Waking up from a sound sleep to instant panic/terror is one of the worst types of panic attacks, because they take you so by surprize.  Pounding heart, can't catch your breath, clammy sweat, nausea, tingling arms and legs, you feel like you are facing impending doom.  Mine usually also include a trip to the bathroom for a bout of diarreah, then I get the chills and I crawl back in bed and wait for it all to settle down. Then after I drift into a restless sleep I'd get little bursts of adrenalin all night long, so I'd wake up feeling apprehensive and exhausted.

I used to have these nightime panics all the time a couple of years ago, and they were worse just before-during-or after my period.  It got to the point that I had them so often they didn't bother me anymore, and eventually they became less and less.  I told a doctor at the time that I thought they were my nightsweats that I'd heard about, and I definitely thought they were hormonal.  I still have them occasionally, and they still freak me out when they happen. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation really help, and a prayer doesn't hurt either.  I also keep repeating to myself that I'm okay, my family is here with me, and then I try to focus my thoughts on something else until I can get back to sleep.

Anyone else have night panics, and if so how do you deal with them???

Hi There,I have been getting exactly what you describe including the bathroom trips off and on for a few months now right before my period. I always thought these were those night sweats or hot flashes that people talk about.  I never even thought it was a panic attack.  Are you sure these are Panic Attacks? The thought of that is enough to make me panic (lol)

Trust me, MichelleD, mine are panic attacks that I figure are brought on by waking up quickly and getting an adrenalin rush.  Adrenalin is a hormone, so to be flooded with it is part of perimenopause/menopause.  I believe that it is a form of hot flash, at least for me.  Luckily I learned to accept this and they became less and less scary.  The only problem is now they come less often (probably because I don't have regular periods), so when they do come I'm not as prepared for them and I do get scared - at least at first. Don't be scared of them, just think of it as hormonal and it makes it easier.

For me, night sweats are a bit different than Liz's description of what she's having. When I have a night sweat, I wake up first wondering why on earth I woke up, and then I get an itchy crawling skin sensation, the heat starts to build... and then the heart starts racing and the anxiety/panic starts. But it is in that order.

It must be awful waking up in a full blown panic attack. My heart goes out  to you.

Hello-new to Power Surge and it's a God send. So nice to know others having same difficulties and so much support.

Panic attacks began around Christimas time. Thought this due to hecticness (relatives attempting bad weather, cancelations etc.) Prayed to make it thru hoidays and thought  I.d be back to normal first of year.Not so!  Tried for  2mo to handle this on my own, onlyto have more symptoms crop up. Finally "ran" to Dr'sthinking on verge of nevous break down. Furthest from mind was perimenopause. Tests, work up confimed,and meds do help some but don't totally eliminate.(my Dr is great!  Knowledgeable, compassionate, takes time, and encouraging.-so lucky!)

Meds do help but don't totally eliminate. Have expirenced attacks out of sound sleep and most frightening. Fear may lessen as these occur more often. First few killer, but helped to tell self this is bodymind playing tricks on you.

Have also found breathing, meditation very useful andalso to read book, catalogue, poetry, look at photos etc.Don't know how sound, but for me it seems to refocus/trick thinking. Find myself takiing these "min" breaks often thru out day.

Hope this helps and  can only add "hang tuff" this is tempoary stage of life.Best to all

Hi Liz51!

I've had those too. After having my ovaries removed, it took two years (even with HRT) to go through a horrifying time. (I went through it alone, at 34, no friends to compare to, didn't know about power-surge!) Your post reminded me of one night when I awoke to what I thought was a mouse in my 3rd floor apartment(!!!). I live in Germany (six hours ahead of my hometown on the east coast US) and I called my mom I was so upset. I remember my heart racing...I was hysterical... she was unable to convince me that I probably couldn't have a mouse up in an apartment. My "mouse" had certainly started as a bad dream and those feelings of doom of which you wrote. All I can tell you is, the more I informed myself (found power-surge!) the less frightened I became. Those mischievous hormones are to blame for the terror...and once you recognize that, you can refuse to play into it and get a good night's sleep. Trust that all will soon be well and that you are perfectly sane!

Greetings from Munich,LizV

(Edited by LizV at 12:23 am on May 29, 2001)

Hi,

For me this waking up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding and the adrenalin thing going on was or has been reaction to MSG in food.

If I didn't know better I would think it was a panic attack but a food allergy reaction to me is similar.   I take Alka Seltzer Gold and watch TV until it settles down.

Some people having panic attacks could possibly be reaction to something and if so the Alka Seltzer normalizes things pretty quickly.  

Just thought I tell this to anyone who may be experiencing this....it is scary too.   I did discover that I am more prone to allergic reactions to this before periods or hormonal change.....but when I would call a restaurant and ask about ingredients I would find the culprit...

