I've been telling my mother that I suspect my anxiety issues are related to menopause. For ex, I'll be sitting down doing something I enjoy, when suddenly the "pins-and-needles" anxiety pops up, racing heartbeat, adrenaline surges, urge to cry, etc., - stays with me for half a day, then recedes. My mother has felt this is unlikely; tells me that other issues in my life must be causing it. Well, apparently she went to visit some of her older sisters this past weekend and ran it past them, and they said: "Of COURSE we all had anxiety with menopause!! You were the worst one - don't you remember?" She said she figures she's blocked it from her memory. One of them had to go on anti-depressants; the other just hung in there, but recalls how unpleasant it was. I feel so much better! I KNOW this is physiological - there's too much goodness in my life for me to be feeling so out-of-whack.

Yes, it always feels good to get confirmation! When I went through this six years ago, my cousin told me she had the same thing, and I was really relieved. And, of course, the many women of Power Surge have certainly confirmed it! I can tell you I am really starting to feel better on hormones, not that I plan on taking them very long. I'm going to give myself a bit of sanity for a short while, and then wean off! Isn't it amazing how our chemicals play such an important role in our physical and mental health! Hugs, M.

Your e-mail simply confirms what we know already. Before Power-Surge, I had nobody to talk to since none were prepared to admit that they were possibly going through the same thing. P-S provides me with the armor to know that I am not as crazy as I think. EJ

Meryl, thanks for your positive response, and I wish you well on the hormones! I'm going to see a naturopath on Monday for some ideas, but am not opposed to some kind of hormonal help. I've had one period in the past year, and know there's still some time left in this transition, so it will be important to work toward some kind of balance. We have to do what we can do!! ej, you're right about needing that armor! Power-surge is such a blessing....

Hi! I am new to the message board, but I could really relate to your anxiety symptoms. I can innocently be watching tv and my stomach gets so nervous i can hardly stand it, the i start with the panic symptoms, cause i think there is something really wrong. Usually i take a low dose xanax and within 20 minutes i feel better. My mom doesn't remember going through it this bad, so I come here to see if anyone else suffers with these symptoms. Power surge is really the most informative site on the web Thank you!!

Yeah, Kathy, what's odd about having symptoms just come on like that, is that when I'm doing okay, I just figure, well, I'll deal with the anxiety if it returns. Then when it does, I sort-of freak out and have this "MAKE THIS STOP" feeling! You'd think one could get used to it, but it's not easy. I've heard that's what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is about - learning not to fear the feelings. I don't have much in the way of insurance, so can't afford a round of CBT. I just try to "allow" the awful feelings and go about my business as best I can. I have an awesome doctor who says when I'm ready for anti-anxiety meds, he'll help me find something I can tolerate. Good luck, Kathy. You're not alone! There are posts about anxiety in many of the message boards!

Wow jolie thank you so much for responding. I was at my mom's having a nice day and out of the blue a panic attack was trying to break through. I quick grabbed my purse for a xanax and just taking it calmed me. I have my son's wedding the end of this month in seattle and I am from Illinois. I have to fly so that will be a little hard, but my worst fear is having an attack at the wedding. I just keep praying(which I do a lot of lately) that I will make it through. It is embarassing. We will make it! I am better this year than the same time last year. I wish only the best for you too! This site makes me know I am not alone. I have also heard of CBT and I bet it would help. I think we get afraid of being ourselves cause we are just afraid of the attack ruining our day. we are always on guard. If you can replace the negative feelings with positive consistently it should help. I bet there are good books out there to help if insurance coverage is a problem. I bet someone on the sight knows. Well good luck, I will be thinking about you!!

Hi. Just wanted to add a note that I've been on hormones now for a week and a half, and my symptoms are diminishing daily. Not that I'm advocating hormones -- I'm not, but please just try to remember that what you are feeling is definitely hormone-related and you are not going crazy. I know it's difficult to believe that when you are going through it, but I firmly believe that everything that Power Surge professes is true, and this will eventually go away. Hang tight, ladies!

