometimes a one on one chat can be greatly comforting.
Probably best to see your Gyno. first get thoroughly checked out.Don't forget the Thyroid too.Then when you see where you are hormonally,you will be better able to discuss ways of coping that are drug free.Lots of Herbal and Vitamin supplements out there and many ladies have great success.
Stay as positive as possible
You will have lots of advice from all our sisters on this Forum very soon
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
I am so sorry you are experiening this. I too was exactly and still am just as you. I hit me all of a sudden that I did not know what it was. I was 51 and thought I had just lost my mind. I too lost alot of wieght and the heart racing and anxiety and depression the bad thoughts and not sleeping are just a few of what I went through. I wish I stronger but when I talked with my gyn and they said that the hormone will help with the symptoms, well I jumped right on it. I hated the way I felt and now I am better. We are going to BHRT soon and tweeking some other things...BUt oh boy I sure know the foggy head thing.......You have come to the right place. These sisters here have saved me from thinking I was the only one on the planet going through this..So stay strong and listen with a open mind as you read and search through power surge.
You will get better.....
I am here if you need to talk.
Karen
You will get better.....
I am here if you need to talk.
Karen
QUOTE (willow521 @ Dec 1 2008, 10:37 PM)
I am new to this board and after spending the last 3 hours reading over vairous posts I decided to post myself. I have recently discovered that I am in peri and my life has turned into a living hell. For a while I wanted to deny I was at this stage in my life, but I can no longer do that. I have discovered that I have many symptoms of peri that I did not even realize were even part of this, such as panic attacks and loss of libido. Plus I have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety all the time, nausea, fatigue, irratability, wierd periods, sleeplessness, crying no good reason, depression, sense of dread at times and the list seems to grow all the time. My poor boyfriend has been very supportive but I know this has to be taking a tole on him too. My main issue today has been crying. And I cant find a good reason for the tears. I have always been one of those people who was always "fine", dealt with my problems and moved on. Lately I cant seem to stop wanting to cry and I really hate that!! I have also been very irritated and the stupidest things. I have had cats for many, many years and suddenly I cant stand for them to bathe near me as I can hear the licikng and it drives me up the wall!! I dont recal ever even hearing it in the past and if I did, it didnt bother me, but now, I have to move away from the or toss them in another room to finish their bath! It's rediculous and driving me nuts!! How do we get through this with our sanity intact??? I have always been a strong independent person with a level head and I am not even sure who I am most days anymore.
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
Another question I have is that are wierd dreams or dreams that you wake up from in a panic a common thing? I had my first panic attack this morning after waking up (after only 2 hours sleep) from a dream where I ahd been bitten by a snake and was going to die because no one was treating it. When I woke I was terrified I was going to die and it took hours before I could get back to sleep. Was this just a normal bad dream or does this type of thing happen to others?
I am really trying to cope with all these changes, but right now things have hit me so fast and so hard it seems there is no light at the end of this tunnel.
Joanne
Welcome Joanne...
Fortunately, you are not nuts! However, you have entered anothe rhealm... There are many of us on this board who have had the same symptoms...really sensitive to people, noise, etc...as well as the crazy dreams!
As others have suggested, it is important to read up on peri and menopause so that you know what to expect and so that you know you are not alone.
This board is a great support for all of us....
TJ
OMG.....its my life....... 
.Mine started at age 45 and I am now 53.. in the beginning it was Vaginal Atropy(the WORSE pain I have ever known) and heart palpitations..I am on HRT..and I still have teeny tiny periods, but since all this began...I am allergic to everything. I get rashes on my arms & chest at least 5 times a year--they are really gross and my doctor even said its 3 different rashes...I also developed(GET THIS!) yeast infections on my NIPPLES!! 
!! You have never had a yeast infection in your life....until you have had one on your nipples....not only UGLY(even my mom couldn't look) but it hurt & itched so bad....one of my doctors said he hadn't seen a case that bad since he had a patient that was breastfeeding twins! They just stock me up with TWO prescription creams I have to mix together and use it twice a day for 2 weeks, when this flares up. Everything has changed my hair has gotten wavy(my hairdresser told me I had the straightest hair on the planet) now its wavy in places, my teeth hurt before my periods....I cry during WIFE SWAP. 
..I basically cry at the drop of a hat.....I am HOSTILE & MEAN at least half of the month......I wan to kill EVERTHING(LOL)......I am fully aware that I am being a BIATCH....but I can't stop myself....try explaining that to a male shrink! I just pray when I am done, all of this goes away. I have insomnia....and sometimes I am so hot.....I know you would think the HRT would take all of this away, but I guess not for everyone...I know its working because my Vaginal Atrophy really subsided...I only get a flare of it maybe twice a year..and vitamin e supposortory takes care of it and my heart palpitations, thats truly remarkable.....instead of 99% before during & after my period.....I only get maybe 20%....I just want this all to go away, gee I am 53...for God's sake...all of my friends quit a long time ago!
.Mine started at age 45 and I am now 53.. in the beginning it was Vaginal Atropy(the WORSE pain I have ever known) and heart palpitations..I am on HRT..and I still have teeny tiny periods, but since all this began...I am allergic to everything. I get rashes on my arms & chest at least 5 times a year--they are really gross and my doctor even said its 3 different rashes...I also developed(GET THIS!) yeast infections on my NIPPLES!! !! You have never had a yeast infection in your life....until you have had one on your nipples....not only UGLY(even my mom couldn't look) but it hurt & itched so bad....one of my doctors said he hadn't seen a case that bad since he had a patient that was breastfeeding twins! They just stock me up with TWO prescription creams I have to mix together and use it twice a day for 2 weeks, when this flares up. Everything has changed my hair has gotten wavy(my hairdresser told me I had the straightest hair on the planet) now its wavy in places, my teeth hurt before my periods....I cry during WIFE SWAP. ..I basically cry at the drop of a hat.....I am HOSTILE & MEAN at least half of the month......I wan to kill EVERTHING(LOL)......I am fully aware that I am being a BIATCH....but I can't stop myself....try explaining that to a male shrink! I just pray when I am done, all of this goes away. I have insomnia....and sometimes I am so hot.....I know you would think the HRT would take all of this away, but I guess not for everyone...I know its working because my Vaginal Atrophy really subsided...I only get a flare of it maybe twice a year..and vitamin e supposortory takes care of it and my heart palpitations, thats truly remarkable.....instead of 99% before during & after my period.....I only get maybe 20%....I just want this all to go away, gee I am 53...for God's sake...all of my friends quit a long time ago!
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