Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
Full Version: Comes a time when you have to say to heck with it all
Deb,
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
QUOTE (Sariah @ Jan 26 2009, 11:55 PM) 
Deb,
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
Hi Sariah,
I too really believe the adrenals are a major part of this. I went in to see a endocrinologist who said my thyroid was perfectly normal. He of course made no mention of adrenals. I learned about that here on PS. I even went to my family doctor and asked him to check my adrenals. In fact I went to 2 doctors and asked them to check my adrenals. They did and said they were just fine. I didn't believe them so I researched a bit more on adrenal fatigue. I cut way back on caffein, sugar and increased my sleep and took naps everyday. I cut as much stress out of my life as I could. I gently started exersize. I started to get better. I started this back last summer and finally I am starting to feel better. I am having days where I actually have a glimmer of myself again. I do have hope. Now as far as the ferriten, I am very low on that. A blood test confirmed it. I started eating more green leafy veggies and more red meat and I was prescribed iron pills. Problem with the pill is they really upset my stomach so it's hit and miss for me. I need to stick to taking them. Thanks for your reply. It really makes sense to me and I am so glad to hear you are on your way out of this nightmare. Hugs........Debra
Debra,
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
Debra,
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 09:33 AM)
Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
My dear Deb
I am hearing you and all the pain and frustration.I swear as God is my witness this was me at 39 when declared fully Menopausal.If it were not for my daughter's support I am not sure I would have made it.
Without going into much detail I was put on Prozac 20mgs.It really eased a lot of symptoms but the real breakthrough came when I started my HRT.All the difference in the World.Again I am not advocating this for you or anyone else but it really helped.
Many years later I am still on HRT although the Gyno wanted me off.I tried for a good year-it was awful.Got my prescription and got back on them.It again took about three months for my body and mind to register that Estrogen was flowing again so very high anxiety for about three months.Zapped it with Xanax.Don't worry am not an advocate for Meds.but they work for me.
I often read or hear about all the ladies who almost sail through Menopause and do well on Vitamin and natural Supplements.They are lucky.
I do hope you find things that work for you,honey
P.S.Regular Yoga has helped a lot
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
Oh My Gosh....is this what I have to look forward to? I will be 48 this summer and my symptoms are gradually getting worse and worse. I now experience bouts of anxiety and being overwhelmed along with severe PMS and irregular periods. I have a wonderful fiance but at times I just wish I was alone. My kids are all grown and out of the house...this should be MY time---my happy time. Now I wonder if I suffer from SAD too. What in the world? This isnt fair---
All I want to do is sleep too and I dont care, my fiance is tired of hearing me say how tired I am all the time---I am too! He tries so hard to be supportive but it really dosent help. I take care of 7 kids in my childcare--I have them depending on me, I cook and sometimes clean for my fiance but at times if someone were to ask me for something I feel like the whole world wants "something" from me...anxiety kicks in...depression kicks in ect. and I just want to run as far away as I can and hide from everyone. I told my fiance that I belonged under a rock.
I am "this close" to calling a doctor to get on Prozac. It worked for me in the past but my idea of taking meds just didnt sit well with me s I weaned off. Its been probably 2 1/2 years without any antidepressant or anti anxiety meds. I have tired and tried alternative remedies. All I get is worse and worse. I asked my mom when she thinks she completed menopause and we figured she was around 52 at the latest...so Im thinkin if I have to be on something to help me thru this for the next 4 years...isnt happiness worth it? My fiance hates drugs and is against it but ya know what? Its MY body, I AM the one going thru this---Im not saying that it is for everyone but I am the only one that can take care of ME.
Hugs....
All I want to do is sleep too and I dont care, my fiance is tired of hearing me say how tired I am all the time---I am too! He tries so hard to be supportive but it really dosent help. I take care of 7 kids in my childcare--I have them depending on me, I cook and sometimes clean for my fiance but at times if someone were to ask me for something I feel like the whole world wants "something" from me...anxiety kicks in...depression kicks in ect. and I just want to run as far away as I can and hide from everyone. I told my fiance that I belonged under a rock.
I am "this close" to calling a doctor to get on Prozac. It worked for me in the past but my idea of taking meds just didnt sit well with me s I weaned off. Its been probably 2 1/2 years without any antidepressant or anti anxiety meds. I have tired and tried alternative remedies. All I get is worse and worse. I asked my mom when she thinks she completed menopause and we figured she was around 52 at the latest...so Im thinkin if I have to be on something to help me thru this for the next 4 years...isnt happiness worth it? My fiance hates drugs and is against it but ya know what? Its MY body, I AM the one going thru this---Im not saying that it is for everyone but I am the only one that can take care of ME.
Hugs....
Starfairy,
Sorry you are having such a difficult time. If you need to go on Prozac, do not feel bad about it. You have to do what you have to do to get through this.
But do consider getting your hormones tested, and also your thyroid, as they finding that more and more women going through meno have low thyroid function, even though their thyroid tests are in the so-called 'normal' range, but the right tests have to be done and the doc needs to understand the whole picture--symptoms plus knowing how to interpret the right tests.
Estrogen, thyroid, and adrenal meds have made the difference for me. If they hadn't, I would also have tried an antidepressant. I wass successful for the first few years of peri using various natural remedies, and many women are able to get through meno with just those. But I truly believe that if one has a thyroid problem it will magnify any hormonal imbalances and make the symptoms much worse.
Sorry you are having such a difficult time. If you need to go on Prozac, do not feel bad about it. You have to do what you have to do to get through this.
But do consider getting your hormones tested, and also your thyroid, as they finding that more and more women going through meno have low thyroid function, even though their thyroid tests are in the so-called 'normal' range, but the right tests have to be done and the doc needs to understand the whole picture--symptoms plus knowing how to interpret the right tests.
Estrogen, thyroid, and adrenal meds have made the difference for me. If they hadn't, I would also have tried an antidepressant. I wass successful for the first few years of peri using various natural remedies, and many women are able to get through meno with just those. But I truly believe that if one has a thyroid problem it will magnify any hormonal imbalances and make the symptoms much worse.
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 26 2009, 11:33 PM)
Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
Debra, I could have written this post! I especially like the last four sentences! That is what I want as well and I am working hard toward that! Somedays I feel like I'm making progress, other days not so much, but this time around I'm determined to find the solution that works best for me! It absoutely amazes me what happens when our hormones start to drop. What I find even more amazing is coming here and reading these posts from women who are going through similiar situations, and who understand!
I'm so sorry that you have felt this way and SO VERY HAPPY that you are feeling somewhat better!
Best Wishes to You....
TJ
QUOTE (Sariah @ Jan 26 2009, 11:55 PM)
Deb,
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
Sariah, I have to say I search out your posts the most because my situation is so similiar and you have had much success. I was supposed to have an appointment today and was hoping I could get the doctor to sign off on my hormone script, as well as order further testing for adrenals, iron, and thyroid antibodies... Unfortunately, it snowed here and she called and cancelled my appointment... I was determined that nothing was going to keep me from that appointment...head up...on the the next physician! As I said above, I'm determined to feel better because I deserve it!
TJ
Starfairy,
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
QUOTE (enough @ Jan 27 2009, 09:04 AM)
Debra,
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
I started on bcp's a year and a half ago and they changed my life. I was having a very difficult time coping with many different life changes and have trouble with even daily routines. I was miserable. I found out I was losing estrogen, I was 46 at the time. i resisted taking them, I hate any meds, but I really needed to help balance me out. Between that and the occasional xanax to battle panic that started sduring this time of life, I am making it through and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am more and more like myself each week. Of course I still have my moments, but for the most part, I am better. I am enjoying some of the things I stopped doing for a while. I dont' know if that is an option for you, but maybe talking to your ob-gyn could help decide how to get back on track. I hope the days ahead are brighter.
