I am new and I am 39. I have had symptoms for two years. I started with the feeling of passing out. SO scary. The local Dr. did an EKG, had me wear heart monitor etc. All was fine. All blood work was fine. Here I am two years later with hot flashes that started as adrenalin surges now I have the heat also, shakey, hypocondria, dizzy, brain is fuzzy sometimes, I feel cold in my chest, that's if it not on fire at the time. I have night sweats. How crazy is all of this. Is it common for this to start at 39ish???? Anyone my ages with these symptoms?
I had these start after the death of my father. Felt like I was not crying every day anymore now that it had been two years from his death. Then this started. I only related it to peri after reading on the internet. I do not see alot of ages listed.
Thanks for anyone taking the time to reply

Hello and welcome Lin.
I just turned 40 the end of August and i have been experiencing all the symptoms you mentioned.At first i would panic when i had a hot flash because i didn't understand what was happening to me.I had(have) the adrenelin rushes too with alot of my flashes.I was a basket case the beginning of last year(when i was still 39),so much so that i was seriously considering admitting myself to a stress/coping center for awhile.Then i found this site(i joined Feb.18,2004)and it has literally changed my life.It helps so much just knowing others are going through the same things and it's not all in my head.If you do some reading,you'll find alot of others experience all the same symptoms you do.

I am 36 and have been experiencing symptoms of peri since I turned 35...
I had no idea what was going on before I started doing some online research and found this site. I am so thankful I did.

Not crazy at all, and I was your age when I started peri. I remember thinking the worst of the worst, of course, back then I had NO clue what perimenopause was. It wasn't top priority in my 'reading and research' at that time. And then, after numerous doctor visits, and no answers, I found Power Surge. AH HA! The answers were right before my eyes. I was right beside hundreds and thousands of other women my own age. I'm now 45 and still in peri, some days it's better, some days it seems worse. But I understand it all now, and believe it or not that does make it easier. Stick around P/S......you never find any better support anywhere else in the world! (Not to mention the wonderful friends you'll meet and make!)
HUGS!

Thank You so much for taking the time to reply to me. I feel so lost. I am so tired of this. I don't know what to do. The local Dr. in this small town I am from I think has given up on me. The last time I called I said please help I am going crazy. I told him I thought it was peri. He gave me a test and it came back neg. He didn't ask where I was in my cycle. Just took blood and called a few days later. He did give me xanex. I only take it when needed, but was told it was addictive so I don't take it very often. It does calm me down when having bad anxiety.
He told me he would call me back after he investigated peri with other doctors that was over one month ago. Do I go to another Dr. in the "big city"? Do Dr.s help? I have read and read and I am so confused everybody is either on something or not on anything. Some thing work for some and not others. Where do you start? I feel like I have missed the last two years of my life. I worried the whole time about what is wrong, I AM DYING thoughts. Please help.
Linda

Hi Lin -
Welcome, your in the right place.... You feel your dying, hmmm, the doom and gloom feeling is indeed a peri-meno. symptom. For years when I told my GYN that I'm going thru peri-meno - and I had blood work done to check the levels of the hormones - it would show ....nothing - my levels were "normal"... and yet I still had all the symptoms. My GYN said that you could have blood work done in the morning (or in the afternoon or at night) - the results show normal - and then that night (or morning) you could have blood work done again and it would show that your going thru peri-meno. - the hormones have indeed changed. The hormones fluctuate alot durig that part of your life. So - for me - it took a few years to show it consistantly with the lab work, and I'm now 45 yoa...You are the best one to be able to feel/see that you are going thru peri-meno....

Lin - keep going thru the boards... All the knowledge will make you feel more comfortable with the changes that your body is going thru. I know when I discovered that I also have certain symptoms that the "meno. sisters" have - I didn't panic as much anymore... There is a 34 symptom list - darn - I'm not sure which thread it's in... does anyone remember which thread it's in to share with Lin? I'm in a brain fog right now ...
Blessings,
Stacy

Gunner here:

