Hi I have just turned 40--but have been having ups and downs of PERI--according to my doctor--for about 2 years now. I have a question...well, probably will be more than one. First off, can you have hot flashes even when you are on your period??? I have had two nights leading up to my period when I woke and felt hot, damp and clammy skinned all at the same time. Then today driving in the car I had a bit of a headache start above my left eye--which is where I get most of my headaches--plus I have been hearing my heartbeat pounding in my left ear all day--not unusual but always gets me worried about the possibility of my BP being raised--even though it is usually low--AND with this cycle i have been having more anxiety--ANYHOW! (I just started my period today)--while I am wondering about the headache,etc. I get a bigger wave of anxiety--almost panic like and the suddenly a weird feeling passes thru my body and seemingly out the top of my head and suddenly my skin feels damp and clammy and I feel hot. Naturally, my mind wants to jump to the worst case scenario of heart related--but at the same time I am thinking that it was a hot flash---I keep driving and no more sensations and other than butterflies in my stomach keeping me feeling a bit anxious--I seem to be ok. Checked my BP when I got home and it was normal.

If anyone can make sense of all that mumbo-jumbo above I would appreciate some input. I can really get myself worked up into a BIG anxiety attack when my hormones are all over the map. Usually they will even out once I start...so the fact that this happened on the first day of my period has me questioning.

LEMOM

Well my flashing, feels like intense heat throughout my face and neck, my skin on my face feels prickly and stings like little stickers are stuck all over my face.My cheeks, ears and neck turn very, very red.I feel like my face is just gonna explode from the heat.Sometimes, the flushing is so strong that I do get panicky.I usually go in my car and turn the AC on flul blast and aim the vents toward my face.These can last a few seconds to 30 minutes.

Hi Lemom,

First let me say that you are very lucky to have a doc who acknowledges that peri really does happen before 50. (most are still clueless imo) Anyway, yes you can have more symptoms just before and beginning of period. Hormones are at their lowest just before and then start to rise for the next cycle. I used to get the headaches too (above left eye and on top of head) and they were at the same times in my cycle. And, yes the panic and anxiety is normal too with this peri time. Maybe start keeping a journal and track your symptoms and periods. This might help you to relax if/when you see some sort of pattern to things. I hope your doc gave you some advice and reassurances too. Hang in there and know that we are here for you too. JZZ

Thank you for replying back. It is so encouraging to know there are others out there going through the same experiences. It helps to ease the endless cycling of worry that comes with the cycling of hormones! It is hard to struggle through at times and can feel so overwhelming. I am thankful that I have a supportive spouse--though at times he gets a bit tired of all the ups and downs--TELL ME ABOUT IT!! I don't remember paying my ticket for this wild rollercoaster I am on. My doc does acknowledge the existence of PERI and that it can happen in your late thirties--depending on your reproductive history-but his solutions are still of the "old" variety--for my age low-dose pill is the usual remedy--But to his credit he did mention a lot of women find relief from Black Cohosh--so he's not totally against natural. When I asked about Bio-Identical hormones--he said that they won't prescribe until actual TRUE MENOPAUSE has set in--ie: No More Periods. He is willing to work with me and did prescribe testosterone cream for the V. to help my sadly flagging libido--use as needed. I feel like I am having a worsening of symptoms though--so at my annual (which is in the near future) WE will have another talk about all this CRAP. I am just starting in more with the hot flashes--though cold flashes have been around for awhile for me. Usually when I start my period everything eases up and then I will have a really good week or so before sliding down again--some months are better than others. I find I try to plan activities now based on where I am in my cycle...but life doesn't always work that way. What "things" have you found that work well for you?

LeMom

Dear 'LEMOM'
Yes it is very possible to have hot \flashes and hightened anxiety even whilst having periods.It is a signal that Hormones are fluctuating.The sensation of the heartbeat pounding in the ear also suggests anxiety.
Perhaps,if you are finding this too distressing or interfering in your every day life you might discuss the possibility ,with your Doctor,to take a small dose of Xanax to be taken as needed.
Try to cut caffeine down and stay away from sugary products as these can up the jitters.
It might be as well to have your Thyroid checked out as this Gland can be a real nusiance around this time.All the Best
And keep Posting
Elizabeth