Hi enough,
I just called my Doctor today to see if I could get in to talk about hormone therapy, if its even an option for me. Of course they are on vacation until next week. Aside from the virus and flu, I did pretty good last month. If this was true depression, wouldn't I feel like crap every day and not sporatically? It's just got to be hormones. Hugs D
TJ,
Please let us know what happens with your doc appt. It's so frustrating to have to wait when you want to get some answers.
Please let us know what happens with your doc appt. It's so frustrating to have to wait when you want to get some answers.
QUOTE (joyceveronica @ Jan 27 2009, 09:38 AM)
My dear Deb
I am hearing you and all the pain and frustration.I swear as God is my witness this was me at 39 when declared fully Menopausal.If it were not for my daughter's support I am not sure I would have made it.
Without going into much detail I was put on Prozac 20mgs.It really eased a lot of symptoms but the real breakthrough came when I started my HRT.All the difference in the World.Again I am not advocating this for you or anyone else but it really helped.
Many years later I am still on HRT although the Gyno wanted me off.I tried for a good year-it was awful.Got my prescription and got back on them.It again took about three months for my body and mind to register that Estrogen was flowing again so very high anxiety for about three months.Zapped it with Xanax.Don't worry am not an advocate for Meds.but they work for me.
I often read or hear about all the ladies who almost sail through Menopause and do well on Vitamin and natural Supplements.They are lucky.
I do hope you find things that work for you,honey
P.S.Regular Yoga has helped a lot
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
I am hearing you and all the pain and frustration.I swear as God is my witness this was me at 39 when declared fully Menopausal.If it were not for my daughter's support I am not sure I would have made it.
Without going into much detail I was put on Prozac 20mgs.It really eased a lot of symptoms but the real breakthrough came when I started my HRT.All the difference in the World.Again I am not advocating this for you or anyone else but it really helped.
Many years later I am still on HRT although the Gyno wanted me off.I tried for a good year-it was awful.Got my prescription and got back on them.It again took about three months for my body and mind to register that Estrogen was flowing again so very high anxiety for about three months.Zapped it with Xanax.Don't worry am not an advocate for Meds.but they work for me.
I often read or hear about all the ladies who almost sail through Menopause and do well on Vitamin and natural Supplements.They are lucky.
I do hope you find things that work for you,honey
P.S.Regular Yoga has helped a lot
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, are you still taking the Prozac? I know what you mean about having to resort to meds. I am such a wimp when it comes to taking them, but I can't imagine feeling worse than I do right now. I had backed down to literally 5 mgs of prozac. I need to get back up to at least 10mgs and go from there. Back in 2005, I hit the deepest and darkest depression with nightmare anxiety. It was the begining of the peri/meno nightmare for me. Well, at least I figured it out when I came upon the PS site in 2005. The site saved my life and my sanity. I went on Prozac and within 2 weeks started to pull out of the depression as well as noticing the tell tale symptoms of mid life change. Hot flashes, insomnia, erratic and heavy periods, pms from hell. I also went back on my iron pills. I have such a low ferriten level. Today I am uping my prozac and looking forward to a speedy turnabout. I am glad you are doing well. It gives me hope......Hugs......Deb
QUOTE (starfairy @ Jan 27 2009, 11:21 AM)
Oh My Gosh....is this what I have to look forward to? I will be 48 this summer and my symptoms are gradually getting worse and worse. I now experience bouts of anxiety and being overwhelmed along with severe PMS and irregular periods. I have a wonderful fiance but at times I just wish I was alone. My kids are all grown and out of the house...this should be MY time---my happy time. Now I wonder if I suffer from SAD too. What in the world? This isnt fair---
All I want to do is sleep too and I dont care, my fiance is tired of hearing me say how tired I am all the time---I am too! He tries so hard to be supportive but it really dosent help. I take care of 7 kids in my childcare--I have them depending on me, I cook and sometimes clean for my fiance but at times if someone were to ask me for something I feel like the whole world wants "something" from me...anxiety kicks in...depression kicks in ect. and I just want to run as far away as I can and hide from everyone. I told my fiance that I belonged under a rock.
I am "this close" to calling a doctor to get on Prozac. It worked for me in the past but my idea of taking meds just didnt sit well with me s I weaned off. Its been probably 2 1/2 years without any antidepressant or anti anxiety meds. I have tired and tried alternative remedies. All I get is worse and worse. I asked my mom when she thinks she completed menopause and we figured she was around 52 at the latest...so Im thinkin if I have to be on something to help me thru this for the next 4 years...isnt happiness worth it? My fiance hates drugs and is against it but ya know what? Its MY body, I AM the one going thru this---Im not saying that it is for everyone but I am the only one that can take care of ME.
Hugs....
All I want to do is sleep too and I dont care, my fiance is tired of hearing me say how tired I am all the time---I am too! He tries so hard to be supportive but it really dosent help. I take care of 7 kids in my childcare--I have them depending on me, I cook and sometimes clean for my fiance but at times if someone were to ask me for something I feel like the whole world wants "something" from me...anxiety kicks in...depression kicks in ect. and I just want to run as far away as I can and hide from everyone. I told my fiance that I belonged under a rock.
I am "this close" to calling a doctor to get on Prozac. It worked for me in the past but my idea of taking meds just didnt sit well with me s I weaned off. Its been probably 2 1/2 years without any antidepressant or anti anxiety meds. I have tired and tried alternative remedies. All I get is worse and worse. I asked my mom when she thinks she completed menopause and we figured she was around 52 at the latest...so Im thinkin if I have to be on something to help me thru this for the next 4 years...isnt happiness worth it? My fiance hates drugs and is against it but ya know what? Its MY body, I AM the one going thru this---Im not saying that it is for everyone but I am the only one that can take care of ME.
Hugs....
Starfairy, you may never have to experience symtoms to this level. Especially since you are becoming educated here by all of the wonderful ladies on powersurge. Just knowing you are not alone helps to sort this whole mid life melt down immensely. I too fought taking prozac. My boyfriend told me that antidepressants were for psychos and he didn't want to be with any crazy bi***! That made me have a melt down even more so, but it also caused me to kick him to the curb for a year. Here is the hilarious thing I found out later. His migraine meds he has been taking for 4 years are nothing more than ANTIDEPRESSANTS!!!!!!!!!! Who is the psycho? I couldn't wait to rub that one in his face. He never brought up the Med topic again. Do what you need to do to not just survive, but thrive!!!!!!!!! You go girl!! Debra
QUOTE (SKEEWEEAKA @ Jan 27 2009, 12:50 PM)
Debra, I could have written this post! I especially like the last four sentences! That is what I want as well and I am working hard toward that! Somedays I feel like I'm making progress, other days not so much, but this time around I'm determined to find the solution that works best for me! It absoutely amazes me what happens when our hormones start to drop. What I find even more amazing is coming here and reading these posts from women who are going through similiar situations, and who understand!
I'm so sorry that you have felt this way and SO VERY HAPPY that you are feeling somewhat better!
Best Wishes to You....
TJ
I'm so sorry that you have felt this way and SO VERY HAPPY that you are feeling somewhat better!
Best Wishes to You....
TJ
Hi SKEEWEEAKA, I know what you mean, 1 step forward, 5 leaps back! Just when I am gaining some mental momentum BAMB......I get knocked off track. This is when I wish I had extra money to go shopping. At least after I take my nap! lol Hugs Deb
QUOTE (Sariah @ Jan 27 2009, 11:37 AM)
Starfairy,
Sorry you are having such a difficult time. If you need to go on Prozac, do not feel bad about it. You have to do what you have to do to get through this.
