Ladies, I know we have many different posts for many topics. But unless I missed it,we dont have one that has an actual account of when each and every symptom started. Maybe this way, anyone new coming on can get an idea of where they might be in the process. I know everyone is different, but maybe it might help. I know when I read the boards and someone posts something I am going thru , I wonder how far into her peri it started or if she has any of the other symptoms I have. And it is hard to keep track of who has what with all the different boards. I started to notice a change in myself back when I was 36 (I'm 42 now,43 next month) it was a good change ,I was more independent and more confidant. Then I noticed I started to think weird thoughts, about my death, people I loved dying, financial security when I'm old, what if I get some horrible disease, all negative thoughts. I was never like this. The only time I ever thought like that was right before my period. Now it was happening all the time. By 39, I turned into a nutcase. The anxiety was at it's worst. (Or so I thought.) And I started to get 2 periods a month, 15 days,17 days, 18 days apart. It felt like I was PMS-ing all the time. I would get maybe 1-3 days a month where I actually felt somewhat normal. I would also have some flooding for a day (changing every hour, full overnight pads) and then it would be light for the duration. Or I would get it for 2 days,then it would stop,come back for 2 more days and the just stop cold. By 40, for a few months there, I could not leave the house, the panic was so bad. I thought I was headed for the loony bin. I really had to push myself to get thru that. Then when I finally was able to get out of the house, I found that I could not drive. Total Anxiety & Panic. I still have trouble driving a distance but I am just now getting better with that. The last 6 months I could really say the anxiety & panic seem to have really sub-sided. But I am still having the anger issue and the depression (although not as bad as before). The depression was at it's worst the end of 2002 and the first 8 months of 2003. The anger is a big issue for me, I can fly off the handle at the littlest thing. This year and the latter part of last year my period has been really light. I still have it for 4-5 days but I can usually get away with a lightdays pad. Last month it started to go nutso again. It started for a few hours, stopped, came back the next day,for a few hours, left again and came back a day and 1/2 later. That was 33 days ago, I'm hoping it's going to start to skip now. I have never gone this long without a period. Also thru all this I have had the dizziness and forgetfulness. And let me not forget the hot flashes,those have been going on for a few years now. But the night sweats have started too. Really bad the last month & 1/2. Well, that is my story , give or take a few other minor symptoms I might have forgot to mention. I hope this helps someone else to see where they might be in this transition. AA Here is the timeline: Age Symptom 36 Increase in Confidence & Independence (Calm before the Storm) 37-39 Negative & Scary Thoughts Nervous (not Anxiety) Trouble Sleeping IBS worsens 39 Periods Started to come 15-19 Days apart (sporadically) (About 3 times that year) Then 21-24 all the other times Anxiety starts 39-40 Flooding Periods Burning Tongue Metal taste in mouth Anxiety & Panic Increase 39-42 Irritability Mood Swings Crying Rivers Trouble Sleeping Restless Legs Gas & Burping (Never Burped Before in my life) Bleeding Gums Hot Flashes Fatigue Memory Problems Breast Tenderness for 1/2 to3/4 of Month Dizziness Headaches Galore Acne Depression Internal Shaking Tingling in arms,feet etc. Anger Flu like symptoms 40-41 Periods are still goofy (But not as heavy,actually seem lighter) Weight Gain Rashes Crashing Fatigue Itchy Skin Allergies - Hay Fever is worse Breast Tenderness is less often Depression is worse Dizziness is worse Acne/Bumps on skin Unbearable Back aches Nausea Sensitivity To light (Usually around time of period) Palpatations 42 Anxiety & panic decrease Rarely Breast Tenderness Sore Joints (need to be oiled) Lighter periods Crying for no reason Depression getting better Bloating more often Allergies -Hay Fever is worse Dizziness is less often Acne Crashing Fatigue Anger Restless Legs less often IBS is Lessening Palpatations worsen

AA, Going nutty, I can relate to that. Either you've kept a detailed journal of your symptoms, or you have an incredible memory. I'm too tired to think of my time line, as insomnia has plagued me through this bad boy. I can relate, however. Anger has been one of my current symptoms, as well.

And gas, I'd been doubled over on the toilet through some of this. Are we having fun yet, NOT. Hang in there.