I have the dying doom thoughts too, really bad like now right before my period. Linda, I did find an ob specializd in peri who I consulted about these trying symptoms and she confirmed them all - I still do not understand this anxiety thing - what does it feel like - I know I feel alittlelike I am going out on my first date but I have these negative thoughts - I know that peri is all about me and my husband can not stand it - went out to dinner yesterday and his mother suggested I get a hair piece as my hair is thin and not puffy like it use to. I have always had thin hair - my thyroid is fine -all last night I was freaking out about the hair thing. My ob says the same about Xanax - but ladies what is better peace or a nut case. I heard if you take moe than 2 per week you have a problem. All I do know about 3 years ago I woke up different and it took me 6 months to put it all together - the anxiety is what thru me for a loop - being a nurse I had no idea what peri was nor have I experenced this - when you are younger in your teens and early 20's events in life are not as magnituded as in peri. These Dr's I feel are trained from the med books and I am sorry the worst are men because they can notfeel what we go thru. I exercise 45 min day 4 x week, take vitamins , have a good book called Could this be perimenopause - I refuse to look at symptoms on the internet because it produces states of panic - I also wonder if we are not depressed thru peri but I refuse to take antidepressants because I really look forward to my good days because we do have them and I find it worth recognizing for me. I meet women and they are alittle bit behind me in this road here or further along and I hate it but I still try and find the silver lining each day.

Reading has produced states ofcalmness but my problem is finding good books.

Well talk later..

I am glad I found this place. Feels like I am gaining friends in the same boat.
I went through a bad stage for several years when my dad was sick and then his death. After his death, I really didn't get to mourn much as he left me with houses,boats, cars a business to run and hadn't paid IRS in seven years. It was a mess. I also was left with a yearly payment of $500,000.00 a year. I managed through it all and sold everything got his loan paid off. Then I had time to mourn. This was in Alaska and we have since moved to WA state.I spent two years crying I think. I was just getting better and then I had a pass out spell. I was in the bank drive up and boom. It almost went dark. I ran to the Dr. office and they could find nothing. I had two more of those over a year. Scared me alot. Now in the last year I got an age spot on my face. Scared that was cancer but not. It seemed to have started there. Then the hot flashes, night sweats, dizzy. bo.I am glad the pass out stuff went away. Not that the light headedness is much better. Tingly here and there. I hate the anxiety. I feel like the night that my dad died. Exactly the same body emotions. I have tried a therapist who said I was in post tramatic stress disorder from his death. Gave me breathing tips etc .... I have gone three times to him now and doesn't seem to help. I think it's because he is treating me for PTSD and I am in peri. Soooo I have quit going to him. I did ask him about peri and he said well if you have that or the PTSD your not gonna die from either. I guess that's good. Anyway, I do feel better reading others stories and symptoms. All sounds the same. I am doing better in that I was afraid to even go anywhere, afraid I was going to pass out and die wherever it is I was going. I have learned to breath through the dizzy and I would normally run for fresh air, now I sit and breath though it and have found a hot flash normally comes. So I think through reading that everyone is feeling the same sure helps alot. I think my anxiety gets better when I feel this is all about peri and nothing else. I have had blood tests and all the heart tests and it was fine. The dr. in this small town I think gave up on me. By him not calling me sorta made me feel better, at least he didn't think I was gonna die soon. LOL I sure wish someone had some tricks or a treatment plan. I want to work on getting better but don't know where to start. So many people are doing so many different things.
Linda

oops put to many zeros in that loan payment !! I would have died if it was that much.

I wonder if that's how the body copes? I had a couple of years of awful things happening, Dad died, Husband heart attack, husb lost job, treated badly by my employer. After that anxiety hit but I was better within a couple of months. Four years later anxiety hit big time and I'm on a daily struggle, though sometimes I feel a little stronger. I'm not taking prescription meds as I can't summon enough courage to visit the doctor! Luckily I work from home (though if I worked outside the home I'd have to go and would have less thinking time).

But continuing on my opening remark... I wonder if your body waits until things are OK again before it gives in? A bit like loosening one's corsets?

Alice3
I am so glad you posted back. We sound like we are the same. What are your symptoms? I think this is how I felt during my stress period in life. But not sure cause I was stressed. Now that I am not so stressed I am feeling awful. I actually I have thought for the last year that my body was missing the stress and just decideing to give it to me.I am the same as you about the Dr. Like I had posted before I went to the local Dr. here in this little town I live in. But, no women really
got to him for "woman" things as it is a very small town. He was to check for me on peri but never heard back. He had given me xanex for the anxiety on an as needed basis. It really works good. I can only handle half a pill but try really hard not to take it as it's addictive I have heard. I think I have taken a tatal of four pills in six months. I am trying to get brave and start looking for a woman Dr. to help me. I have started keeping track of these symptoms on a calendar so that I can take it in with me. I really don't see a patter yet. Have you tried that? I am curious to your symptoms and how you try and cope. Let me know when you have time.
Linda