But do consider getting your hormones tested, and also your thyroid, as they finding that more and more women going through meno have low thyroid function, even though their thyroid tests are in the so-called 'normal' range, but the right tests have to be done and the doc needs to understand the whole picture--symptoms plus knowing how to interpret the right tests.
Estrogen, thyroid, and adrenal meds have made the difference for me. If they hadn't, I would also have tried an antidepressant. I wass successful for the first few years of peri using various natural remedies, and many women are able to get through meno with just those. But I truly believe that if one has a thyroid problem it will magnify any hormonal imbalances and make the symptoms much worse.
Sorry you are having such a difficult time. If you need to go on Prozac, do not feel bad about it. You have to do what you have to do to get through this.
But do consider getting your hormones tested, and also your thyroid, as they finding that more and more women going through meno have low thyroid function, even though their thyroid tests are in the so-called 'normal' range, but the right tests have to be done and the doc needs to understand the whole picture--symptoms plus knowing how to interpret the right tests.
Estrogen, thyroid, and adrenal meds have made the difference for me. If they hadn't, I would also have tried an antidepressant. I wass successful for the first few years of peri using various natural remedies, and many women are able to get through meno with just those. But I truly believe that if one has a thyroid problem it will magnify any hormonal imbalances and make the symptoms much worse.
I just had all my blood work and thyroid done in June--6 months ago. All was "normal". As far as the right blood tests go, I dont know.
Thank you for your kind words and muchly appreciated information!
QUOTE (plumeria @ Jan 27 2009, 01:06 PM)
Starfairy,
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
Plumeria,
Thank you! I take either Melatonin or Gaba Calm for sleep...so as of now sleeping isnt that big of a deal because either one of those will help---not too long for Melatonin tho, I have to switch back and forth.
What are bioidenticals?
Hi Friend, ohhhhhhh yes I understand. I was really bad at times...now, not so much. There are times though to be sure where I feel as you describe. I wonder what is the means to this end often.
I recently described myself at a group meeting as first and foremost being resilient. I think I am just that way really - but I do have to work on it at times. I have had days/weeks where I just felt like withdrawing completely. If I spend too much time at home I develop a (small) form of agoraphobia. I really have to push myself to get on out there and live life again! I like cocooning/nesting at home...it feels safer.
The one thing that truly helped me was ADs Deb - gosh they are a Godsend for some of us. As you say, it is your body.
I can relate to what you say. I find that if I take my vitamins too - that helps with my motivation and energy levels. As I get older, it is more important to me to try and maintain my energy levels.
I wish you well,
Suzanne
I recently described myself at a group meeting as first and foremost being resilient. I think I am just that way really - but I do have to work on it at times. I have had days/weeks where I just felt like withdrawing completely. If I spend too much time at home I develop a (small) form of agoraphobia. I really have to push myself to get on out there and live life again! I like cocooning/nesting at home...it feels safer.
The one thing that truly helped me was ADs Deb - gosh they are a Godsend for some of us. As you say, it is your body.
I can relate to what you say. I find that if I take my vitamins too - that helps with my motivation and energy levels. As I get older, it is more important to me to try and maintain my energy levels.
I wish you well,
Suzanne
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 04:07 PM)
Starfairy, you may never have to experience symtoms to this level. Especially since you are becoming educated here by all of the wonderful ladies on powersurge. Just knowing you are not alone helps to sort this whole mid life melt down immensely. I too fought taking prozac. My boyfriend told me that antidepressants were for psychos and he didn't want to be with any crazy bi***! That made me have a melt down even more so, but it also caused me to kick him to the curb for a year. Here is the hilarious thing I found out later. His migraine meds he has been taking for 4 years are nothing more than ANTIDEPRESSANTS!!!!!!!!!! Who is the psycho? I couldn't wait to rub that one in his face. He never brought up the Med topic again. Do what you need to do to not just survive, but thrive!!!!!!!!! You go girl!! Debra
Debra...your right about this site...If I could I would never leave it. There is so much information, help AND support. I really helps reading and reading !
I LOVE your boyfriend story! I think I have just about made up my mind to go get the prozac and to hell with what my fiance thinks--its MY body and I want to feel good again!! My mother supports the decision too
Power Surge is a blessing from GOD!!
Starfairy,
Sorry, I meant bioidentical hormones.
Plumeria
Sorry, I meant bioidentical hormones.
Plumeria
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 26 2009, 11:33 PM)
Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything.
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything.
Beautifully written, Deb. This was my experience, pretty much EXACTLY. Spunky little chick, who manages to cope with all kinds of nutsiness, suddenly falls apart in peri-menopause, right down to asking Big Existential Questions and wondering how the hell to keep going....
Yup, you pegged it.
(((HUGS))) JJ
QUOTE (starfairy @ Jan 27 2009, 05:49 PM)
I just had all my blood work and thyroid done in June--6 months ago. All was "normal". As far as the right blood tests go, I dont know.
Thank you for your kind words and muchly appreciated information!
Thank you for your kind words and muchly appreciated information!
LOL, starfairy, If your like me you will be worrying whether or not you had all of the proper blood testing and did they miss something terminal...........
Deb,
Your post and then everyone being able to relate (including myself - 100%) just proves that we are all in this together! I suffered for 3 1/2 years with horrible anxiety and panic and worsening SAD each year till it all just blew up in my face last Jan. I was absolutely petrified of taking anything except vitamins and natural supplements. I think it was the state of mind I was in that I could not think clearly. It comes down to a serotonin issue. I started Lexapro 10mg. last Feb. and I am myself again. Same spunk, loving life and livin' it! I am back in the game and it feels so good. You owe it to yourself Deb to start exploring some options. Talk it over with a good doctor who you trust and can talk to. Don't be afraid. There is help and relief out there. Don't be discouraged if the first thing doesn't work perfectly right away. You may have to tweak it. It is a godsend to me and so many women who are on AD's or HRT. Don't suffer. Our mothers and grandmothers had to suffer through this with way less options available to them than we have. Go get life again!!
{{Hugs}}
Alisa
Your post and then everyone being able to relate (including myself - 100%) just proves that we are all in this together! I suffered for 3 1/2 years with horrible anxiety and panic and worsening SAD each year till it all just blew up in my face last Jan. I was absolutely petrified of taking anything except vitamins and natural supplements. I think it was the state of mind I was in that I could not think clearly. It comes down to a serotonin issue. I started Lexapro 10mg. last Feb. and I am myself again. Same spunk, loving life and livin' it! I am back in the game and it feels so good. You owe it to yourself Deb to start exploring some options. Talk it over with a good doctor who you trust and can talk to. Don't be afraid. There is help and relief out there. Don't be discouraged if the first thing doesn't work perfectly right away. You may have to tweak it. It is a godsend to me and so many women who are on AD's or HRT. Don't suffer. Our mothers and grandmothers had to suffer through this with way less options available to them than we have. Go get life again!!
{{Hugs}}
Alisa
QUOTE (suzpaterson @ Jan 27 2009, 05:57 PM)
Hi Friend, ohhhhhhh yes I understand. I was really bad at times...now, not so much. There are times though to be sure where I feel as you describe. I wonder what is the means to this end often.
I recently described myself at a group meeting as first and foremost being resilient. I think I am just that way really - but I do have to work on it at times. I have had days/weeks where I just felt like withdrawing completely. If I spend too much time at home I develop a (small) form of agoraphobia. I really have to push myself to get on out there and live life again! I like cocooning/nesting at home...it feels safer.
The one thing that truly helped me was ADs Deb - gosh they are a Godsend for some of us. As you say, it is your body.
I can relate to what you say. I find that if I take my vitamins too - that helps with my motivation and energy levels. As I get older, it is more important to me to try and maintain my energy levels.