I also experience panic at  night, but only as I am drifting off to sleep - never once I am asleep deeply.  I didn't realize they were actually panic attacks until I started reading about others having them.  I have never had a day-time attack.  I  have also had night sweats and for me they are two very different things.I can reassure those ladies who are suffering with these that they lessen with the passage of time.  I am just completing my year without a period and have had only one attack in the last month.  Even with the stress of my son's wedding two weeks ago, I had a good month. (Knock on wood.)I have tried to remember back to when I first experienced these and I think it was about ten years ago. (I am almost 55).I can't believe I survived the last ten years and with all of the peri. problems I had.  At this point in life I think I have earned a little tranquillity.Good luck everyone!   It does get better!RuthB

Boy, do I ever know how these night time hormonal demons feel -- and it's AWFUL!

I have to say that my night problems come in two varieties:  In one case, I simply get some anxiousness and a hot flash which I mostly (now days) sleep through.  At first, I woke up with every surge/flash, and sometimes that was every 30 or 40 minutes.  At that time, I probably averaged 2 or 3 hours of sleep per night -- ARGHHHH!!!

The other problem I get is a true panic attack -- usually there will be a hot flash included with that as well, but the heart pounding, breathless, terrifying panic is the larger piece of it.  For about a year, I had a couple per night and woke up with one of these nearly every day...in fact, that's usually what woke me up.  I arrived in the kitchen every morning in breathless terror, hands shaking, gulping for air, etc.  After a couple months of this, I visited the doctor and he put me on Xanax.  For many months, I took 1/2 OR a whole Xanax the instant I woke up.

As time has passed, things have gotten better.  I now wake up that way perhaps once in a week.  I take 1/2 of a Xanax before I go to sleep, along with 300 mg of magnesium citrate, 1/8 teaspoon of natural progesterone cream, and (sometimes) a "tiny dot" of Tri-est cream.  Most nights I sleep 6 or 7 hours, and sometimes even 8.  When I do get the occasional wake-up panic attack, though, I simply take a half-Xanax and wait.  Usually, that's all it takes and along with my morning dose of progesterone cream, I'm pretty good the rest of the day (although I then have some Bach's Rescue Remedy flower essence in my de-caff coffee at work).

I wouldn't wish these attacks on my worst enemy -- they're frightening at best, and mind-numbing terror at worst.  Thank God, they're gradually subsiding, although my mother tells me that I'll likely get them (rarely -- from time to time) the rest of my life like she did.  Oh, goody, goody!!  ;-)

Hugs to one and all,

(Edited by JennaN at 10:54 am on May 29, 2001)

There are times that I am fine....very tired.....ready to go to sleep......and then suddenly as I am drifting off I experience the wave of terror....a feeling that goes through my body.....as if I were almost vibrating inside....tremors....I wait.....it fades...and then returns.  On nights like that I do not get much sleep as I then become anxious about being anxious.  I am only at the start of all of this....I don't think I can stand it indefinately.  I am waiting for my delivery of Revival to get here...I am hoping it will help.

Pat:  I can totally relate to your post.  The drifiting off to sleep and then this wave of terror comes out of nowhere.  I started off ten years ago, beginning of peri, with full blown panic-attacks.  I thought I was going to get locked up somewhere.  I'm still kickin though....lol Now that I am post meno, the attacks happen like an electrical current of transient nature and then leave just as suddenly.  Over the years the panic has turned more to anxiety at a lower level. Some days I'm fine, other days I wake up with the anxiety.  It has gotten better though since I understand why the panic attacks started and why I have anxiety about everything and anything.

Hang in there!SusanC

Yes, I have the same problem.  I wake up from sleep feeling anxious, nauseous and faint.  The last time this happened I ended up on the bathroom floor.  I have diarrhea and want to sit on the toilet, but I'm so nauseous and faint I need to lay down.  I laid down on the floor and asked someone to bring me a pillow.  I laid my head down, and I think I might have fainted.  The last thing I remember is a buzzing sound in my head.  I then heard my daughter calling my name.  She sounded so far away.  I gradually became aware of my surroundings.  My stomach felt better and I was able to go back to bed.  But usually I don't have this happen.  I just suffer with severe nausea for a long time.  When I feel that I can make it back to bed, I lay down but know that as the night wears on, these attacks will reoccur.  I call them "waves". They gradually beome less severe and further apart until they're gone.  I really dislike this.  