Hey, 39 is pretty average anymore I think. I'm 33 and although my test show nothing, I have hotflashes, nightsweats, twitching, super horrific anxiety, terrible pms, weird periods... you name it. I have them all. Sometimes I wonder if it was brought on my Dad dying two years ago... just like you. Maybe so??? I also had a terrible loss of my baby at 19 weeks pregnant six months before that(it's been 3 yrs, might as well have been yesterday)... I wonder if that's when my hormones changed and I was so freaked out that my body just went into early meno.??? It's horrible though. I went on the pill for three months(I'm done with having kids... I've got two boys 4 & 6) but then started spotting really heavily for weeks so they took me off of it. I can't handle the anxiety though. I really wish you luck with all of this. This is a great place to unite with other women who surprisingly have a lot in common with us even though a lot of them are a few years older than I am. In my family it is not terribly uncommon to start early menopause. I just wish that I had numbers to show it so I could prove to people that I am not going crazy but that my hormones and way way too much stress (I don't work outside the home)are disrupting my life. I did end up going on antidepressants (we're building a home) which I probably would need anyway(like before after the losses)but when I have a huge hormonal shift, lookout because I get anxiety and obsessive about horrible things and then somehow find a way to transfer that to my life and make me wonder if those awful things are going to happen to me or my family. ... especially my kids. I'm such a sensitive and emotional person and I think most of the women are on this site- which is why we're here trying to talk to others and get out and get some help. My husband is about as understanding as a stump so I gave up on trying to talk to him about it. It's just better to talk to my mom and my dr.s and things like that. I wish it wasn't that way, but we have love and happiness, I just got the short end of the stick when it came to someone who has compassion.
Anyway, I thought that once I understood why I was feeling this way it would get better but it isn't, sometimes much worse, like this time. I just wish that there was an answer. I'm afraid to try the natural hormones because I don't know what I'm lacking or what I need. Any one out there have some advice on that? I've tried the dr. who can only recommend a book... I just don't have cash floating around to buy books and natural (expensive) hormones that maybe will help or maybe not, or only for awhile. This stinks, I want my life back- who I used to be.
I feel like I may never feel the same again.

Susieeb,
Sounds like we are in the same boat. Feel like there is no land anytime soon!
I was told by my aunt that her Dr. told her traumatic event or just stress can cause a woman to go into menopause early. I am thinking that is what happened to me and you. It is so wierd, my latest symptom is I can't really cry. I have always been a sap. Movies etc....... cry and cry. I just spent several years crying about my dad and now I can't. I am not really trying but I have noticed in situations I have been in that I normally would have been crying and I am not. It seems like I get a symptom and it gets replaced with another old one or a new one.
I have been reading posts all morning. I sure come across people talking about Pete in "Ask the Dr. a Question". I just sent off a question about getting the saliva test. Looks like you can pretty much have everything checked (far as meno goes)
and that test is a bit more accurate than the blood test. I think some of my anxiety would go away if someone would say, "oh, yes your are short of this or have to much of that. I might even not need medication for awhile if someone would just confirm this perimenopause. You know what I mean? If the anxiety would give me a break I might beable to have time to deal with the hot flashes etc.
Linda

Linda-
I live in Washington too- my whole life. I think its the weather and grayness that gets to people.
I agree, if I knew for certain- like a test result would show that my hormones are messed up then at least I would know that I am not going crazy. (or maybe I am) It's just hard when you are young and people won't give you answers or can't.
Do you have kids too? I think that is 1/2 my problem, I'm so paranoid that someone is going to hurt my kids... all the time. I can't help it, it's just what I have anxiety about. You just hear and see all these news stories and some that are closer to home that I obsess about them. I never did that until I started all this 6 months ago... it's been 3 years since my miscarriage, two since my dad. The obsessing and anxiety stuff started when we put our house up for sale and decided we'd build a house. My dr.,and my therapist (who I don't see often enough) and another dr.... they all say that it's stress related and that could be why I am feeling the worst of the worst with peri. Meaning, if I didn't have all this stress, the symptoms of peri at my age would probably not bother me much more than pms would. I feel crazy and I'm so depressed about it and hard on myself that it goes and goes and goes until I am thinking the worst of the worst about everything and everyone... even myself. Thank God this site has helped me alot and I have people on common ground, although to myself I think I must be the craziest and worst of them all. The thing is, I'm just so dang sensitive anymore. Just around my cycles though- thats what made me start fitting the peices of this puzzle together. You'd think knowledge would be power but everytime I ovulate and get stressed out BAM I fall apart all over again. I hope you aren't as bad as I am... there are a few women that are. Of course my thing today is that I must have a turmor in my pituitary gland that is causing this. I wish it was my thyroid!!! It isn't but sure acts like it!
Have a good day, look for me from time to time and let me know how you are doing. I'll be like this one day and then the next few days I'm fine- didn't know why I was so upset- then I just think maybe I'm bipolar(I'm not) but I just keep thinking the worst all the time. I've had too much coffee and am way too chatty... I tend to go on and on! sorry. Enjoy the rest of your day and I hope that you can avoid the maddness that accompanies all of this.