I wish you well,
Suzanne
I recently described myself at a group meeting as first and foremost being resilient. I think I am just that way really - but I do have to work on it at times. I have had days/weeks where I just felt like withdrawing completely. If I spend too much time at home I develop a (small) form of agoraphobia. I really have to push myself to get on out there and live life again! I like cocooning/nesting at home...it feels safer.
The one thing that truly helped me was ADs Deb - gosh they are a Godsend for some of us. As you say, it is your body.
I can relate to what you say. I find that if I take my vitamins too - that helps with my motivation and energy levels. As I get older, it is more important to me to try and maintain my energy levels.
I wish you well,
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, I think I have turned into a norwegian gnome. I just want to stay home and hide in my safe place. Speaking of nesting, my bedroom looks like a rats nest!!!! lol So here I am, a norwegian high maintanance gnome living in a rats nest..........Theres a visual..... Hugs D
QUOTE (joliejacq @ Jan 27 2009, 07:14 PM)
Beautifully written, Deb. This was my experience, pretty much EXACTLY. Spunky little chick, who manages to cope with all kinds of nutsiness, suddenly falls apart in peri-menopause, right down to asking Big Existential Questions and wondering how the hell to keep going....
Yup, you pegged it.
(((HUGS))) JJ
Yup, you pegged it.
(((HUGS))) JJ
Yes joliejacq, Existential questions.......anymore I spend more time falling into my own head pondering lifes mysteries. I would make a really great actress, moody, introspective, dark, creative (well the creative part just means I can come up with some really bizaar creepy stuff to worry more about) ..................lol Hugs D
QUOTE (Alisa @ Jan 27 2009, 07:52 PM)
Deb,
Your post and then everyone being able to relate (including myself - 100%) just proves that we are all in this together! I suffered for 3 1/2 years with horrible anxiety and panic and worsening SAD each year till it all just blew up in my face last Jan. I was absolutely petrified of taking anything except vitamins and natural supplements. I think it was the state of mind I was in that I could not think clearly. It comes down to a serotonin issue. I started Lexapro 10mg. last Feb. and I am myself again. Same spunk, loving life and livin' it! I am back in the game and it feels so good. You owe it to yourself Deb to start exploring some options. Talk it over with a good doctor who you trust and can talk to. Don't be afraid. There is help and relief out there. Don't be discouraged if the first thing doesn't work perfectly right away. You may have to tweak it. It is a godsend to me and so many women who are on AD's or HRT. Don't suffer. Our mothers and grandmothers had to suffer through this with way less options available to them than we have. Go get life again!!
{{Hugs}}
Alisa
Your post and then everyone being able to relate (including myself - 100%) just proves that we are all in this together! I suffered for 3 1/2 years with horrible anxiety and panic and worsening SAD each year till it all just blew up in my face last Jan. I was absolutely petrified of taking anything except vitamins and natural supplements. I think it was the state of mind I was in that I could not think clearly. It comes down to a serotonin issue. I started Lexapro 10mg. last Feb. and I am myself again. Same spunk, loving life and livin' it! I am back in the game and it feels so good. You owe it to yourself Deb to start exploring some options. Talk it over with a good doctor who you trust and can talk to. Don't be afraid. There is help and relief out there. Don't be discouraged if the first thing doesn't work perfectly right away. You may have to tweak it. It is a godsend to me and so many women who are on AD's or HRT. Don't suffer. Our mothers and grandmothers had to suffer through this with way less options available to them than we have. Go get life again!!
{{Hugs}}
Alisa
Hi Alisa,
I was thumbing through a book called "A Younger You" written by a Doctor who really gets into the low serotonin issue. I have decided as of today, I am upping my Prozac again. I play this stupid little game with myself every six months or so, thinking I could drop down. It's called Denial! I also watched a very interesting program about a brain specialist who developed PET scans that prove you can see problems within the brain. The doctors name is Dr. Amen and he has many clinics around the NW and I was even thinking about going to see him. I am just freaked out about having the contrast put into my brain to do the scan. I find it comforting to know that Dr. Amen himself has suffered from either anxiety or depression. I can't remember, but he too takes AD's and his research has confirmed that long term studies have shown that AD's keep the brain pliable and help to prevent certain age related brain problems down the road. If he can take AD's with confidence and he is one of the leading brain specialists then I too can rest assured the benefits out weigh the side effects. I can also agree with our moms and grandmothers not having cutting edge research and meds in their time of need. According to my mom, my grandmother just suffered through hell and back going through the change. I am not willing to run with that torch!! Hugs....Debra
QUOTE (plumeria @ Jan 27 2009, 01:06 PM)
Starfairy,
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
Sorry you are going through a rough time. I agree with Sariah, there is no shame in taking meds or hormones to help you get through this period. At one time I was taking prozac, ambien for sleep and now on very low dose bioidenticals and many supplements.
Debra, I have felt the same as you and there are days when I still do. My 15 year old daughter gets be going...she adds STRESS and joy to my life. I am not one to let her do whatever she wants...
Plumeria
Plumeria, My oldest 3 are adults with kids of their own. I have an 8 year old son left at home with me. I am not certain whether or not he is keeping me exhausted or young!!!!!!!!!!! lo I know he leaves a ton of bruises on me though with his roudy rough housing boys do. I think I have turned into a marshmallow for him to jump on. Geeze.......lol
QUOTE (SKEEWEEAKA @ Jan 27 2009, 12:50 PM)
Debra, I could have written this post! I especially like the last four sentences! That is what I want as well and I am working hard toward that! Somedays I feel like I'm making progress, other days not so much, but this time around I'm determined to find the solution that works best for me! It absoutely amazes me what happens when our hormones start to drop. What I find even more amazing is coming here and reading these posts from women who are going through similiar situations, and who understand!
I'm so sorry that you have felt this way and SO VERY HAPPY that you are feeling somewhat better!
Best Wishes to You....
TJ
I'm so sorry that you have felt this way and SO VERY HAPPY that you are feeling somewhat better!
Best Wishes to You....
TJ
Skeeweeaka, Is it just me or is this the only place people will talk candidly about these issues? In my neck of the woods, I have tried several times to talk with other women face to face and they look at me like I just sprouted a huge zit between my eyes.............geeze........Ps. I have had a few zits lately but not between my eyes........lol
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 08:28 PM)
Skeeweeaka, Is it just me or is this the only place people will talk candidly about these issues? In my neck of the woods, I have tried several times to talk with other women face to face and they look at me like I just sprouted a huge zit between my eyes.............geeze........Ps. I have had a few zits lately but not between my eyes........lol
Deb...you hit the nail on the head. The only place I can talk about it is HERE and at my THERAPIST'S office. Otherwise, I hear HEAVY SIGHS all over the place lol
.... Well, that is until my dear sister had her hysterectomy several months back NOW SHE IS HANGING ON EVERY WORD and calling me CONSTANTLY!!!! In her words she's ONLY 40 and SHE'S TOO YOUNG FOR THIS!!! 
TJ :love:
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 07:50 PM)
LOL, starfairy, If your like me you will be worrying whether or not you had all of the proper blood testing and did they miss something terminal...........
Oh my gosh isnt that the truth!!
I feel so much better already just because I came here and "let it out". I think my main problem with going for the prozac is that when I took it years ago--I hid it from my "at that time" boyfriend, now Im ready to say (to anyone) that "I AM the one going thru this---not YOU, so back off!!" Whew--God that felt good! I dont have to feel like I belong under a rock anymore
QUOTE (SKEEWEEAKA @ Jan 27 2009, 09:31 PM)
Deb...you hit the nail on the head. The only place I can talk about it is HERE and at my THERAPIST'S office. Otherwise, I hear HEAVY SIGHS all over the place lol .... Well, that is until my dear sister had her hysterectomy several months back NOW SHE IS HANGING ON EVERY WORD and calling me CONSTANTLY!!!! In her words she's ONLY 40 and SHE'S TOO YOUNG FOR THIS!!!
