Okay here it goes. I wanted to start this thread to see how many of us share the same bizarre peri/meno symptoms. Is it just me that feels this way or do others feel the same.

1. Anxiety..........Worry constantly, racing mind, scary, fearful thoughts, obsessing over any little thing. If there's nothing to worry about, my brain will find something to negatively think about. This drives me crazy because there seems to be no end or relief in sight!!! Although some days are better than others, it just depends where I'm at in my cycle.

2. Ill at ease..........uncomfortable around people..... almost like a paranoid feeling ....I feel like everyone looks scary or they all seem normal and I AM NOT FEELING NORMAL!! Giving someone direct eye contact is intimidating because I feel they could see all the crazy chaos I'm experiencing with my malfunctioning brain. Also, I feel like I'm a bad person who's done some bad things when I've done absolutely nothing wrong to feel this way. Sounds silly!!!

3. Insomnia.........there is always a time of the month (about 2weeks before my period) when I can not sleep comfortably and it has nothing to do with anxiety. The moment I rest head on the pillow, my body will begin have a party. My mind won't shut off, buzzing feelings throughout my center core like I was plugged into an electrical socket , thrashing, occasional palpitations, hot and sweaty feeling (not too bad), back aches.

You know it's very hard to accept these feelings and symptoms as peri/meno when no one in your circle of friend and family is dealing with this. It easy to pass judgements on my self.

Are these feelings and symptoms normall???? Please help!!!

Denise

You are not alone,I have had all of these things.I remember being so self concious I thought everyone was thinking bad thoughts about me.Now that i have been on low dose bcp for a while I feel much more normal.I would advise you to find a hormone program or try bcp.GOD-bless

Hello,

I just wanted to say that you are no, it is anot only you..it is all of us on this board.Your post described me exactly to a "T".
Come here and post often, there is alot of info that will help with you through this transisiton.The women here are awesome ans very ,very supportive.
I actually smiled when I read your post because I was like.."Oh my gosh..did I write this ?"

Sending Big Hugs to you,
Message me anytime

Same thing with me. I feel exactly how you are feeling to the point I took time off work just to control how much stimulation comes my way each day. I am on an AD not quite a month yet, some stuff seems better, some stuff still needs work. With the anxiety stuff when I finally think I have my equilibrium back or deal with my obsession de jour or convince myself to stop being irrational just like you I find another thing to obsess or worry about or it finds me. Either way it felt like never ending worry and anxiety, arghhh!! I can only handle so much people interaction, hence no work and limited social interaction. I've gotten a smidge better on the AD. But, I kinda prefer being at home. Had/Have the insomnia as well. Sooooooo, we have the trifecta of peri/meno symptoms. You are not alone as you will soon find out. Hang in there and come back here often for support. It really does help when there are other people feeling and experiencing the same things you are, you don't feel so alone and isolated in this transition. I too do not have any friends who are going through this transition in the same way I am, they all seem to be breezing through it. They all just say they miss the "old" happy/smiling me, all I can say is I miss me too. But, I will get through this as will you. Peri/meno is a b@tch and so am I (sometimes), lol.... Take care, Mich

Hello! Oh no it is not just you! We all have walked a similar road, but in varying degrees. Reeeeeelax and accept this adventure...heck even embrace it.

As an example, for insomnia, what I have done in the past is leave the radio on at night - very low. I listen to a perhaps controversial radio show - Coast to Coast, I also listen to CBC (Canada). There are always interesting guests and discussions; they are challenging, provocative and inspiring. This has helped me to forget my angst about sleeping. You can stew about it or just accept it and make the best of it you know?

We all understand how you are feeling! Hang in there - you will make it.

Sincerely,
Suzanne

Feel the same at times can relate to the second one have to force myself to go out then can't wait to get back home!