Hi everyone! I am the anxiety/panic queen....or at least I was.....if anyone has any questions or I can be of help, please let me know! I suffered from panic attacks for as long as I can remember, and I have to say, that is the one thing I have under control! It took years to learn how to control it, it cannot be overcome as it is always with you, but it can be controlled and you can live a wonderful full life! I grew up in a family that did not allow for weakness so you didn't dare discuss the matter. Heaven forbid someone should find out! It is nothing to fear. You are not a head-case, your body chemicals are just out of whack! Once you have the tools to learn how to combat your fears....there is nothing holding you back! Good luck to everyone!

Hi Chris & 2young4this, Chris, I wrote this thinking it might help someone who is going thru it to see how my symptoms have progressed or re-gressed. I wanted people to see that some of the symptoms do get better where others might get worse. Believe me the memory is not that great. I had to edit my post a few times. And I know there are a few things I left out,IBS being one of them. 2y4t I feel for you with the anxiety & panic. What are some of the methods you use to control it? Hope you both feel better soon!

Anxiety Attack, That was a great timeline. It generally follows my symptoms quite a bit. My life was going pretty good before all this started - like you said - I was full of confidence. My increase in worrying and hot flashes started right around the age of 40. Actual anxiety started when I was almost 41. I am now 43 and have crying, some anxiety and fatigue. As a biologist this kind of information is great. It would be great if someone did some statistical research on this. If we could start to understand the changes we go through more it could be the beginning of finding a cure!!! I can dream - can't I?? Boone

Well, maybe if we all post our timelines, maybe we could find someone to actually listen to us and start some new research on how to help us. They would have a great many facts from just our timelines alone. Oh God, would that be GREAT! Tell me it's not wishful thinking. LOL

Let's see if I can do a timeline to give you an idea of what I've experienced: Age 32: Happy, great self confidence, great kids, and homelife. Plus a career that I loved and was good at. Age 34: PMS and breast tenderness 2 days before period, weight gain, gushing periods twice per month. 1st testing for endometrosis. Age 35: Lost weight, still gushing periods and testing negative again for endometrosis. Always had headaches which continue to this day. Age 39-42: night sweats, anxiety and panic attacks, irratation, change again in weight plus bloating/water retention, kidney stones, spine surgery, and a very stressfull job. Age 43: endometrosis found, horrible night sweats, mood swings, acne, change in self confidence, more kidney stones, and still anxiety and panic attacks that led me to quit job, mental melt down that lead to isolation, medication to help. Started with the depo-provera shot to stop endometrosis. Age 45: Endometrosis gone, itchiness and rashes/hives, IBS, fatigue, insomnia, anger, crying, no libido for over a year, gum problems, graying hair and wrinkles, diziness, weakness, worn out tired, cold to the point I shiver alot, so hot in the mornings I turn the air down to 71 while getting ready to work, hot flashes at work, feeling like I have a bad odor, and sometimes feeling like I just want to hide under a rock till it's all over. Just recently diagnosed with menopause. I'm out of peri and into the meno - I guess that's good ??? I wonder if I missed anything... Tina :o

Hi Tina, That was a great timeline. Thanks for the response. If you did miss anything just edit your post like I did. I still remember things I forgot to post. The memory is pretty much null & void! AA

Dearest, We need a call across the board for more time lines!!! Somehow I think this can lead to something good! Boone