TJ :love:
.... Well, that is until my dear sister had her hysterectomy several months back NOW SHE IS HANGING ON EVERY WORD and calling me CONSTANTLY!!!! In her words she's ONLY 40 and SHE'S TOO YOUNG FOR THIS!!! TJ :love:
Speaking of therapist Skeeweeaka, I am going to see an old therapist I went to a couple of years ago. He was really a riot actually. I am positive he is GAY. He cracks me up so bad that it's just worth it to pour it all out on the table without judgement. He's almost as good as a girlfriend and a drink. My life story is so bizaar that I would have him in stitches and he would slap his leg and roll his eyes in an overanimated disbelief. I loved it. I don't think I ever came to any epiphanies in his office but at least I could chat his ear off and amuse us both. I think I loved seeing his face and reactions to my drama filled crazy true stories more than any theraputic value I may have received from him... lol
QUOTE (starfairy @ Jan 27 2009, 10:08 PM)
Oh my gosh isnt that the truth!!
I feel so much better already just because I came here and "let it out". I think my main problem with going for the prozac is that when I took it years ago--I hid it from my "at that time" boyfriend, now Im ready to say (to anyone) that "I AM the one going thru this---not YOU, so back off!!" Whew--God that felt good! I dont have to feel like I belong under a rock anymore
I feel so much better already just because I came here and "let it out". I think my main problem with going for the prozac is that when I took it years ago--I hid it from my "at that time" boyfriend, now Im ready to say (to anyone) that "I AM the one going thru this---not YOU, so back off!!" Whew--God that felt good! I dont have to feel like I belong under a rock anymore
Yes starfairy, there is a bit of a silver lining here. We can say pretty much what we want, when we want and to who we want. Whats the worst they could do to us...have us committed to a mental ward. Hmmm, sounds like a mini vacation compared to what we have had to deal with, and to be honest, I wouldn't mind having someone else cook and clean for me until they deemed me "normal" lol lol lol
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 11:17 PM)
Speaking of therapist Skeeweeaka, I am going to see an old therapist I went to a couple of years ago. He was really a riot actually. I am positive he is GAY. He cracks me up so bad that it's just worth it to pour it all out on the table without judgement. He's almost as good as a girlfriend and a drink. My life story is so bizaar that I would have him in stitches and he would slap his leg and roll his eyes in an overanimated disbelief. I loved it. I don't think I ever came to any epiphanies in his office but at least I could chat his ear off and amuse us both. I think I loved seeing his face and reactions to my drama filled crazy true stories more than any theraputic value I may have received from him... lol
Will you send me his card?
(((HUGS))) JJ
QUOTE (joliejacq @ Jan 28 2009, 06:49 PM)
Will you send me his card?
(((HUGS))) JJ
(((HUGS))) JJ
Hi JJ,
Today I went to see my old therapist. It had been over a year. I had to catch him up on all of the past drama and where my legal issues left off. He was so interested that he booked me another appointment this friday. He cracks me up. I think I do way too much of the talking. He comments now and then. He tells me that my story could easily be a movie. He is still encouraging me to write my book. That I am doing currently. He is located in Washington State. Again, it's funny to see how animated he is as he "oohs and aaaahs" while I am recounting my experiences. That alone is worth it. At least someone is amused. lol
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 09:16 PM)
Hi Alisa,
I was thumbing through a book called "A Younger You" written by a Doctor who really gets into the low serotonin issue. I have decided as of today, I am upping my Prozac again. I play this stupid little game with myself every six months or so, thinking I could drop down. It's called Denial! I also watched a very interesting program about a brain specialist who developed PET scans that prove you can see problems within the brain. The doctors name is Dr. Amen and he has many clinics around the NW and I was even thinking about going to see him. I am just freaked out about having the contrast put into my brain to do the scan. I find it comforting to know that Dr. Amen himself has suffered from either anxiety or depression. I can't remember, but he too takes AD's and his research has confirmed that long term studies have shown that AD's keep the brain pliable and help to prevent certain age related brain problems down the road. If he can take AD's with confidence and he is one of the leading brain specialists then I too can rest assured the benefits out weigh the side effects. I can also agree with our moms and grandmothers not having cutting edge research and meds in their time of need. According to my mom, my grandmother just suffered through hell and back going through the change. I am not willing to run with that torch!! Hugs....Debra
I was thumbing through a book called "A Younger You" written by a Doctor who really gets into the low serotonin issue. I have decided as of today, I am upping my Prozac again. I play this stupid little game with myself every six months or so, thinking I could drop down. It's called Denial! I also watched a very interesting program about a brain specialist who developed PET scans that prove you can see problems within the brain. The doctors name is Dr. Amen and he has many clinics around the NW and I was even thinking about going to see him. I am just freaked out about having the contrast put into my brain to do the scan. I find it comforting to know that Dr. Amen himself has suffered from either anxiety or depression. I can't remember, but he too takes AD's and his research has confirmed that long term studies have shown that AD's keep the brain pliable and help to prevent certain age related brain problems down the road. If he can take AD's with confidence and he is one of the leading brain specialists then I too can rest assured the benefits out weigh the side effects. I can also agree with our moms and grandmothers not having cutting edge research and meds in their time of need. According to my mom, my grandmother just suffered through hell and back going through the change. I am not willing to run with that torch!! Hugs....Debra
I got a book out of the library about 4 months ago that I flipped through called The Triple Whammy Cure by Dr. David Edelburg. In it he mentions how women have less available serotonin than men to begin with and then it drops even lower when estrogen starts to decline! It was a big Ah Ha! moment. Even though I was already feeling great with the Lexapro I was shocked to have only seen this in print anywhere years after all my searching for an answer to why I was feeling the way I was! And I was pissed! Women should know this just as we are told about what is going to happen to our bodies when we start to enter adolecence! Can you imagine how horrible it would be to girls to not be told what will begin happening to them? It's just as frightening not to be told what may happen at the other end. Nice to hear that a leading brain specialist gives his blessings to AD's. Definitely makes you feel better about it. And don't forget. There are many to try if you do feel that one is not working quite right for you. But it sounds like the Prozac works for you already. It's a little amusing to me to hear myself speak like this now - considering where I was a year ago but now I say ~ do whatever is in your power to do for your health and well being. I have always loved life and enjoyed it. When that was taken from me along with my confidence it made me angry, afraid and depressed. That wasn't me. I am so thankful that we now have something available to help us. I'm going to Google Dr. Amen and that book. I'm an information junkie!
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 28 2009, 01:56 AM)
Elizabeth, are you still taking the Prozac? I know what you mean about having to resort to meds. I am such a wimp when it comes to taking them, but I can't imagine feeling worse than I do right now. I had backed down to literally 5 mgs of prozac. I need to get back up to at least 10mgs and go from there. Back in 2005, I hit the deepest and darkest depression with nightmare anxiety. It was the begining of the peri/meno nightmare for me. Well, at least I figured it out when I came upon the PS site in 2005. The site saved my life and my sanity. I went on Prozac and within 2 weeks started to pull out of the depression as well as noticing the tell tale symptoms of mid life change. Hot flashes, insomnia, erratic and heavy periods, pms from hell. I also went back on my iron pills. I have such a low ferriten level. Today I am uping my prozac and looking forward to a speedy turnabout. I am glad you are doing well. It gives me hope......Hugs......Deb
Dear Debra
Yes I am still on Prozac and have afeeling that I will be for the rest of my life.I have come to terms with this,because on the two times I tried to wean off ever so slowly I became terribly depressed again.I did try St.Jon's Wort but it did nothing.