Isn't it funny, I have days where I have cancer, heart problems a brain tumor. The next day I have no symptoms and I am fine. I have been doing this for two years I should relax some. Crazy how your mind goes. I have six children from age 6 to 18 with twins in the middle. I had several miscarriages before my first child was born. I was lacking progesterone. I am wondering if there is a connection with that now in this stage of early peri????? I stress alot about what is worng with me. But, I also am stressing as my son is 18 and graduating this year from high school and is attending college early now. Money Money lots of money. Plus, he is such my good boy I am afraid of him drifting off to far.
You are not crazy, if so we all are !!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda

Thanks Linda-
I have often wondered if my miscarriage was due to my hormone levels? I will never know... just one of those things... which I was fine with but am not now that I am peri. Weird.
It must be really really hard having kids going off to school... the money thing is huge with me, like with the new house and all that. Do you have anxiety attacks yet? Some people never get them or not that bad during peri. Mine are bad but they say that anxiety has a "snowball" effect and it just gets bigger and bigger and out of control. I do that. I get so freaked out. It's an awful thing being so vulnerable, as I feel. I've gotten through it before and I will get through it again, I just need to trust myself more.
Take care hope to talk to you again

I do have panic attacks. That was sorta started this whole thing. I had pass out feelings and they were few and far between. Really scared me. Heart checked and blood work done all normal. Then they started getting closer and closer, have changed a bit or I have grown used to them. I sat through one the other night at my daughters basketball game. In the past when I would get that scary dizzy going to pass out right here and die in the gym feeling, I would run out and in worst cases take a xanex realy quick. I decided to sit though this one and not leave. Sure enough I started to get hot. Neck and face. The dizzy went away. My panic usually kicks in then also. Sometimes I just panic for no reason. Just start freaking out something is wrong with me. It really feels like the night my dad died. All the "body" emotions are the same. Panic, shaking, scared, freaking out .... etc.
You are so not alone. You seem like you still have alot of sadness in your heart like I do. I don't think this helps us. But what are we to do . You had your dad and a baby. I am so sorry. I was once told by a friend that God will not give you more than you can handle. I feel like it's running a fine line right now.
Linda

Linda,

I chatted with you last week on the about.com board about the adrenaline rush/hot flash issue. It is interesting that you mentioned having miscarriages due to low progesterone. My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage for the same reason. I did have 3 children after that, but I wonder if this has something to do with early peri.

I hope you are feeling better. I am still taking the low dose pill (less than 2 weeks at this point) and am on the Lexapro now for 3 weeks. Some days I feel great and others I could jump out of my skin! I hope this gets better soon. I hate waking up with that adrenaline pumping and the hot flash following first thing in the morning!
Good luck!

Maura

Maura,
I am to curious about the progesterone for us. I emailed the "Pete" from Bellview everyone is talking about. He told me to call him and he would figure something out for me. I will let you know what he says about that topic.
Linda

Dearest posted The 34 Signs of Menopause in her "Ask The Experts" Question and Answer area on Dear Dearest

Hello everyone. I thought I was too young (34) to be going through all of this! It makes me feel better to see that I am not going crazy when I see all of your postings and you are all going through the same thing!