Meryl, Thanks for your encouraging posts - you must be a major nurturer! - because you've made me feel better on more than one occasion, and I've only really been using the boards for the past few weeks. Thanks for being there - you're awesome! Kathy, someone recommended (on this site) a book by Claire Weekes "Hope and Help for Your Nerves." I checked out my library thru' their website, and they have it! It suggests some ways to get yourself through the anxiety - I'm going to get this book this week! By the way, this is what I look like when the anxiety hits!

LOL Jolie, I think I look like that too! Thank you Meryl for your input too. I never thought i would post anything, but i have found comfort already in your responses. I think my hormones are a mess, but my doctor said he does not like the risks. I would do well by talking to another doctor too and see if anything can be done different. I will keep you posted and I am there for you too! Thanks!

I've had anxiety disorders, since I was a wee one, so can't entirely blame meno. However, before my period and through part of peri it was down right disabling. Hyperthyroidism didn't help the picture, but it wasn't the entire shabang. I loved this thread. Every elder I spoke to said they were "too busy." However, my mother took Valium during the 60's, which would have correllated with her peri. Since I doubt she would of requested it, I'm sure the doc took one look at her, and said ANXIETY. Of course they called it nerves back then. When I asked her about this wonderful transition she said, nope, nothing, "too busy." Pressing further she owned up to hot flashes. Oy, I've been anxious all my life, but it never felt this physiological. Often, I take this physiological feeling and try to correllate it with some psychological event in my life. I'm exhausted, plus so sick of this. I vow tonight that when I'm a mellow old broad(I hope) I will never downplay just how life disrupting this roller coaster ride can be.

Hang tough, ladies! Thank you all for your kind words. My hormones are helping, but I woke up this morning with a major case of the shakes, so I've regressed a bit. The chemicals in your body just don't circulate in the same amounts every day, so there will be ups and downs. I really despise this, as we all do, but I am confident it will all go away some day! Being a closet hypochondriac doesn't help either! I, too, have always been an anxious person. Menopause just exacerbates over previous baggage. I'm going to try to focus on something else today -- do my work, take a walk, maybe cook a pot of lentil soup. Hopefully tomorrow morning will be better! Lots of hugs, Meryl

I loved your post, Chriscarol. I have vowed to ALWAYS be here to talk to my daughter and anyone else that goes through perimenopause after I'm old and sitting, smiling away in my rocking chair. (although SOMETIMES I feel like I will never MAKE it there!!) So many people have told me I'm basically nuts, but thankfully I have had Power Surge and everyone here to let me know I'm not. I hope this website is around in 20 more years when my daughter and her friends hit my age! lol Huggers, Kleeo

I'm glad we can all still laugh about this although there isn't much to laugh about sometimes. It's also amazing how this has given some of us a real insite into the feelings of others. For example, this past weekend I was visiting family, some of whom I haven't seen for some time. When I asked about my sister-in-law's mother, her response was very interesting. "Oh" she said, "Mom is just living on Xanax these days." I wish I didn't know what that meant. What you wrote is true--a kinda of "if you can't beat them, join them" approach. I try now to accept the anxiety and shaking the minute I open my eyes these mornings. I just remind myself that I lived through yesterday and I will live through today and actually some of the todays aren't so bad. You want another great menopause artistic moment? Look at the February picture on the World Wildlife Fund calendar. It's soooooooo true. A forlorn orangutan that looks like she just got sat on by the world. L, ygirl

Thanks, ygirl! I'm going to try to adopt your sentiment. The mornings are the worst for me, and if I could just talk myself into the realization that the rest of the day will get better, I could just relax through the episode. Ladies, your posts help me so much -- more than I can express. It's like we're in some kind of weird sisterhood striving for some normalcy in our lives -- we're not asking for great wealth, beauty, fame -- just some normalcy. We'll get there too, I know we will, as long as we keep the faith and help each other! Hugs, Meryl

Meryl, Mornings are the worst for me, as well. Quite common with anxiety and depression. I'm premenstrual, shaky and sooooooooo scared, again. Not to mention the hopelessness that plagues me before my period. Been cramping for days, so I should bleed soon, correct. It's amazing how less superficial you become, during this craziness. I have learned my sanity is more important than my vanity. Kleeo, Oh, I fear I'll never make it, too. Or I'll be stuck in this muck, forever.