I think when dealing with anxiety, in my personal opinion, that it doesn’t matter what the cause. The solution I think is pretty much the same. As I said before I grew up with it from as far back as I can remember. I did not seek treatment for it until after I was married (in my middle 20s) with the support of my wonderful husband. I was lucky enough to find a renowned doctor who practiced in our area. I signed up for his six week program (which gives you lifetime support and you can re-take as many times as you need to when you or are feeling vulnerable). I will never forget the moment I first walked into the class…there had to have been a minimum of 75 people in the room. Now remember, I grew up in a family where I wasn’t allowed to talk about this. I had always felt like some freak, or that something was seriously wrong with me. The moment I walked into a room filled with other people, just like me, I burst into tears because I was not alone. That was my first step in overcoming my problems. Through extensive “re-training” of my brain, I have lived and achieved such happiness that I did not realize I was capable of. That is not to say I still don’t experience anxiety or panic. One of the first things they teach you is that you can control it, but you will never be free from it. The sooner you learn this, the easier it will be to move forward. What they strive to teach you is to control it instead of letting it control you. Here are a few very simple steps to try: Feeling anxious, on the verge of a panic attack? Do math calculations or something that requires the “critical” side of your brain to function. You cannot have a panic attack at the same time this part of your brain is working. Simple enough. It is a good starter trick at the beginning but it won’t solve your problems. The tougher part, every time a negative thought enters your mind, mentally say, “STOP”. If it re-enters your brain again, say “STOP”. Keep repeating this enough times and your negative side will eventually give up. Relaxation and meditation is key, if this is not your “thing”, too bad! Learn to like it! Learn this tool and when you are in a full fledge panic attack you can tap into what you have learned to calm your body and mind. Keep a journal. Write out the things that are bothering you, frustration, anger, fears, etc. I absolutely love to write, mostly children’s novels, so this is easy for me. I find that I don’t even have to write negative things for me to “let go” because I become so absorbed in story lines, plots, and just the joy of writing. The hardest part, confront your fears, do not let them stop you! By confronting your fears you will find yourself to be a more successful, confident, and happy person. Take an active roll in life instead of a passive one. This is the hardest of them all to accomplish. Be kind to yourself. Live as stress-free of a life that is possible in these days and times. Find time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy. Don’t be ashamed of yourself. Growing up additional pressure was put on me because no one wanted me to tell my “secret”. You know what? That is someone else’s problem, not yours! This was the hardest lesson I had to learn. It took me a long time before I could tell someone and it was one of the tasks I had to complete during my classes. I can now speak freely about my panic attacks. My employers know. My friends all know. Guess what, they like me anyways! The world did not come crashing in. People did not look at me like I had sprouted wings, or I had two heads, they accepted what I said and took me as I am; a caring loving person. Learn to love yourself, appreciate yourself, believe in yourself…..and well, there’s not much room for anxiety is there? My extreme best to everyone!

Awesome post - I printed it out and will refer to it regularly. My anxiety started with perimenopause and I hope it will leave when this is over - but in the meantime I need to learn how to deal with it. This will help. I also plan to see a CBT counselor in a couple weeks. I really hope I can find ways to deal with this without medication. Thanks so much for providing us with this guidance. Boone

You are so welcome. If anyone has any specific questions I would be more than happy to try my best at answering them.

Thanks 2y4t! I will try your suggestions.

I was just about to start a thread called "Perimeno Symptoms" then I read these posts which really helped me to see that I'm definitely in the numbers. Today I've been wondering if my symptoms really are perimenopausal. I've been on the telephone most of the day trying to locate a doctor who is knowledgeable, an after talking with several of their nurses I began to wonder about my symptoms. Well praise God, I think I've found my doctor. So here is my timeline: Late 30's - heavy menstrual flow, graduated from PMS to PMDD according to my ex-ob/gyn. Diagnosed with IBS at age 35 after months of panic attacks, depression and OCD. Took Librax and was doing well. Freezing to the bone chills begin 10 days before my period every month. 2001 - Age 41. Great year! Healthy, happy, and content! Menstrual flow heavy. Crippling cramps and lower back pains. Bodyaches during period. Freezing to the bone chills still here. 2002 - Age 42. Notice alot of swelling around my ankles. Increased water intake, but that didn't help. Continue to gain weight, but over felt marvelous. 2002/August - Age 42. Began antidepressant/anti-anxiety rollercoaster originally to help my IBS. Adverse reaction to Paxil in Aug. Paxil Withdrawal which spiralled into -Depression, panic attacks, anxiety, panicky feeling, vision disturbance, lost of appetite, weight loss. Finally diagnosed with anxiety disorder which triggered the depression. Periods still heavy, cramps severe, backaches, bodyaches, PMDD, irritable, mood swings, horrible chills. 2003/Finally a sonogram that confirmed polyp and fibroids. Polyp removed and periods not as heavy. Period length goes from 7 to 4 days (yeah!!!). 2004/ Age 43. Dry skin, thinning hear, tinnitus worsen, migraine before period start, dizziness, spacey/woosie feeling, depression, irritable, mood swings, exhaustion. With a few minor tweeks I could copy and paste Anxiety Attack's post here. Like AA I have maybe 2-3 days out of the month that I feel "normal". Today is one of those days. Despite these adversities I am still a very positive person, praise God, so I refuse to end this post on a negative note... I'm scheduled to take a saliva test on Sunday, I'll start taking Natural Woman or Prometrium 100mg. after the Saliva test, my thyroid tests came back great, I'm going to sign up this week with Weight Watchers. This too shall pass!