I am a little concerned about your symptoms,Ruth. Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms. That kind of nausea and fainting seems a little extreme even for meno. Have you had a good checkup lately> Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart , all shoud be ruled out before you assume it's menopause. Not trying to scare you just need to know you are healthy otherwise:)

Then if all that is ok, there are somethings that will help , either from a regular doctor or natural remedy. No need for you to suffer quite that badly. Please let us know how you are doing :)hugs, jeanne

Ruth:  The wisdom of Jeanne is right on target as usual.  I always had diarrhea with panic attacks, but never the fainting.  Have you dr. do a complete physical if one has not been done yet.  It's not until you've ruled out everything else that you can assume it's meno.  I'm not trying to scare you, but you have to be certain.  Then you need to address this problems if it's the panic attacks causing these other problems.  However, one step at a time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Hugs

Ruth, Hi!!

I can't stress the concern more, than the other gals did, for your panic attacks!!Please, if you haven't already seen a doctor, my friend...do so....for your own peace of mind and your family's!!I HAVE experienced what you have!!

I went to ER countless times after fainting....vomiting...with diarrhea, at the same time!!Each trip, it was the same....I was having a Panic attack, brought on by severe Hot Flashes!!:oTalk about frustrating!!!!I was sure...there was something else the wrong:confused:

Who in the world, has diarrhea....with vomiting, plus fainting, with Hot Flashes and or Panic Attacks??!!:oWell, I found out I DID!!  SOME women do!! But be careful....I fainted, because, of the dehydration from the violent vomiting and diarrhea!!

Once I understood that.....I could prepare for any further attacks that severe!!Thank God, tho'.....I didn't have too many!! *Phew*

It's always wise to make sure nothing else is going on, like hypertention....heart problems, thyroid problems, etc.  Then you can get a handle on the situation after other things have been ruled out!!That's what I did!! I was beside myself for the longest time....expecting the docs to come up with some big diagnoses, but, they didn't.....it was menopause!!

I was actually mad at the docs...didn't think they knew what they were talking about!!  Walked...errr...staggered out of ER one day!! What a sight!! Hubby was running after me, calling out!! All the way to the car....then home!!

So.....take care of yourself....I know how frightening these kinds of attacks can be!!Been there...Done that!!Godspeed......................................................

(((((((((Hugs from a Canadian Chick))))))))))                    Nancy (a.k.a Snowy)

Thankyou all for your concern.  I think I'll call my doctor and get checked out.  I'll get back to you.

Doc says I'm ok.  I have panic disorder.  I faint easily when I'm uncomfortable; so the nausea and fear during the panic attack caused this.  I was probably also hyperventilating.

Glad that you went to the doctor, Ruth. Now that you know what is wrong are you planning an kind of treatment for it?There are good books that are helpful to read that can be found in the library here at PowerSurge. Also there are guests that appear in the live chat room that addess this problem also. One that is coming up soon is Browyn Fox  (I think that's the name),Dearest listed it on the boards here. It is quite informative to go to these live chats, hope to see you there :)hugs, jeanne

Ruth, My heart goes out to you, having the panic symptoms that you have.  When I started having these symptoms (not as severe - no throwing up or diarrhea with me) it was scary.  I'm glad that your doctor said that it was nothing more than panic attacks.

   My symptoms lately have been waking up from dreams that all have a rejection or isolation theme to them - and then I'm in a panic.  Its scary - I feel like I'm losing my mind or something, but maybe these are some things that I have to deal with.  I have visited Bronwyn Fox's web site and her work looks very helpful.  I'm looking forward to the guest chat with her.    Praying does seem to help, along with positive meditation.  I'll remember to include you too, Ruth.

     (P. S.  My real name is also Ruth)    

Hippie:  I also wake up feeling really weird.  I feel disoriented, like I'm not sure where I am, or if I'm dreaming or it's real.  I feel as if I'm in a maze and can't find the way out of my room.  If I didn't know that others have this problem with meno, and if I hadn't studied this on the internet and in books I would think I was slowly going insane.  I went through something very similar when I was 10 years old and believe it was also hormonal.  I was sleepwalking and acting strange at night.   (having trouble finding the door to leave my bedroom).   I  remember an incident when I was sleepwalking and stepped out the front door, walked across the driveway to the neighbours, knocked on their door and then came back in through the back door of our house, to be greeted by my Dad who looked really puzzled.  He reminds me of this incident every now and then.    And whenever I've had weird dreams and stuff as an adult it's always been around my period. And now I'm going in the reverse direction hormonally, and it makes sense that these weird nightime events would happen again.  I've read that  it is quite normal.   Thanks for sharing your experience with me.  I was going to get back to you sooner, but then all hell broke loose in New York City and I was glued to the tv.

Hi everyone,

     After a peaceful summer I'm getting the night time panics again (daytime, too, actually).  I don't think this is because of the tragedy ( but the tragedy adds to it) its more from having to get back into the fall-winter-spring schedule and certain problem relationships that go along with it.  Thursday night it started, and I was able to talk myself out of it except for extreme jumpiness in my nerves in my right leg.  I couldn't get to sleep, it was so bad.        Does anyone else get this?  I have had jumpy nerves in my legs for about 20 years now, but usually if I lay down and lay on the side of the leg that has it, it goes away.  But in the last 2 years I get this when I have the panicky feeling at night and no matter what I do it will not go away and I can't get to sleep with it.         If anyone has any advice I'd really appreciate it.    