I can't believe how good this place has made me feel the past couple of weeks! At least 4 years in peri and I'm JUST now starting this shaking/nausea/night sweats/anxiety all at once thing. THANK YOU thank you to all of you gals that are sharing your feelings! It's SO comforting knowing I'm not alone! Yesterday I just sat in front of this computer and cried and cried, and NO clue why! (Day 2 on period) Convinced myself I was dying, then took a xanax, read through the posts here, and felt so much better afterwards. AND to think we pay doctors to tell us we're nuts? The reassurance here is FREE and MUCH better medicine! Maybe we should ALL go to Paris, Meryl! Then we can lean on each other while we are there and MAYBE even have a good time! GREAT thought, huh? Huggers, Kleeo;)

Oh, Kleeo, I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through this too! You're usually the cheerleader! I think we have twin biorhythms. Do not despair, this will end some day soon! Maybe we should sponsor a Surgettes convention somewhere in the middle of the US where we can all congregate and meet face to face! Everybody we live with is probably sick of hearing us complain and would welcome the vacation! Seriously, I'm sorry you're going through this. You are definitely not dying, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of us out there experiencing the identical symptoms. I wish the drug companies or the government would sponsor a study of bio-identical hormones to see if they caused the same problems as the horse pee pills. So many of us are afraid of taking hormones, and they really are the answer to all of this misery! Well, for now, I'm going to continue taking them until I'm out of this shaking/dizziness, etc. crappy phase! Hugs to you! M.

Hey Meryl, bless your heart! I felt SO good reading your post! Thank you so much for making me smile!! And even while you're feeling 'crappy' yourself!! It's funny, because I was just thinking the other day, shouldn't you and I be PAST this by now? Gosh sakes it seems like it's been going on forever! I really had a couple good years with this peri stuff, then BANG it's worse than ever! Age 42 & 43 wasn't too bad, but 44 is the pits! The nausea, anxiety, sleeplessness, blah blah blah.... We'll get there eventually, meno bud. In the meantime, thank the good Lord we have each other!! Maybe one day you and I will put a post on here that says WE MADE IT!!!!!!!! lol! Thank you my friend, you're the best! Huggers, Kleeo

I'm a newbie to the board, don't even know if i am posting right. lol I am 48 and am into perimenopause in a big way for about 5 years i think, have a good dr., but the anxiety and stuff that goes along with it gets to me so bad sometimes. It is really really nice to find this board and read about others having the same symptoms and know I am NOT crazy!!! Thanks for all you have posted and I look forward to coming by here more!!

Welcome, momperimeno! We are all in the same boat. Feel free to join in on our cvetchfest! Hugs, Meryl

Hi Momperimeno, You have found the greatest collection of gals in this universe. Each one is trying to help keep the other encouraged and moving forward through a very difficult place to a better place. In my opinion, that's the most important thing--never losing hope. There are things you can do to improve the situation--diet, herbs, medicines etc. They might not make a dramatic improvement but they help you to cope and keep going forward. For example, I take Revival now. No, it hasn't cured the anxiety, shakes, etc, but it has helped me feel better overall so that I can cope. There is nothing that will destroy us faster than despair. So as they say, "come often, come early" and get the support you need. some of the gals on this board are a hoot and I love them. There is light at the end of this tunnel. L, ygirl

Momperineno Hi there! Perimeno hit me out of the clear blue like a ton of bricks. I don't think I could have coped with these symptoms if it weren't for my buds at P-S. You found a great site and remember, there is no problem too big or too small to share. EJ