The Psychiatrist explained there are people who do well for a short or longer time on ADs and come off successfully but for those who don't he reall advises sticking to it.So have done just that
Good Luck Debra
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
QUOTE (Alisa @ Jan 29 2009, 07:22 AM)
I got a book out of the library about 4 months ago that I flipped through called The Triple Whammy Cure by Dr. David Edelburg. In it he mentions how women have less available serotonin than men to begin with and then it drops even lower when estrogen starts to decline! It was a big Ah Ha! moment. Even though I was already feeling great with the Lexapro I was shocked to have only seen this in print anywhere years after all my searching for an answer to why I was feeling the way I was! And I was pissed! Women should know this just as we are told about what is going to happen to our bodies when we start to enter adolecence! Can you imagine how horrible it would be to girls to not be told what will begin happening to them? It's just as frightening not to be told what may happen at the other end. Nice to hear that a leading brain specialist gives his blessings to AD's. Definitely makes you feel better about it. And don't forget. There are many to try if you do feel that one is not working quite right for you. But it sounds like the Prozac works for you already. It's a little amusing to me to hear myself speak like this now - considering where I was a year ago but now I say ~ do whatever is in your power to do for your health and well being. I have always loved life and enjoyed it. When that was taken from me along with my confidence it made me angry, afraid and depressed. That wasn't me. I am so thankful that we now have something available to help us. I'm going to Google Dr. Amen and that book. I'm an information junkie!
Dear'Alisa'
Thank you for sharing this interesting and also comforting informationAm going to try to get the book..
All the best
Elizabeth
QUOTE (Alisa @ Jan 28 2009, 09:22 PM)
I got a book out of the library about 4 months ago that I flipped through called The Triple Whammy Cure by Dr. David Edelburg. In it he mentions how women have less available serotonin than men to begin with and then it drops even lower when estrogen starts to decline! It was a big Ah Ha! moment. Even though I was already feeling great with the Lexapro I was shocked to have only seen this in print anywhere years after all my searching for an answer to why I was feeling the way I was! And I was pissed! Women should know this just as we are told about what is going to happen to our bodies when we start to enter adolecence! Can you imagine how horrible it would be to girls to not be told what will begin happening to them? It's just as frightening not to be told what may happen at the other end. Nice to hear that a leading brain specialist gives his blessings to AD's. Definitely makes you feel better about it. And don't forget. There are many to try if you do feel that one is not working quite right for you. But it sounds like the Prozac works for you already. It's a little amusing to me to hear myself speak like this now - considering where I was a year ago but now I say ~ do whatever is in your power to do for your health and well being. I have always loved life and enjoyed it. When that was taken from me along with my confidence it made me angry, afraid and depressed. That wasn't me. I am so thankful that we now have something available to help us. I'm going to Google Dr. Amen and that book. I'm an information junkie!
Definitely going to get this book as well... That would certainly explain things now wouldn't it... I know that I have hardly any... There are some things that I can eat that helps with that...potato...and other good carbs...
I remember reading somewhere that Prozac has something to do with converting T4 into T3... I found that information quite interesting...
Deb...that therapist sounds like a riot! I would love to talk with him myself..
TJ
QUOTE (Alisa @ Jan 28 2009, 10:22 PM)
I got a book out of the library about 4 months ago that I flipped through called The Triple Whammy Cure by Dr. David Edelburg. In it he mentions how women have less available serotonin than men to begin with and then it drops even lower when estrogen starts to decline! It was a big Ah Ha! moment. Even though I was already feeling great with the Lexapro I was shocked to have only seen this in print anywhere years after all my searching for an answer to why I was feeling the way I was! And I was pissed! Women should know this just as we are told about what is going to happen to our bodies when we start to enter adolecence! Can you imagine how horrible it would be to girls to not be told what will begin happening to them? It's just as frightening not to be told what may happen at the other end. Nice to hear that a leading brain specialist gives his blessings to AD's. Definitely makes you feel better about it. And don't forget. There are many to try if you do feel that one is not working quite right for you. But it sounds like the Prozac works for you already. It's a little amusing to me to hear myself speak like this now - considering where I was a year ago but now I say ~ do whatever is in your power to do for your health and well being. I have always loved life and enjoyed it. When that was taken from me along with my confidence it made me angry, afraid and depressed. That wasn't me. I am so thankful that we now have something available to help us. I'm going to Google Dr. Amen and that book. I'm an information junkie!
I too was mind over matter Alisa. I guess it takes being knocked down a few times to realise meds can be a life saver. I am going to take a look at the book your talking about. Im with you...I am an information junkie from the word go.....D
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 01:33 AM)
Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
i too feel the same way, ive had a hard time going through this, i am 49 and 2yrs ago i had a menopausal break down, had to be hospitalized for 3 days , i wouldnt wish it on my mother-in-law, it was terriable, i beleive you truly come out of this a different and stronger person, all my symtoms are magnified X-10, and i swear im not going to the emergency room again unless they take me out on a gurnee passed out !!!! stay strong everyone what dont kill us will make us strong !!!!I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 28 2009, 08:55 PM)
Hi JJ,
Today I went to see my old therapist. It had been over a year. I had to catch him up on all of the past drama and where my legal issues left off. He was so interested that he booked me another appointment this friday. He cracks me up. I think I do way too much of the talking. He comments now and then. He tells me that my story could easily be a movie. He is still encouraging me to write my book. That I am doing currently. He is located in Washington State. Again, it's funny to see how animated he is as he "oohs and aaaahs" while I am recounting my experiences. That alone is worth it. At least someone is amused. lol
Today I went to see my old therapist. It had been over a year. I had to catch him up on all of the past drama and where my legal issues left off. He was so interested that he booked me another appointment this friday. He cracks me up. I think I do way too much of the talking. He comments now and then. He tells me that my story could easily be a movie. He is still encouraging me to write my book. That I am doing currently. He is located in Washington State. Again, it's funny to see how animated he is as he "oohs and aaaahs" while I am recounting my experiences. That alone is worth it. At least someone is amused. lol
I think that's great.
He's giving you true validation - imagine what kind of nutsiness a therapist hears all the time, but if he feels life has thrown you some super-duper loops, you know it's not you!!!!! Wish he had an office in Maine!I hope you do write that book, because I'll be first in line to read it: you are an AWESOME writer!
(((HUGS)))
JJ
Deb,
I could have wrote this letter, in fact I wrote something similar on the wheel of torture as I call it. I swear you are I are the same person with what we are going through. You mentioned nausea as a symptom, can I ask you how often, and how severe it is and what do you do for it? I have it now and am not being able to each much either. It is making me so ill. Do you vomit at all? The past few days I have and have stopped taking the HRT because I looked up the side effects and I saw that was listed. I would appreciate it if you can respond about how you are handling the nausea part. I never know where I am one day to the next, just spending a lot of time in bed. And getting awful chills and anxiety like I never had before. Very fearful to go out of the house because I might get sick. How are you coping with all this, maybe I can learn something from you.
SS
I could have wrote this letter, in fact I wrote something similar on the wheel of torture as I call it. I swear you are I are the same person with what we are going through. You mentioned nausea as a symptom, can I ask you how often, and how severe it is and what do you do for it? I have it now and am not being able to each much either. It is making me so ill. Do you vomit at all? The past few days I have and have stopped taking the HRT because I looked up the side effects and I saw that was listed. I would appreciate it if you can respond about how you are handling the nausea part. I never know where I am one day to the next, just spending a lot of time in bed. And getting awful chills and anxiety like I never had before. Very fearful to go out of the house because I might get sick. How are you coping with all this, maybe I can learn something from you.