Yeah.....I get it!! *Sigh*Haven't for awhile....but the last couple of nights....it's starting up again!!I realy feel a phantom period coming on or....(God forbid, the real deal)....and that jumpy leg thing is usually part of it!!The only thing that works for the Snowbird....is Xanax.....and believe me.....I've tried everything!!!!!

Hope you feel better....best of luck to ya;)

(((((((Hugs from Snowy))))))                Nancy

Hippies....Yes I do get the "restless, jumpy legs" at night.  So far the high anxiety has not disrupted my sleep but it sure can be bothersome during the day at times. The most effective thing to do when it strikes at night is to get up and move about a bit as it helps to disperse the adrenaline which is causing the uncomfortable physical feelings.  Also helps to distract our mind from the "what if" thinking.

Thanks Irene and Nancy,

        I really appreciate your advice.  And I do get the "what-if" thoughts at that time too.  Usually about whatever is worrying me or, at times when the jumpiness in my legs is accompanied by a jumpiness in my chest, I worry "what if this is something serious".       Thanks again.  This is another one of those things that I can't get my doctor to understand or give advice on.  For awhile, 2 years ago, I thought that it might be muscle spasms due to over exercising.

(Edited by HippieHeron at 12:17 pm on Sep. 18, 2001)

I have looked everywhere for others who have the night panic attacks.  I'm so glad to find that I'm not alone in this.  I started having them last May.  The first one I had I thought I was dying, having a stroke or heart attack.  My poor husband.  I scared him to death.  With me also, it comes right at the moment I drift off.  It has been by far the worst symptom I have had.  It got to be that I was afraid of going to sleep.  I felt like I was for sure dying, could actually picture myself dead.  It got so bad that it was every night for a while and then during the day if I tried to nap to make up for lost sleep, I would literally jump off the couch the second I would start to fall asleep.  I have always been able to sleep, even in the throes of deep depressions I have had in my life, so this was really frightening.  I do use the progesterone cream, but had gotten out of the habit.  I started again, being sure to use it at night, and it has helped.   That's exactly what it felt like, a rush of adrenaline.  I've also had the restless legs syndrome, but never connected the 2.  It makes a lot of sense though.  I take calcium at night and that seems to help the restless legs syndrome, maybe the sleep also.

They really are the pits, and of course everything seems so much worse at night.  I actually got kind of use to these so they didn't bother me as much.  They eventually went away.  I get them occasionally now, and they still scare me.

Have awoke to two this week. Usually grab a cold wash cloth and icepack on the back of my neck.  And take a half tablet of Zanax. Try to talk myself into calming down. Read my Bible ,concentrating on what I am reading. I'll be so thankful when panic attacks are a thing of the past.I think waking up to them is the worst ,because it takes you so totally by surprise.It WILL get better !   :biggrin:

TexasLady.....I have found that reading my spiritual/prayerful books when I'm anxious is very helpful also.  Another trick that has worked wonders for me is doing the puzzles called "Search A Words" or "Circle Words". They hold your attention without having to concentrate like when one is reading. Just a thought....hope it helps.

Blessings and be well.

All of you are a Godsend this a.m.  I have just spent another restless night, sleeping only about 3 hours in spurts.  I finally caved in at 4:15 a.m. and took 1/2 Xanax (0.25 mg.).  I can relate to almost everything everyone has posted except that I have not yet experienced the nausea and fainting, thank God.  When we experience such a state as this, another development is not surprising.  This issue began for me after Christmas and I thought I had exhausted myself and was possibly having a heart problem.  I went to my Dr. who said I was experiencing panic attacks but was well-controlled.  He gave me Xanax and a very low dose of Zoloft to start on (12 mg.)..I took the Zoloft and the next morning had blurred vision which is one of the side effects to be concerned about.  I did not take another one because I know I would be one of the rare persons who would develop tartive dyskinesia.  Anyway, everything I have read indicates that Xanax or Ativan helps the most with these anyway.  I do not suffer from depression except that I am sad to have to go through this.  The thing which concerns me is becoming addicted to Xanax.  A new book I just read, "Living With anxiety,"  is really opposed to medication, especially the benzodiazepenes, saying that they may make panic problems worse in the end.  Therefore, I may end up taking 1/2 Xanax e every 36 hours.  Has anyone else had a negative experience with an SSRI, like Zoloft?  I think the extreme insomnia I had last night was partially still a side-effect of the drug.  I use the Vivelle patch, .05 and have started back on the oral natural progesterone which is supposed to be more sedating than the sublingual or creme.  I am just beside myself with this.  I feel I am about to die and that my life is just going to fall apart.  I have an appointment with my gyn on Feb. lst, if I last that long.  The Sept 11 tragedy for our country started me downhill.  My son and his wife live and work in NYC.  Again, thanks to all..It is just so supportive to know I am not alone in this.