Roller 34
You are surely not alone. I am glad you found this website. I just did the other day and have been addicted to reading everything. What are your symptoms? How long have you been feeling this way? I am 39 and have been feeling this way a couple of years, but it hasn't been until recent that I am putting two and two together. This website is helping with that.
Linda

Well... if the average age of menopause is 51, and the average duration of perimenopause is 13 years, that would put the average age of the beginning to be 38. And as you know, we're not all average, some of us are better

I called Pete in pharmasist. He was okay to talk to on the phone. He is setting me up with Estrogen and Progesteron. (The natural stuff). Has he done that for anyone else ? Please let me know how it worked? Thanks ........Linda

Thanks Lin

I've been suffering with anxiety for a couple of years now, horrible headaches, irregular periods. I have had nightsweats and a hotflash or two. Alot of my symptoms can probably be attributed to stress I suppose but when I read the list of symptoms I had like 20.

This thread is very interesting because it describes me. I posted the other day on the anxiety issues board.

I guess my question is: how do you know that your anxiety is due to peri or if you just have plain, old panic disorder which has nothing to do with peri?

I have been to my GYN, my ENDO, my GP, and my shrink. No one ever mentions perimenopause. I have brought it up with my GYN and basically, I'm told that the tests are unreliable at my age (I'm 41). They more or less go by your menstrual cycle.

So right now, I've got a handful of doctors who just think I'm an anxious, neurotic woman!!!

I had my thyroid out about 10 years ago and shortly after that (maybe a year or so later), I started with some mild anxiety. I was 33 when that started. It was so rare and I had something I could attribute it too. The last year or two from 39 and on it has been the worst. Interestingly enough, I was taking a birth control pill about 4 years ago (Mircette). It was interfering with my thyroid hormone and I was having all kinds of horrible anxiety. Ever since then, I've just been erratic. It has been TERRIBLE the last few months. I literally just feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin. And the adrenaline surges are the worst. Then there is the facial flushing, but I believe that is my rosacea which is now being exacerbating by the anxiety.

So, all of you here on this board seem to really think your anxiety is caused by peri? By HOW do you really know you're not just an ordinary basketcase???

I have been really considering asking my Dr. for Lexapro. I can deal with the hotflashes and night sweats, but would really like the anxiety/panic to go away. I am tired of being dizzy and lightheaded which then leads to excess worrying and panic. Can anyone say great things for Lexapro??????? Has anyone had Lexapro work for them for this situation? Thanks !!

Is xanex close to the same as Lexapro? Anybody?

Hi,

I want to jump in re: the Lexapro.

First, Lexapro is an antidepressant, an SSRI in the same class as Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. It's said to have the fewest side effects of this group.

Xanax (and Ativan) are tranquilizers that will help with severe anxiety - these are not antidepressants, and may be addictive with some people. Doctors are more careful about prescribing them.

I've taken both. Last April I had severe anxiety, and eventually crashed with depression - unable to get out of bed. I began taking Lexapro, 10 mgs., and in the first stages when the anxiety was almost unbearable, my doc also put me on Ativan (like Xanax). For 3 weeks, I took 1/4 of 1 mg. of Xanax once or twice a day to keep myself from shaking so badly. The Lexapro began very, very subtly, to kick in then, tho' I didn't really see improvement until 6 weeks. During that period, I took 1/4 of an Ativan maybe twice a week. By 4 months, I was doing great on the Lexapro, and had no need of the Ativan.

I've been on Lexapro for 9 months, and am doing very well. I still take 10mgs. I'm able to do whatever I like, and go whereever I wish, without anxiety. Occasionally I have "dips" with the depression - more like days of feeling sad, but NOTHING LIKE what I went through last year!

For me, Lexapro has been a big help. It doesn't work for everyone, but I sure am glad I tried it!

Best of luck to you all!

Thank You for your post Joliejacq.
I am really desperate to do something. I feeling like I am really wasting my life away. Sitting here, afraid to do or go anywhere. Afraid of the anxiety and panic. The Dr.had given me xanex but only "as needed" I took half of one last night for the first time in a month. I really do feel better after taking one but try not to. I would like something that makes me feel better more often than "as needed" because it's needed all the time now. Do you know what I mean?

Lin34,
I've been taking Xanax "as needed" for many years now. So far, I'm not addicted. I take one every evening to help with my sleep and I don't have any problems missing a dose.

I am closely monitored my a psychiatrist. As long as I stay in the low-dose range (25 mg per dose) it is not a problem and it really takes the edge off. Sometimes I even split the 25 mg so it is 12.5 and it is even helpful at that low dose.

