Hi Everyone. I’m new to the message board. I’m 42 years old and beginning perimenopause – hot flashes, anxiety, fatigue. In addition, I’ve recently been diagnosed with a large and growing ovarian cyst which may also be causing hormone fluctuations. The anxiety from all of this is becoming unbearable. I’ve experienced anxiety and panic on and off most of my adult life, but I’ve always been able to keep it under control and haven’t had to resort to drugs or therapy. However, it is getting so bad that it is really starting to seriously affect my life. I exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Anyone have other suggestions. This is driving me nuts!

oooh, a double wammy from the ovaries. What is the prescribed treament? Welcome to the wonderful world of power-surge. I just wish it was under easier circumstances for you. I too am early 40's, have been flashing and crying, and yelling, and just about anything else you can think of for a couple of years now. cruise thru to the other areas of this site. Answers around every corner. I get too confused trying to dig out too much too quick. Thank goodness all of this is available 24/7. Good luck, keep us posted!

I've already been through two ultrasounds and the next step is laparoscopy to determine what kind of mass it is and what all needs to go. I hate the idea of surgery and what all might have to be done and that, too, is adding to my anxiety. Thanks for listening - it really helps.

Dear lcmc, I am 43 and in the same boat with you. I got really carried away with my health anxiety when this first started a couple years ago and totally crashed. Please learn from Power Surge that this is all normal and try to relax the best you can. Believe me I know that it is hard to relax when the anxiety is partly caused by hormone fluctuations! I do know that it feels like something very weird is happening to you and noone seems to be able to help you. Spend some time reading through the site it will offer lots of help. Bronwyn Fox and Claire Weeks books are great for teaching you techniques for dealing with the anxiety. Finding a good doctor with experience with menopause can be a big help. I still have days where I feel out of sorts - but things are getting better. You will feel better too! Just keep reading and know that all the girls at Power Surge are going through the same thing. Take care, Boone

lcmc, I remember the anxiety. It was at its worst on weekends when I'd feel absolutely overwhelmed with all that I had to do because I work full time during the week. I was ready to explode on Saturdays because I didn't know what to do first and I felt so angry that my free time was always so limited. Sometimes I just wanted to get into an easy chair and relax, but there was no way that I could do that. I'd have to work my head off, running errands, cleaning the house, just to get an hour or two at night. And then I'd fall asleep immediately as soon as I sat down! I'm post meno now, and the anxiety is gone for the most part. I can get up on Saturdays and think clearly about what I want to do and be reasonable about what I can accomplish. No more of that feeling like I can't sit still and I'm ready to explode! So it will get better. Hang in there.

((((HUGS LCMC))))) First of all, welcome to Power-Surge! You will find many loving sisters here to give you comfort. I know EXACTLY what you mean by anxiety that gotten "too big." At one point, I was unable to read or watch TV, as my concentration was so distracted and jumpy. It was MISERABLE and frightening. My best advice is to be very, very gentle with yourself while this is going on. Get all the rest you can, and ease up if you're prone to driving yourself hard. Boone mentioned Claire Weeke's books - these saved my life! "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" is the place to start. I still go back and re-read for "booster shots" when things get out of control. These are usually available at libraries, or any bookstore can get them for you. Also, it would be helpful to let your doc know that along with the very real trouble with your ovaries, you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed right now. He/she might suggest counseling, or medication that can help you. Do lots of reading on these message boards, and you'll learn that you are SO NOT ALONE! We are here for you! Jacquie

Thank you all so much for your support. The day I wrote my original message I was having a VERY difficult and scarey day. I'm doing much better since then. Reading the responses and other posts and info on the site has helped tremendously. I just have to keep repeating to myself...."It's just the hormones, it's just the hormones...":)

lcmc, Good mantra. It beats, "I'm going insane," which I've felt far too many times. Also, "I'm going to get through this," is useful for me.

Hi lcmc, Welcome to Power Surge! It will be the BEST medicine you will receive and it's FREE! I also started peri-meno at 42, Wow what a slap in the face it was. It's been a rough ride>>I'm 47 now and still have a period every month. Greeze some months two. Not for sure when this crap will end. Some things have improved TG. I have always had ovarian cyst's, off and on. I had a very painful hemorrhagic cyst two years ago. Like you I had all the tests> I still have the color photo's of my ovaries. I was put on BC pills for three months and it heal. BUT just recent in the last two months the pelvic pain is back and I'm sure I will be doing that song and dance again. Hang in there girlfriend> you have landed in a group of ladies that for the most part will save your life. You will never feel alone again and just when you think you will lose it or become a JUMPER COME HERE, you will find the answers and comfort you need!~Crista

Crista, Ugh, good thing I don't have ovarian cysts, as the birth control pill makes me morbidly depressed. I had the WORST reaction to oral contraceptives. Natural progesterone wasn't much better.