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I have been using different herbs, vitamins, etc. with pretty good success to help with my symptoms so far. I need to do better about exercising cause I know that can be helpful. I'm slowly losing a little weight. Need to lose about 30 more lbs. I have two kids, 14 and 10 who keep me running and that keeps me feeling a little younger than my years, (sometimes)lol. I think my biggest problem nowadays is the anxiety I feel and how I over worry about the least little ache and pain. Wondering if it is something horrible. I am getting to the point that I can say to myself. Ok you are that time in your cycle where you feel this way. It will pass.... and that helps just to be able to say that to myself. Anyway, I'm glad to have found this board and will check back. I plan to look over some of the past topics and do a little reading there about things that seem to relate to me. One site I like lists the 35 symptoms of perimenopause. Have you all seen that? I have so many of the symptoms its not even funny. Thanks again for the welcome.

hi Momperi, welcome! Yes, if there are 100 symptoms of perimenopause, I've got 99 1/2 of them.... The worst is anxiety, but just sitting and reading other's posts has gotten me through many shaky times. Hang in there - we are truly in this together, and it is SO DARN COMFORTING!!

Ok, I thought I would throw this in here since the symptoms include anxiety. Do any of you have very severe symptoms about two to four days after your period stops. Symptoms such as extreme sick including nausea, jump out of your skin anxiety, constipation, little sleep and just "why do I have to live" feelings? They usually last about 2-3 days. ygirl

That would be a 'yes' here! I feel my worst 3-4 days before my period, and 3-4 days AFTER my period. Headaches, nausea, anxiety, worry, you name it! I wonder why? Maybe it has something to do with estrogen levels at that time? Whatever reason, it's the PITS!! You aren't alone in this respect! HUGGERS! Kleeo

Thanks Kleo. I am much better today. I really fear sometimes that if I should sometime contemplate self harm--ok, let's be honest, I've contemplated it plenty of times, just too cowardly--, it will be during that period. Here is one of the reasons I get so frustrated about all this--with so much suffering going on, why isn't there more research? Of course I know the answer--the stigma to anything that concerns the brain and not enough women legislators. If we don't get higher representation we are never going to to get money to go after these things. Of course, there is a money dividend. Look how many women at the height of their ability and influence aren't even able to work. Fume. Fume. Fume. I know there must be research going on with this and I sure know my advice--Follow the Hormones. That's one of the reasons I am unsure about taking hormones. I feel that if I prolong periods, I am just prolonging this misery that grows out of shifting cycling. Ok, I have finished venting. Hang tight, Kleo. L, ygirl

It's too bad that medical research is based on the almighty dollar. Hormones were a huge money-maker. You'd think someone out there would be looking for an alternative because there is so much money to be made from us baby-boomers. Look at all of the 55+ communities going up! I'll bet there are several trial drugs being tested. As far as thinking about hurting yourself, don't you dare! I know we all feel desperate at times, but we need to focus on the positive and do something -- anything -- to change the thought process. But I understand how you feel. I went to a viewing a couple of months ago and looked at the corpse and actually thought to myself that he was the lucky one. Now, how disturbed is that? Are you taking SSRIs? I know they can make you feel that way. Have you tried psychotherapy? If you need to talk, please give me your email address and we'll exchange phone numbers. I'm worried about you. Lots of hugs, Meryl

I agree with EVERYTHING Meryl just said, Ygirl. Don't you DARE think about hurting yourself! We 'hurt' enough in the world without self inflicting any more. There is ALWAYS always someone to talk to, or to just listen to you - and I'm one of those people! I'm the biggest wimp in the world and NEVER think about hurting myself. I think it's better to think about FEELING better, and living out my mission in life, whatever that may be. YOU HANG IN THERE YGIRL and remember that we are ALL here for you, we are ALL suffering in some form or other, and there is ALWAYS a better solution! HUGGERS Kleeo