But I know what you mean. Taking Xanax is sort of like "putting out fires" all the time rather than stopping the fires from happening in the first place.

I have had bad effects from the other SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and others). My doctor and I have kind of shied away from them because they make me so miserable. But, like you, the anxiety is really starting to rule my life and I need something more.

Let me know what you decide to try.
Christine

I too have been on Xanax .25 mg at bedtime for a couple of years. Sometimes if I wake with anxiety I will take 1/2 a pill more. I am closely monitored by a psych also and he doesn't have a problem with me taking xanax long term. On a very rare occasion, like once a month I will pop one during the day to ward off a severe panic attack.

I tried Zoloft, which I couldn't get over the extra anxiety it gave me and Paxil made me tired and caused me to gain weight, so I quit. I'm sticking with the xanax for now.

Thank You for the feedback. I am trying to get brave and call the Dr. for Lexapro, I guess. Like I said, I would like something to take everyday to keep it away not wait till it comes and then take the xanex. Although you guys sound like you take the xanex quite often and it keeps the anxiety away. Mine is .5mg. I must really be a lightweight as I can only take half at a time or it puts me straight to sleep. I guess it wouldn't hurt at that low dose to take everyday. I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!!

This is somewhat embarrassing for me to ask but I am curious...It seems that vaginal dryness is a very common symptom for menopause, is it as well for peri? The reason I ask is because I do not have that symptom at all and am curious if it is just something else to look forward to!

Lin,

If you feel that the Xanax has helped, and your doctor okays it, I wouldn't hesitate to take it. In her books, Claire Weekes points out that many people try not to take tranquilizers, as if they think it's a weakness, or something. She urges people to use the medication to help themselves, and reminds people that these symptoms will improve over time.

Roller,

I have had vaginal dryness with peri, but I wouldn't worry about it if you don't! Everyone is different, so this may not be a problem for you. It can be helped with those lubricating formulas. They're kind of yucky, but they do work!

joliejacq,
Thank You !! You are inspriational for me. Your info has helped me alot.


Roller,
I don't have that symptom yet either. People have said on here everyone is different with different symptoms. So maybe we won't get that one.

Lin34,

I have .25 mg tablets of xanax. .50 would put me to sleep also. I'm sure Christine meant .25 mg. Ask your Dr. for a script for .25 mg. I even half that dose when I don't need that much.

Yep, I did mean .25 mg.

My doctor also told me that there is NOTHING wrong with taking that small amount of Xanax daily. It is much more detrimental to NOT take and end up housebound. My doctor gets so angry because Xanax has gotten such a bad reputation. For some people, that class of drugs is THE best for anxiety. What is bad is the doctors who do not responsibly prescribe it.

If you are going to take Xanax, just make sure that you see your doctor every few months and let them know how much you are taking. If you decide to stop, even at very low amounts, do this slowly. This advice is true for Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro and others also.
Christine

adrenalin surges - what exactly is that????

Well, for me, an adrenalin surge feels like I just popped 20 diet pills or speed and it hits me all at once. I feel extremely shaky, feel like I'm just going to jump out of skin, and I can't sit still or get comfortable. Sometimes I feel like getting up, screaming, and running out of a room. My heart will race, I will get very red (but sometimes I feel cold at the same time).
Christine

Adrenalin rushes for me feel like I just opened my mail box and there is a letter from the IRS. I just had three in a row !! No apparent reason for them other than the peri.

Thanks for your replies ladies!

My M.D. refuses to prescribe Xanax. I've been on it before (my OB/GYN prescribed it to me after I had DD#3 three years ago). I took Xanax for a year. I've asked my M.D. a few times, but he calls in antihistamines even though I've told him those make me very tired and drunk feeling. I experience horrendous anxiety before and during my periods. I thought about asking my OB/GYN the next time I see her, but I think I would feel ackward. I know what works for me and keeps me sane, it just infuriates me that my M.D. will not help me. Maybe I should switch doctors.

I don't know what your health insurance is like, but if you want to get long-term Xanax, the only doctor who will probably be comfortable with it is a psychiatrist. My M.D. was the first person to give it to me (10 years ago) when I was going through thyroid cancer. He told it would take the edge off. He gave me enough to get through the surgery and that was it. My endocrinologist has prescribed them to me also, but only gives me about 15 at a time. He doesn't really mind me using it but says that he does not want to monitor it and referred me to a psychiatrist for it.

