Hello, I'm desperate for some reassurance. I have terrrible phobias about cancer and going to doctors/hospital. Does anyone here identify with these symptoms? I hope so because I'm praying this is menopausal and not more serious! I'm 48 and had some hot flushes and night sweats for over a month now, but I'm getting all sorts of other symptoms too: Burning sensations around my neck, arms, underarms, chest/breasts, abdomen/sides, vagina and bottom. Aches and pains in my back, sides and shoulders; in and below my breasts; in my neck, mostly on the right side. Itching mostly under my arms but also around my neck and shoulders. I'm very depressed, anxious and terrified. I have panic attacks all the time, and am constantly worried that some or all of these problems could mean cancer of some description. I can't see a doctor because my phobia is so bad. Can anyone please help me. Please let me know if you have also had any of these symptoms with menopause. Thank you very much

These symptoms can all be related to perimenopause. Dearest (our host and founder of Power Surge) posted The 34 Signs of Menopause in her "Ask The Experts" Question and Answer area on Dear Dearest. Those "34" Signs and Symptoms are more like 34 groups of symptoms and most everything that you've mentioned falls into those categories. Click on that link, though (The 34 Signs of Menopause) to read them all. Also, read everything you can on this site - not just the message boards, either. Everything isn't on the message boards. There are hundreds of articles and transcripts. A perfect one in the Educate Your Body area. Also Power Surge's Menopause Survival Tips and many other fantastic articles. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for your reply, made me feel better about things! One other thing: I've had the "burning neck pain" I mentioned for most of this morning, but earlier, after I had some breakfast, it got a lot more severe for a while, spreading right up past my face to my ears. I've had mild flushes before, but is this still flushing do you think, or something else? Thanks again for reading this

Booboo, please stop worring about cancer! What you describe sounds like what other women here are describing (see the threads about hot flashes). I do understand your fears and phobias, I also have a doctor phobia, as well as agarophobia, so I know it's hard, but it's no good worrying yourself sick over cancer for nothing. Is there a phobia support group in your local area or anyone you can call on for support for a doctor visit? Or could a doctor visit you at home? Or is there a women's health group or clinic who could provide some supportive assistance? If you've had bad doctor experiences, ask around everywhere till you find a doc who is recommended, whom you feel you can trust. I hope you can. Then you can be reassured that you don't have cancer.