oh yea..a reaction to an ssri..i've had one..to paxil..was put on it several months ago..doctor dumb..says..you're depressed..after many tests (specialists)..turns out its anxiety from hormone fluxes and an innocent heart murmur..my bodies reaction to that...not diagnosed by him!! so he gives me samples of paxil..i took them for 2 wks..made me sick, dizzier..awful..plus was not sleeping well..side affect (one of many) of paxil is insomnia for most..neuro. prescribed xanax..i don't worry about addiction to that..because YOU control the pill..unlike paxil..as it has to be taken everyday..and preferably at the same hr..it controls you..to keep the seratonin levels in check..also with zoloft..many years ago..same problem of not sleeping..again dr. dumb gives samples..this time zoloft..i took half a one..and literally sat in one spot for a few hr..like i couldn't move right...i personally don't like the ssri's..as usually you have to keep increasing the dose to maintain the levels..and i've heard it can be very hard to get off of them..when i took paxil for 2 weeks..it took 10 days to feel sorta normal..after i'd stopped...cold turkey...as i wanted that drug totally OUT of my system..

Bethany, you should have called me because I was restless most of last night also.  I have started this half sleep/half awake thing again--do you know what I mean?I have been having the panic attacks at night also. The pounding heart, tingling arms and legs, nausea, sweating and the even when it calms down a little I am so wired.I really try to work on my breathing and muscle relaxation.  Does anyone else feel like there thoughts just race also. I just want to push the stop button!Take care ladies. We all really need to keep venting about this. I think it does help.

i think i said on other boards here..that i feel so much better than a few months ago...every once in awhile the breathing weird perception..rarely take xanax anymore..have been taking vitamins and supplements..and also revival shakes...and eliminated junk food..as in out and out sugar junk food..candy, pastries , soda pop etc..and also no chips of any kind..and i do feel better and not that tired feeling., i don't feel "perfect"..but some days..i actually feel about 98% better..every once in awhile..not too good..but never as i was several months ago..knocking on wood here lol..

Maureend,Our experiences make one wonder just how many women are up at night in this world suffering these same symptoms.  I made myself go on to church today and by the time we arrived home at noon, I felt normal.  My daughter and her husband came by this afternoon and they kept me laughing while they were here..I settled into my favorite chair just to vegetate, feeling guilty about not doing the little chores I needed to do..It was 7 p.m. when I began to feel a bit of burning in my skin and made the decision to take 1/2 Xanax right then.  I did, and do not recall falling asleep but I slept very soundly until midnight.  I awakened to the usual attack..My Xanax having worn off.  I tried the breathing/relaxation thing and it did not work.  So, I took the other half of the Xanax and decided to come to this board to see what everyone had posted.  My thoughts tonight are causing me to wonder whether using HRT is keeping us from moving beyond the menopausal state into a calmer time..Perhaps those of us on these preparations should think of getting off for good.  It would be interesting to know how many of our friends here who are suffering from these attacks  are on estrogen and progesterone and continue to have this panic.  

Thanks, Wildflowers..SSRIs are out for me in the future.  Your assessment of the drug being in control is exactly correct.  And, it takes so long to get it out of your system if you have a bad reaction.  I just read that recent studies are connecting Paxil with Parkinsons, conditions resembling muscular distrophy, memory loss, etc. My understanding is that the developers of these drugs are guessing about how they work in the brain.  I think there is no question they give relief to some people but it seems to me that most of the folks I know who take them wish more than anything to be off them and also have to use Xanax or some other kinds of drugs in combination to control the side effects.  Drugs can be a Godsend but should be used with great discretion while incorporating others methods of dealing with pain or discomfort..Well, I am once again getting feeling relaxed and tired enough to go back to bed..I took my 1/2 Xanax about 30 minutes ago..I desperately need to rest because my Monday will be very demanding with my adorable little Grandchildren who think that Grandma can fix anything.  It drives a stake into my heart to think that anything would prevent me from these wonderful times with them....

In my earlier post I said that the progest natural progesterone cream definitely helped my nighttime panic attacks.  I have zanax in the medicine cabinet, but I hate to ever use it.  When I am off the progesterone cream for part of the month a bit of the trouble sleeping comes back so I take an herbal combination called Herbal Calm.  It really seems to help and with no side effects or morning "Hangover".  A friend of mine told me about it and it has helped her also.  I had the nighttime panic attacks about as bad as you can get them too.  I was sure I was dying any minute of a stroke or heart attack.  I felt death at my door.  Anyway, the progesterone cream is great and I have had no side effects.  Dr. Lee says to use it at night because it can make you sleepy.  I guess progesterone is the hormone that made us all so sleepy the first few months of pregnancy.  It works for me and I was having them nightly for quite a while, and even during the day when I would try to make up for lost sleep.  