My psychiatrist has not problems with it. We meet every 3 months to discuss how I am doing and how I take it. He has given me instructions on how to stop if I choose to (even though I only take a small amount).

He just rolls his eyes over the "fear of Xanax". He said it *is* a problem in some people and he would never give it to anyone who exhibited signs of addictive personality. After extensive talks with me, it is very obvious to him that I have never had an addiction problem. In fact, I'm med-phobic.

My suggestion to you is to make an appointment with a psych and explain your perimenopausal anxiety issues. Tell them that Xanax works best for you. You shouldn't have a problem.
Christine

Hi Ladies,
I would like to hear you symptoms on this body part ...... brain.
I sometimes wake up with it or it just comes on it the day. It's where my head can feel heavy, or of course the dizzy. But sometimes there is no dizzy and it's just heavy and maybe even tingly. It can come and go in the day. Is this considered the brain fog?

Jolliejacq,

I had printed out your response about xanax and Lexapro and debated and debated. I had to do something. I finally called my Dr. today and he perscribed Lexapro for me. 10mg. I am to take half a pill for six days and then a full pill. I took my dose when I got home. I am so excited for it to work. Did you notice anything when you started? My stomach doesn't feel so great right now. Was hoping for a fast miracle. Did you have any side effects at first? I am soooooo crossing my fingers this works.
Thanks for your help.
Linda

Now I am fighting a panic attack or anxiety your choice. Don't know the difference anymore. So depressing. I guess it's ok if I take a xanax and the 1/2 of lexapro I took earlier. The pharmacist said that you can take both. I NEED A CURE FOR PERI. I feel alone in this right now.

Hi ladies,

I also started having really bad panic attacks at age 36. My life went out of control. I didn't understand what happened to the old "me". I was always very out going and had no fear. Then "fear" entered my life and it was awful. I struggled with panic attacks for about 7 years. I guess it could have been the start of peri for me back then. Now I am going on 47.

I had a really compassionate doctor and she put me on xanax, I have never had a problem with abusing it, it has been a life saver for me. I don't have attacks that often anymore, but when anxiety gets crazy and I feel like its to much, I take a .25 of xanax and it just takes the edge off. Very helpful for panic.

I'm learning more everyday about this "change in life" that we women experience. Its come to the point in my life, that its almost "something" everyday, thats bothering me, I have to laugh, I'm sounding like my mother did way back when. Currently, I am fighting awful fatigue, and just feeling worn out, I get rest, take a nap, but I still feel tired. Then a couple of weeks ago, I finally had my first hot flash, followed immediately with dazzling night sweats!!! And the most wonderful bout of insommnia. So now I'm taking an array of herbal remedies, and drinking soy!!!

One more important note of info. I had a cardio stress test done, and it came back abnormal, after many other tests, they found that I had a slight Mitral Valve Prolapse. I looked up info on this, and it is a common thing especially in women, and many that have it, also seem to experience "panic attacks and anxiety disorders. This heart valve problem "MVP" is usually something you are born with, and is heriditary, it usually isn't serious. I wonder how many have it and
don't know it. I also wonder if it contributed in my panic disorder??? I guess I will never know.

I'm learning to just take time to smell the roses and be grateful for the blessing that I do have, it could be much worse. Love to all "j"

Lin34,

Just checking in to see how you are doing. Have you seen your doctor and started on any type of treatment yet? Hope you are feeling better.

Maura

Maura,
Than You for asking !!!!!!!! I started Lexapro eight days ago. I haven't been doing to bad but not sure if it's the Lexapro or just a better part of the month in relation to my cycle. Hopfully will know more this time next month. I am praying it is working.
I also got the book by Claire Weekes and it has helped so much. Going to have to carry it with me! I did have a panic attack today and used her words to help me through. It helped.
I still am waking up with the doom and gloom and shakes. Trying the "hop" out of bed and get going method. Seems to help.
I went to a "natural" Dr. She of course wasn't happy about the Lexapro and Xanax but said if it helps take it. She is getting me some progesterone cream to try. Also check my blood for thiroid, blood sugar, and adrenalin issues. Which I have had all checked before except the adrenalin. And they were fine. So we'll see what comes up this time. Feel the outcome is still going to be the same. I will still be feeling the same. But I guess she has some "Natural" things to try.
How are you Maura? What is going on with you?
Linda