[ Ok I did that last one wrong, sorry, lol. i quoted you ygirl and meant to add . YESSSS I have that same sort of thing. It is usually about day 4 or 5 after my period stops and lasts for a few days. One of the things that has started helping is sort of marking those days on my calendar and that way I KNOW that that is why I am so anxious and I keep telling myself... I mean I really say out lour to myself.... this is just your few bad days IT WILL PASS. Just knowing it will helps some. You are definitely not alone in these feelings. Please don't ever hurt yourself or even contemplate it. I keep hearing how strong we will be as women when we get through this menopausal period and I keep telling myself I can make it to the other side. You can too, we all can, thanks for your words of encouragement to me..... I'm quoting you here in your first post to me as a newbie last week......There is nothing that will destroy us faster than despair. So as they say, "come often, come early" and get the support you need. some of the gals on this board are a hoot and I love them. There is light at the end of this tunnel. L, ygirl So remember that good advice you gave me and know we are all her for you too!!!!! L, Sha

Thanks girls. I love all of you. I will be okay. I wasn't trying to elicit sympathy, I just thought it would be good to be honest so that others who come here would know that having those feelings didn't make them evil or weak. As you all unfortunately know, the symptoms can be overwhelming sometimes especially in view of the fact that we have to keep going in order for our families not to fall through the cracks. You have no idea how important this site has been to me. I will be there with you until we get to the other side. ygirl

I've been reading this site for about 2 years now and have found tons of usable information. I started on a low dose of HRT last April because of night sweats and insomnia. The anxiety usually wasn't too bad until lately. It comes and goes and there really doesn't seem to be a routine with it. I am still getting my period although very very light. I am really bothered by early morning insomnia. I haven't slept till my alarm went off in over two years. I am 47 years old. It is so comforting to come here and read that we are all going through the same thing and the symptons are identical. Let's get through this menopause and on with our lives!! : )

Welcome dmb! I too have terrible insomnia. I don't think I've slept more than twice this month. I'm absolutely exhausted. I also suffer from extreme anxiety. I wish I could see into the future and know that I will feel better soon. It would give me hope. Right now I'm just trying to get through each day and be pleasant to those around me! Keep the faith! Hugs, M.

Hi everyone, i haven't been on for awhile and wanted to tell everyone that i flew to seattle to my sons wedding and made it pretty good. my anxiety tried to get the best of me a couple of times, but i took a little xanax and did some deep breathing. when i wake up every day i really pray that the anxiety will go away. my mom did not have to fight this during menopause. my physical health with menopause, such as periods etc., have been good. it is the mental state all the emotional changes place on you. i know i accomplished the flight and it has been a step forward, but i am looking for consistently better days. it is so hard to live everyday to the fullest when you feel this way. this room is filled with women who are willing to help and share their experiences. it is great!Hope everyone has a good St. Patty's day! let's pray for everyone to have better days!!!!!

YIPPEE YAAAHOO KATHY!!! How WONDERFUL you were able to make the flight and enjoy such a special day!! YOU DID IT GIRLFRIEND!!

Thanks for the kind welcome!! I think if we all slept better the anxiety would be so much easier to handle. For some reason the anxiety seems to be worse for all of us in the early mornings. I just keep thinking that we will all get through this. Menopause won't last forever. Every day I wake up I think...this is gonna be a great day. We'll get through this! : ) Hugs! Kim

It's 5:00 in the darn morning, yet I haven't slept a wink. I shouldn't be on the computer, as I don't watch my posture, so I set off my back problems. Toss and turn, ache and think. I could handle another totally sleepless night, but I have to pick up my sister in law at the airport. I zone out easily driving while well rested. How the hell am I going to make it to the airport in the middle of rush hour, on no sleep. I still have my period, but the horror of the premenstrual depression has ceased. The anxiety, however, I'm still jumpin' out of my skin. For the past couple years I've felt uncomfortable in my skin, literally and figuratively. My beloved is still in pain from surgery, so can't sleep either. Dang, we're a pair. I feel so surreal from sleep deprivation. This is starting to really tick me off. Nothing knocks me out. The interaction of hormones and neurotransmitters makes me crazy. I just want to sleep. HELP. :mad: My husband has the most annoying alarm clock, it sound feels like a dagger in my skull. How he works 12 hours, on no sleep, is beyond me. His father was severely Bipolar, maybe that's it. Seriously, this sleep deprivation can't be healthy. I hear you need at least 5 hours, to stay on the side of sanity. I'm so sick of fearing I'm losing my precious mind.