SS
QUOTE (Silver Streak @ Mar 6 2009, 11:50 PM)
Deb,
I could have wrote this letter, in fact I wrote something similar on the wheel of torture as I call it. I swear you are I are the same person with what we are going through. You mentioned nausea as a symptom, can I ask you how often, and how severe it is and what do you do for it? I have it now and am not being able to each much either. It is making me so ill. Do you vomit at all? The past few days I have and have stopped taking the HRT because I looked up the side effects and I saw that was listed. I would appreciate it if you can respond about how you are handling the nausea part. I never know where I am one day to the next, just spending a lot of time in bed. And getting awful chills and anxiety like I never had before. Very fearful to go out of the house because I might get sick. How are you coping with all this, maybe I can learn something from you.
SS
I could have wrote this letter, in fact I wrote something similar on the wheel of torture as I call it. I swear you are I are the same person with what we are going through. You mentioned nausea as a symptom, can I ask you how often, and how severe it is and what do you do for it? I have it now and am not being able to each much either. It is making me so ill. Do you vomit at all? The past few days I have and have stopped taking the HRT because I looked up the side effects and I saw that was listed. I would appreciate it if you can respond about how you are handling the nausea part. I never know where I am one day to the next, just spending a lot of time in bed. And getting awful chills and anxiety like I never had before. Very fearful to go out of the house because I might get sick. How are you coping with all this, maybe I can learn something from you.
SS
Hey SS, I just got back to the site today.
The nausea...Oh, that is the worst. I went through nausea 24/7 all summer last year. I got to the point where my mouth would water and a couple of times I tried to vomit, thinking I would feel better. That did not work. I lost weight and felt weak. I ended up taking a juice box of 100% juice and mixing it with ice and water, so it was really diluted. I would sip on it all day long, especially around bedtime when I was really nauseated. After months, it left as mysteriously as it came on. I still have chills and anxiety. Not nearly as bad as last summer though. Now my big problem is my pain in my lower back and joints. This is so bad I feel like a rickety old lady. I can hardly get up the stairs. I think your nausea will run its course. Also, I bought ginger candy at the health food store. That really helped me too. This will not last too long, it's a hassle but I find the symptoms of perihell come and go. Now if my joint pain would go so I could move on to the next idiotic symptom...........don't give up or get discouraged, it will get better my friend............Debra
QUOTE (DebraD @ Mar 6 2009, 10:33 PM)
Hey SS, I just got back to the site today.
The nausea...Oh, that is the worst. I went through nausea 24/7 all summer last year. I got to the point where my mouth would water and a couple of times I tried to vomit, thinking I would feel better. That did not work. I lost weight and felt weak. I ended up taking a juice box of 100% juice and mixing it with ice and water, so it was really diluted. I would sip on it all day long, especially around bedtime when I was really nauseated. After months, it left as mysteriously as it came on. I still have chills and anxiety. Not nearly as bad as last summer though. Now my big problem is my pain in my lower back and joints. This is so bad I feel like a rickety old lady. I can hardly get up the stairs. I think your nausea will run its course. Also, I bought ginger candy at the health food store. That really helped me too. This will not last too long, it's a hassle but I find the symptoms of perihell come and go. Now if my joint pain would go so I could move on to the next idiotic symptom...........don't give up or get discouraged, it will get better my friend............Debra
The nausea...Oh, that is the worst. I went through nausea 24/7 all summer last year. I got to the point where my mouth would water and a couple of times I tried to vomit, thinking I would feel better. That did not work. I lost weight and felt weak. I ended up taking a juice box of 100% juice and mixing it with ice and water, so it was really diluted. I would sip on it all day long, especially around bedtime when I was really nauseated. After months, it left as mysteriously as it came on. I still have chills and anxiety. Not nearly as bad as last summer though. Now my big problem is my pain in my lower back and joints. This is so bad I feel like a rickety old lady. I can hardly get up the stairs. I think your nausea will run its course. Also, I bought ginger candy at the health food store. That really helped me too. This will not last too long, it's a hassle but I find the symptoms of perihell come and go. Now if my joint pain would go so I could move on to the next idiotic symptom...........don't give up or get discouraged, it will get better my friend............Debra
I agree about the symptoms coming and going. I am almost 51, still regular and ovulating (geez). BUT, I have had dizziness, anxiety, depression, vaginal atrophy, rage, crying, etc. One of the worst was the aches in my legs. Summer before last I was miserable. It almost felt like all cartlidge had gone, bone on bone. MISERABLE, i say! It came and went in about 3 months. Thank God
QUOTE (DebraD @ Jan 27 2009, 12:33 AM)
Hi friends,
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
I have been thinking alot lately. During my 20's and 30's I took life on head first, full steam ahead. I had guts, energy and I was fiesty. I loved change and challenge. I had my share and then some, of lifes worst dramas. Somehow, through sheer will and guts and even stupidity at times, I came out.....somewhat scathed, but I was able to get back on my feet and go for it all again. Yea, I had panic attacks, but I always somehow I always overcame adversity. Then came my 40's. Everything I ever thought, knew and had experience doing somehow became foreign. I no longer had the bravery I once had. I feared everything to the point that I started to avoid even the simplist of things. The symptoms of peri/meno came on so fast and so hard I had no time to adapt. Fear, unlike I had ever known, knocked me off of my feet. Depression, so deep I was drowning. Sweating profusely then freezing all intermitantly had me totally confused. Periods so heavy and erratic, I couldn't plan anything. Fatigue beyond anything I had ever known. Bone tired. Aches. Crazy unpredictable symtoms with no rhyme or reason. Blood test which all came back normal.
All of a sudden, I started to avoid life all together. I was afraid to leave my house because the panic came in waves out of the blue. I couldn't exercise because my body ached and I became exercise intolerant. I would get the shakes so bad I couldn't walk. My blood sugar went crazy. I couldn't eat anymore. I became nauseous. I avoided foods that made me feel bad, leaving me with little to eat and withering away. I couldn't socialize....too fuzzy headed and fearful. I was afraid to take any meds, the side effects might be worse than the symptoms. I started getting Social anxiety. Me the life of the party!! Here I was, not living life. I was dodging it. I was hiding from it. Things I loved I could no longer enjoy. Shopping for clothes, going out dancing, having a glass of wine every now and then. Going to the movies. All taken away. My world became the confines of my condo. I was so afraid to exhert myself in case I would drop with the fatigue. Naps became my friend. But then when the severe fatigue kicked in I was afraid to sleep, I might not wake up.
I stopped living because I was afraid of what the stress of ordinary life might do to me. It might kill me. I felt like I was dying so any little stress might do me in. I didn't want to exert any emotions because it would drain me. I became a zombie.
I was afraid to even laugh because it might set off some sort of weird reaction and then I would panic.
Does anyone here understand this? Has anyone else here been afraid to feel stress or emotions or exert themselves as not to make their symptoms worse.
I have heard my mom say to me so many times how stress can make you sick, it can kill you. Well I feel so crappy that I am afraid to let any stress into my life for fear of dying. But then I also remember that there is good stress. Planning a wedding, going to a babyshower, dating again, getting in shape. These are the stressors that make us want to live and thrive. If I throw it all away, whats the point of life. I just want to get back into the game of life. I want to work, I want a romantic relationship, I want to go on a vacation, I want to join a support group, I want to dance the night away. I want to defend myself in this court case. I want to be the mother and grandmother and plan things for my kids. I want to shop for clothes. I WANT TO LIVE AGAIN............I WANT TO CHOSE LIFE.........I WANT A LIFE!!!!!!!
How can I get it into my head that this is just peri/meno and I am not going to die if I exert myself or get stressed out from daily living. I am tired of sticking my head in the sand and letting life pass me by. I want back into the game.......I want to play.....I want off of the bench.................