Thanks T Nikki!!! I guess that's why I posted because I wanted to know if there was someone who felt like me. Power surge has become my lifeline in the past years, sort of like my peri therapist. I just don't understand why we have to deal with this junk!!!!
(((HUGS)))
Denise

Mich..... the word stimulation catches my eye in your thread. I've always felt that any kind of stimulation whether it be light,sound, crowds of people, etc.... had always made me feel nervous or ill at ease. These sensitivities deals with all my senses due to a jacked up nervous system from unbalanced hormones. I thought it was just me, well I guess not. I agree with you Mich peri/meno is a b@tch. In the beginning I felt that I had to isolate myself because I felt weak , weird or different, but Mich make an effort to continue on with your life as it was before. Put on a big oscar performance. It's really hard to pretend everything is normal with us when it's NOT,but you will come out of this stronger if try little by little. BABY STEPS!! Also, I think we isolate ourselves from our world because no one understands what exactly we're experiencing during this transition. It's easy to feel like it's just you but it's NOT!!! Hang in there, girlie!!!
(((HUGS)))
Denise

Suz.....I am beginning to learn to accept and even embrace this adventure. You can't fight it and it is what it is. As you know, it is very hard and challenging. I like your idea about listening to the radio. It would definitely keep someones mind off of all the stupid stuff I think about. Thanks for your reply.
(((HUGS)))
Denise

This is all so familiar, and the one about "embracing" this adventure - well I am trying. I am thinking I am strong, this is just another path I am on, and I am not alone. I have learned not to fight insomnia and have a tv in the bedroom and put on Turner Classic Movies and just try to relax and enjoy, and call one of the kittycats to come on in and purr a bit. Loneliness at these times I am learning to combat.
However, that eerie feeling of looking into someone's eyes and wondering if they can see the chaos inside?? That hit home. I will be talking to someone at work, at home and I think "who are they, where am I, is this real..." it is the oddest flash in my brain and I have to quickly orient myself, and I think to myself "I can't let anyone know I am having these thoughts" ....
AND I swear, my Dad always said "never look in the mirror too long" so I don't, but this morning I looked closely at my hands, and I see age spots ... yesirreeee they were not there in January 2009, and now they are closing in. Mother Nature has a lot to answer for!!!

Enjoy your day, we have a gorgeous day here in southern Ontario, Canada, sunshine and cool and no humidity.
Susy

Hey Denise,

I'm getting better little by little. I went to my nephews 1st birthday on Sunday. Even offered up my home for my other nephews 3rd birthday party (big thing for me right now, there will be LOTS of stimulation on that day, lol, lots of 3 year olds and parent's) but it made me happy to do it. Also, actually made some plans to go see a friends new home this week with her (although it's in the area that terrible fire in California, I live in Calif. is so we'll see how that works out) I even called her yesterday (I have had an aversion to speaking on the phone) Can email or text all day long, but, talking on the phone is something I have been avoiding for months. So, I guess I am taking baby steps as you suggested. I have had many struggles from childhood on through adulthood. I am now married to a wonderful man and it's almost like I finally get to exhale and just stop and do what I need to do to just be... whatever that means at the moment during this time of my life. In my past life I would never have had this luxury so I am grateful to be able to indulge myself a little bit during this crazy time. But, none of us want to suffer needlessly that's for sure. I know that I want to be healthier and start walking and I am hoping that the AD I'm taking will get me to a better place so I can start doing that. I see some improvements, it's gradual, but it seems like it is happening. Thank you so much for your supportive words I really appreciate them. Take care, Mich

Oh and Denise, I hope you are feeling better. At least you know there is someone else who has experienced the same things as you. Feel free to PM me if you ever want to chat. Take care, Mich

Susy..... I love the quote,"Never look in the mirror too long." It speaks for itself and you can interpret many ways. I really don't like to look at myself in the mirror because I don't like the person I am. Scary!!

(((HUGS)))
Denise

Yes to all of the above. I wonder sometimes how my mind can keep racing at night, when my body is so tired! Social phobias, paranoia, it's all there. I can't wait for this phase of my life to be over.