Is progesterone cream by prescription only?  Right now, and for the near future, I have no doctor (mine left to go work in another city), and there are no doctors taking new patients.  It sounds like this cream would alleviate a lot of my panic attack problems.  I'm desperate to get my hands on some.

I am so happy to have found this site and this message board. I have had no idea what has been going on wiht me and have been scared to death! Iam 51 and had a hysterectomy 5 years ago--still have ovaries. I have had panic/anxiety attacks off and on most of my life, but what I have been experiencing at night (infrequently at first, but getting more frequent) has left me frightened beyond words. The first time this happened was when I first got up in the morning and was brushing my teeth before going downstairs to start breakfast for my kids. I got hot and cold at the same time, nauseated, and felf very faint. My husband said I was quite pale and called the paramedics. Many tests were run at the hospital and all were negative. My doctor said I had had a vasovagal response which is related to vasomotor instability. I also had sweaty palms and feet. I was also very scared. It didn't happen again until about 6 months ago and then I rode it out and it went away. Now I seem to be having them more often and even went to the ER again. Still, nothing terribly wrong. My FSH levels are high, but estrogen is still in a normal range, although I realize this fluctuates wildly. I also have severe shaking at times. I have been on Zoloft for years and it has helped with anxiety, but now I wonder if I need something else with the menopause I feel I am going through. I also become faint and my doctor said this had to do with the vasovagal response. I am so sorry to read about everyone who has had similar symptoms, but  gosh, I am happy to know I am not the only one with this stuff happening to. It is so scarey and when it happens I think for sure I amgoing to die. I too have gotten to the point where I hate to go to bed because I am so afraid of waking up with one of these attacks.

I've been going through the same thing.  I'm so afraid of waking up and being so sick that I'm laying on the floor in the bathroom, that if I feel even remotely uneasy, or slightly nauseated, I won't let myself fall asleep.  I'll sit up all night.  And yes, I've fainted from these attacks too.  I almost welcome the escape.  The nausea is absolutely inhuman, and nothing but time will relieve it.  I had every test imaginable and they found nothing wrong.  If someone had told me years ago that menopause could be this bad, I wouldn't have believed them!  I'm having a bad night tonight, which is why I'm up typeing at 3:10 am.  There is no way I will let myself fall asleep.  Eventually, I'll get relaxed enough to fall asleep without fear of an impending attack.  I used to have attacks of a milder nature(no nausea) around the time of my period, and now they are acting in the same time frame, but much worse.  I just wish this would end.  I'm so tired of going to the emergency ward at the hospital, and just having someone tell me that I must have indigestion, that I won't waste my time anymore.  I'd rather be in my own bed.  They even made me drink some liquid medicine called "pink lady" which made me violently ill for hours, and all came back up anyways.  I also suffer like some of you ladies, with the cold sweat, tingling in the hands and feet, that feeling of terror, and dizziness.  It's unbelievable.  These spells leave me wasted for days.  But I can go a few months without any incidence of this, and I feel great.  I wish I had a crystal ball, so that I could see a better future.  Please forgive my moaning.  I'm just fed up with the whole thing.

Good Morning(?) Ruth,

Well, I too had another attack last night--it was actually 5:00 in the morning. I felt awful and felt the cold sweats and shaking coming on. I had the typical hot flashes about a year ago, but those seem to have subsided only to be replaced by these lovely things!! I guess we have to realize that women have been going through this for centruies and still survived, but it sure doesn't feel like you're going to live when you're in the throws of all this. You never hear of women going through this in every day talks with friends or other women. Thank God for this site or I would be more terrified than I have been already. I am going to go for my walk soon--that seems to help a bit. Do you exercise?

Linda

I am so thankful for this site. I had a panic attack this morning. I knew that my hormones were acting up cause last night I woke up a lot. I had that because whatever dream your dreaming is right there. And you know how crazy our dreams can get during this time. Anyway in this dream I knew I was dreaming and I couldint wake up. I began to have a panic attack incorporated with the dream.  When I woke up I went straight to the bathroom with diahrea. I was upset because it had been a while since my last attack. Anyway my theory is this. Along with the panic and diahrea comes a hot flash and I have that electric feeling in my head. It's not just one thing it's all of the hormone thing put into a nut shell. I use to worry about these panic attacks but they dont come except with a hot flash. Anyway I am a tad anxious about tonight. I want so much to just sleep the night away. But you know reading what everyone else is going through is so reassuring because I know that it will one day pass and that I'm not so insane   susan,,,