I am right with you. Been going through this hormone stuff for at least 5 years, although when I think about it I had symptoms before that. These past 6 months are the worse yet. I swear I have most of the symptoms there are and weirder ones on and off. I just want to be put in a bubble where I don't have to deal with anyone or anything until this is over. I can't stand myself most of the time non the less deal with others. I threw the biggest fit the other day just dropping an egg on the floor. I just raged, screamed at the top of my lungs and cried for an hour--over a dropped egg! Dealing with anything just brings extra stress. I am tired of trying to explain my symptoms to others, they just think I'm crazy. I'm so glad I found this site! It has helped me understand what all the craziness I'm feeling is about. One of my biggest things is the internal shaking. I'm so glad I found a name for that on this site. I thought I had some dreaded disease, now I know others have the same thing and it's hormones.
With the knowledge I have gained on this site the craziness still continues and I have no control over it. And as you I am afraid of my reactions to "life". Maybe in the future this whole menapause thing will be more understood and there will "safe" places women can go to learn how to cope and drs and therapists that have the knowledge to work with you.
Just wanted to let you know how much I understand your feelings and wish you (all of us) the fortitude to get through this without losing too much of our life or ourselves. I would like to hear from someone who has been through all this and how they are feeling after it's all over. Is it really "all" over? How did it change you, I can't imagine anyone could be the same person as before it all started.
QUOTE (surreallife @ Mar 25 2009, 11:11 PM)
I am right with you. Been going through this hormone stuff for at least 5 years, although when I think about it I had symptoms before that. These past 6 months are the worse yet. I swear I have most of the symptoms there are and weirder ones on and off. I just want to be put in a bubble where I don't have to deal with anyone or anything until this is over. I can't stand myself most of the time non the less deal with others. I threw the biggest fit the other day just dropping an egg on the floor. I just raged, screamed at the top of my lungs and cried for an hour--over a dropped egg! Dealing with anything just brings extra stress. I am tired of trying to explain my symptoms to others, they just think I'm crazy. I'm so glad I found this site! It has helped me understand what all the craziness I'm feeling is about. One of my biggest things is the internal shaking. I'm so glad I found a name for that on this site. I thought I had some dreaded disease, now I know others have the same thing and it's hormones.
With the knowledge I have gained on this site the craziness still continues and I have no control over it. And as you I am afraid of my reactions to "life". Maybe in the future this whole menapause thing will be more understood and there will "safe" places women can go to learn how to cope and drs and therapists that have the knowledge to work with you.
Just wanted to let you know how much I understand your feelings and wish you (all of us) the fortitude to get through this without losing too much of our life or ourselves. I would like to hear from someone who has been through all this and how they are feeling after it's all over. Is it really "all" over? How did it change you, I can't imagine anyone could be the same person as before it all started.
With the knowledge I have gained on this site the craziness still continues and I have no control over it. And as you I am afraid of my reactions to "life". Maybe in the future this whole menapause thing will be more understood and there will "safe" places women can go to learn how to cope and drs and therapists that have the knowledge to work with you.
Just wanted to let you know how much I understand your feelings and wish you (all of us) the fortitude to get through this without losing too much of our life or ourselves. I would like to hear from someone who has been through all this and how they are feeling after it's all over. Is it really "all" over? How did it change you, I can't imagine anyone could be the same person as before it all started.
I've read comments from women who say they are happy postmeno. I'm not sure I will ever recapture the person that I was, that person was so totally different that sometimes I think this has all been a bad dream! It's tough trying to explain things to people who have never experienced this! I was trying to explain it to my hair stylist who is also a friend and she responded that it all sounded insane, and I simply said "yes insane is the right word!" I silently say prayers for people at night because my hope is that they NEVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THIS!
Peace and Blessings!
TJ
QUOTE (Sariah @ Jan 27 2009, 12:55 AM)
Deb,
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
I felt I was reading my life for the last year and a half. If you would have told me I would be going through all those things and acting that way, I would have laughed and said "you must be dreaming or confusing me with someone else' The sheer horror of the whole experience is still fresh, even though I'm coming out of it. Still, at times, I will get a flashback that triggers this sick fear that I might go through it again, and I cannot live like that again.
I really believe the hormone decline is a major part, but I've also discovered that all those years of stressing myself, bad sleeping habits, overdoing, overactivity burned out my adrenals. As I've mentioned before, I'm on several thyroid groups but also adrenal groups, as those 2 organs are intimately related--if one isn't functioning well it will affect the other. And the common wisdom on there is that you can tell the difference between a hypothyroid person and one whose adrenals are shot. They hypoT person, even if dying, would be so incredibly fatigued and sluggish that they would just quietly accept it. The hallmark of the adrenal person, however, is FEAR, and anxiety, sure they are going to die any minute, convinced terrible things are going to happen, and panicky. I was the adrenal type at the height of all this and I lived with fear and anxiety 24/7. And unknowingly I made it far worse by using progesterone cream.
After awhile after taking hydrocortisone in physiological doses, the fear gradually diminished, and then adding the estrogen was the final piece of the puzzle. When our adrenals have low reserve, cortisol is in short supply, so then the adrenaline kicks in to make up for it, hence the constant fear and panic. I truly believe that I would still be a mess had I not started on the HC and E. Then more recently I added thyroid meds which is giving me the energy back. Also, if the thyroid function is low, then it puts more of a burden on the adrenals to pick up the slack. So eventually I will wean off the HC as my thyroid is optimized, and hopefully also wean off the E.
Oh, and I had low ferritin (iron stores) which also will contribute to fatigue and anxiety, and taking iron was helpful too.
I am new at this message board so I hope I'm writing in an appropriate spot! I had to respond to the adrenal issue....I am 53 and been told I have "adrenal fatigue" as a result of saliva and blood testing. What took me to the dr. was ongoing, daily lightheadedness for a year and a half! It is incessant and much worse right before my periods (which,yes, I still have...). I am at the end of my rope. Others have spoken of "spells" of dizziness or lightheadedness but I would give anything for someone who could relate to what I'm going through. It affects every aspect of my daily life. I have been to every specialist there is....ENY, neurologist, cardiologist, allergist, endocrinologist, and all is normal. I am definitely in perimenopause and have other minor symptoms, but nothing like the lightheadedness. I am thin and my dr. says thinner women sometimes have more problems with symptoms. She has me on progesterone cream, which hasn't helped, and I just recently started estrogen cream. After 5 days into it, I am more lightheaded than ever. I know that adrenal issues and menopause just make everything worse. I have been on vitamins and supplements for the adrenal problem and started eating more protein, resting more etc. But I am still lightheaded most of the day, every day! It goes away when I lie down or rest, but is there once I get going in the morning. Has anyone else had this experience? I can't keep going back to drs. to figure this out. If I just knew it was hormonal and it would end, I could accept it better. But I keep questioning whether it truely is hormonal. Please let me know if anyone else has this experience. Thank you!
Hi Terry,
Lightheadedness was one of my first peri symptoms, so it is not unusual. It is interesting to me that a lot of ladies develop it around peri. Fluctuating hormones can influence a lot of body functions and set off all sorts of weird symptoms that affect blood pressure, the inner ear, blood sugar etc.
I still think there is so much that is not understood by the scientific and medical communities. There is still a lot to be worked out and discovered with regards to peri & menopause. I believe there are a lot of intrinsic factors and pathways they haven't even touched on. Wish they would get a move on and make it more of a priority, so we could get some answers.
Hope this annoying symptom settles down for you.
Lightheadedness was one of my first peri symptoms, so it is not unusual. It is interesting to me that a lot of ladies develop it around peri. Fluctuating hormones can influence a lot of body functions and set off all sorts of weird symptoms that affect blood pressure, the inner ear, blood sugar etc.
I still think there is so much that is not understood by the scientific and medical communities. There is still a lot to be worked out and discovered with regards to peri & menopause. I believe there are a lot of intrinsic factors and pathways they haven't even touched on. Wish they would get a move on and make it more of a priority, so we could get some answers.
Hope this annoying symptom settles down for you.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.