Just told hubby I was going to end up in a mental institution. He said, "I'll be right behind you." Man, rotator cuff surgery is tough. Takes months to heal. I feel for the poor man. Insomnia takes it's toll. I hope he can cope. Worry, worry, worry. I'm so dead, I can't remember my own name.

Moozie, Don't know if you'll see this, but are there any rooms at the home for the mentally disabled in Vancouver. Personally, I preferred Moozie's Meno Hotel, but I'm getting desperate.

Meryl, Being pleasant!! Around my period, I swear I'm possessed. Each tiny slight I perceived, over the years, comes in an exaggerated, obsessive, onslaught of rage. Things fly out of my mouth, then I feel so guilty for hurting people. I gotta get a grip on this anger. It scares me the most. Good girls don't get angry. I just hate making a jackass out of myself each month.

I use to be "such a nice person." Am I destined to be a crotchedy crone, for the rest of my days. That's my biggest fear, that perimenopause is permanent. Hey, maybe I'll be too tired to give a hoot today. I don't want to drive. Driving and sleep deprivation is dangerous. I don't even like my husband's sister, much. Then again, everyone seems on my hit list lately.

I hate these adrenaline rushes, particularly as I lie awake, with a pounding heart and internal shaking. Now I've had anxiety since emerging from my mother's womb, but it's never, ever felt like this. This is incredibly physiological. The Change, huh!! I thought a few flashes, the end of PMS from hell. Years of this, I want a sex change.:mad:

Thanks for the safe place to vent.

Hey Chris, Hang in Sister. I'm feeling crazy too. Have to believe, looking around at all the sane old crones out there, that we'll get there, too. Hope you and hub get some sleep soon - it really makes a difference. I heard a radio-psychiatrist talk-show once, where this guy called in; he'd gone days without sleep, and the psych said just rest whenever you can; lie still and let your body regenerate - it will be helpful, even if you don't actually sleep. And nap if possible.

Yeah, I will say my mantra, which is restful, but I love my sleep. Hate that fear of going crazy, but I know it's anxiety, so I'd better learn to CHILL!! Hope you feel better Jolie, as this gets exhausting. The truly insane don't think their insane, so I must not be insane, right. Neurotic, as hell, though!!:D:D

Yeah, those older ladies look mellow, huh. My mother in law was a raging maniac in her youth, now nothing phases her. She did develop confusion in stores, around meno, I believe. Of course, she was too busy, in retrospect, to notice. What did all the women of my mother's generation gather to come up with the "too busy," line. Dang, I was busy, before I got slammed by perilmenopause.

As you can see from my user name,I too have the anxiety. Before 39,I was a calm rational human being. Now I am questioning if I am still human! Ha! Ha! Mine started in 2000. It got really bad. My cousin is a phsycologist, and he suggested I read "From Panic to Power" by Lucinda Basset. A Very good book. Describes all the terrifing,goofy feeling that we are experencing. I also read the books by Dr. Claire Weekes. They are also very good books. My Mother had Claire Weekes books from when she was going thru the change, more than 25yrs ago. I thought I was just loosing it from lots of stress in my life, that what prompted me to try reading the books, but after talking to my Mom and her sisters and some of my older cousins, they all have had the same symptoms with this meno-stuff. My anxiety seems to be subsiding to a level of tolerance now! I hope all of you get some relief soon

Hey chris, That's the way I see it - if we were truly nuts, we wouldn't know about it. I've actually told my family that if they find me babbling someday, just carry me off to the loony bin! But it's just the gnawing anxiety, even when I can "rationalize" and say, I'm the same person I was yesterday, so why so antsy today? It is tres bizarre!! A.A., thanks for the book recommendation. I've read one of Dr. Weeke's books, and did find it helpful. I'll look for that Basset book - every little bit that might help! Well, perhaps tomorrow will be a better day! You guys are awesome!