My Dear, Dear Sisters...How my heart goes out to all of us!  We truly are one in this suffering which is almost indescribable..Sharing our thoughts, feelings and experiences is the most comforting thing..Since my last post, I had to make a run to the ER.  My husband was out of town and I awakened from a cozy, deep sleep to a racing heart which was racing faster and faster.  I got out of bed, began some self-talk, put my clothes on and drove myself to the ER.  I have never been treated so well in a medical setting.  They checked me out, monitored me, etc., and concluded that I am under too much stress and am suffering anxiety.  The ER Dr. told me to take the Xanax which I am very cautious about and to have my family Dr. check my thyroid.  It is good to know that my heart is O.K..That knowledge has helped my with the panic.  However, the "What If's" continue and I am becoming somewhat phobic about taking even vitamins because I just do not know what is going to help and what is going to hurt.  When I stop to think of my life the past year, the stressful events were overwhelming and continue to be and I know that plays a major role..However, I did begin the sublingual progesterone in Sept. which I loved because of no side effects, but when the palpitations struck, that was the first thing I thought about.  I discontinued that and am afraid to even try it again.  I have a GYN appointment on Friday and we will see what he recommends.  He is so busy delivering babies that he probably will not have many suggestions.  I did send off a saliva test but do not have the results back.  I regret that I only had them check my estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels..I should have had the DHEA and Cortizol levels checked, too.  I just feel sure what we suffer is a stress response to a biochemical imbalance, perhaps simply hormonal.  Another thing to consider for me is aerobics..I do the anerobic type because I lift the weights and such exercise (running, too) causes lactic acid buildup which some experts say plays a role in anxiety.  Speaking of anxiety..I have to start my day with a trip and I must go get dressed..It will be a long one..I covet your prayers today.

In response to the question about exercise; I do some, but even mild exercising can occasionally give me a migraine, so I'm hesitant to do much.  I got through the bad night two nights ago, and now that I'm feeling better, I realize that I did have at least one panic attack, but without the nausea, because I had taken Pepto-Bismal when I first began feeling stomach tension.   I just felt all the other symptoms like the nervousness, sweating and confusion and weird dreams when I could sleep.  Last night I took a gravol, combined with a Relax and Sleep capsule, and slept like  a baby.  It was wonderful.  I feel like my old self again.  The unfortunate part, is that I know one of "those nights" will come again.  I just have to keep telling myself that some day this will all just be a bad memory.  Thank God for all of you.  If I didn't come to this board, and if no spoke up about their problems I would probably worry myself to death that something  was terribly wrong with me.

I live in Northern Canada. You can imagine how far away from sympathetic our doctors are. I landed in the Er once months ago because I was put on Zoloft for anxiety. I felt like I was dying. First of all it was Halloween eve. The person who attended me was dressed like a witch. If I wasint a bit anxious to begin with this didnt help. They patronized me and did a few tests like thyroid and heart but even though I told them about my sleepless nights and menopausea conditions I was made to feel like I was just another looney toon. It takes 6 months to see a specialist where I'm from. It was only because I researched the net that I was able to now about HRT and ask my doctor the right questions and was put on it even though he said that I was too young. I'm 47. You know what though before I came onto  Power Surge I thought all this weirdness with night and the anxiety was unique. You cant believe how releived I am to know that I'm not alone.  Bye for now... Susan.....

Well, last night was a fairly good night, however, my 14 year old son came into our room at midnight saying he didn't feel well,was nauseated, and had diarrhea. He has had these episodes for quite a while and I am afraid he has inherited my nervous system--poor guy. At least he won't have to go through menopause!! It really is odd how these attacks seem to have no rhyme or reason, but I am sure it's due to the fluctuating hormones! And, Lattymom, how frightening to be in the middle of nowhere when these attacks happen!! That is one of my greatest fears--being somewhere where I can't get help. I am sure, though, if there were a real emergency, you could be medivaced to major medical facility and all would be well. Our minds/hormones are really something, aren't they? It's awful the way these things happen so often at night, and,of course, everything is always magnified ten fold then. I guess because our defenses are down when we're asleep and tired.

Linda

Dear Linda and everyone else suffering from panic:  I understand everything everyone of you are saying.  I had the worse panic attacks while in peri, and they really devastated me to the point where I could barely function at my job and being a wife and mother.  It was terrible.  Then I found these boards and Dearest and began to understand what was going on.  Through trial and error, I found that the anxiety/panic was definitely hormone related--not me losing my mind.  When I was on HRT, I had no panic; however, HRT was very bad for me in other ways.  I read everything I could get my hands on, and I tried different methods to ride through the panic attacks.  IT IS NOT EASY, but it is doable.  After several trips to the ER also, I was determined to get a handle on this.  I swear that the Revival soy helped with balancing the hormones, along with exercise (yes, that really did help), vitamins, deep breathing, and meditation.  By reading, I understood what happens to your body during a panic attack.  It helped me realize that it wasn't going to kill me, because I was sure it was my heart.  The Anxiety and Phobia Handbook by Edmund Bourne was great, as well as several of the other books mentioned on this site.  I'm now in post-meno was 2 1/2 yrs.  I still have anxiety several days out of the month, and every now and then I feel an impending panic attack coming on.  However, it doesn't get that far any more.  It does get better.  Right now, you are in the worst of it, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  These boards saved my sanity, and I hope they do the same for you.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dear Carol S.,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I, too, have the handbook by Bourne and it has been very helpful. I also like Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic by Reneau Z. Peurifoy. Panic Attacks and Phobias by Abbot Lee Granoff, M.D. is good too. I used to have a book called The Panic Monster, but loaned it to a friend, haven't gotten it back (figure he needs it more than I do ) and consequently, can't remember the author. Anyway, it's a good book written with humor. What has been so interesting for me, is learning that panic attacks (or an increase in them as is my case since I have suffered a panic disorder most of my life) are related to menopause. I had never read that before, but from my own experiences, I was beginning to wonder. It is reassuring to know I am not going to die any time soon. I hope!! It's just so frightening. I have started an estrogen patch--very low dosage and hopefully it will help, I don't need progesterone since I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago. I still have my ovaries.Thank you all for writing. It really is helpful to know other women are going through the same type of menopause.

I agree exercise most definitely helps--puts to use some of that adrenaline. I walk 3-4 miles a day. I was doing weights, but came down with a miserable cold and now I haven't done them in about 3 weeks. Speaking of colds, I think I have had a worsening of my allergies. Has anyone else had this?

Linda V.

Dear Linda:  You touched on a very important point that most don't realize.  Panic attacks are a result of a rise in adrenline.  The hormones cause adrenline to fluctuate; thus, panic attack.  I don't know why don't won't admit to this.  Most really have no clue of the various symptoms women get while going through meno.  Their answer is to throw a pill at you or tell you it's nothing.  That really infuriated me.  I only ever had two episodes of panic in my life:  once when I was 18 and then again when I was 36.  I was under extreme stress both times.  However, when I hit peri, the panic hit hard.  I was so thankful to find out that I was not the only one this was happening to.  Not that I would wish it on my worse enemy; it was important to be able to identify it with a reason for it happening.  BTW, if Xanax helps get anyone through the rough times, then by all means take it.  Just realize that it's not a cure and you need to try other things.

To your other question:  YES.  My sinuses are going crazy right now.  I live in the east, and we have had a rapid change in temperature.  Every time that happens, my sinuses can't handle it.  Pain, pressure, stuffed, etc.  I'm one of those strange people that just want it to be cold again, because that's when I feel the best.

I noticed that a lot of you are taking Xanax. What is it? Does it help?  Are any of you on HRT and taking Xanax(maybe not spelling this correctly). I had a reaction to Zoloft and can not tolerate antidepressants. Thanks.. Susan...

What has made things alot easier is knowing that the anxiety is hormonal related. Neither my gyno or GP really ever came right out and said it but after doing blood work and other tests that came back normal there is no other reason for it. I will be 50 this month and even though I still get my period every month I know I am in peri. I do not have any history of panic attack but when my anxiety hit about a year and a half ago i had no clue what was wrong with me. It was very scary. I rarely get panic attacks... for me it is just anxiety that comes and goes. I have my script for XANAX and I probably don't take it as often as I should. I usually do my breathing exercises, mediation or simply try and talk myself out of it. (usually works) I just hope that this is the worst of it and hopefully in post it won't be  "around" as much..Before I discovered PS i really thought there was something wrong with me because I have always been so together and never had to worry about things like anxiety.. Well now, it is welcome to the world of meno. Feelings I never experienced before are right there starring me in the face..I keep telling myself it is only anxiety and won't last forever.. I HOPE..... .Pudge

What I have read is that hot flashes are the result of vasomotor instability and when a woman has one, it causes a rush of adrenaline. Well, if that's the case, it seems to me the medical community could come right out and say that panic attacks are a very real possibility during menopause. It would certainly put a lot of women's minds at ease. It certainly would have helped me. There is only one book that I have read which mentions this: The Menopause Book by Sheldon Cherry, M.D. It's just so reassuring.Carol, you're lucky panic attacks haven't been with you most of your life, then again, having them at any time is torture. When I had my first in several years, last year, you would have thought I would have known what was going on, but not a clue.  As for the sinuses, I live in Southern California and our weather has been colder than usual, so maybe that change has affected me. I don't know--probably hormones once again. I wonder what else is in store!!!)

Linda