In Dec of 2004 I started having severe skipped heart beats. My doc found out that my FSH was high and my periods became very irregular. He said I was starting perimenopause.

My anxiety went through the roof !! I had to up my anxiety meds (Librium). Then my cardiac symptoms calmed down somewhat.

My background is that I'm completely homebound and not very mobile from a auto accident 13 yrs ago. Now....about 3 weeks ago...I started getting all of these very strange and bizarrre symptoms that started with positional vertigo. Then...more anxiety. Now it has turned into head and neck pressure....SEVERE anxiety...feeling like I'm crawling out of my muscles. I'm feeling extraordinarily depressed and SCARED.

My anxiety does not feel like a panic attack....just like I'm crawling out of my muscles...but, no racing heart like in a panic attack. Now when I turn on my side to try and take a nap and/or go to sleep (which has also been completely disrupted since this started) I will just lay perfectly still on my side and get this horrible SURGE of dizziness while just laying still. This has been going on for 3 weeks. I am also feeling very off balanced when I move any of my muscles as well. This has made my anxiety go through the roof even more. I also deal with so many physicial complications every day as it is.

I was holding my own till this past December...when my periods have become extremely erratic...every 65-70 days. Now...I'm off to the ENT specialist as I'm having such bizarre symptoms. I feel like I'm losing my mind....and I' so scared. Even though my pulse is in the 60's - 70's.....I'm so scared thinking that I have a brain tumor or something. Just 3 weeks ago I had no depression or anxiety....my cardiac symptoms were at bay...and I had no dizziness or feeling of off balance in my muscles when I'm laying in bed.

Am I losing my mind ???

Can any of you ladies help me? Have you had similar symptoms? I'm so scared.

I look forward to any of your input that any of you might have. I'm feeling the worst....that I'm dying....have a brain tumor.....MS.....heart problems or something. I was holding my own till last Dec when I was diagnosed with perimenopause....which hit me like a TON of bricks. Does anyone have these exact symptoms? Like the ones I have rambled on about ?

I look forward to hearing from you to see if anyone has any reassuring input.

Thanks so much.

Well, our symptoms are not that far off. I started like a ton of bricks in March. Ignored it until May. I needed 2 doctors to tell me it was perimeno. THEN I REALLY freaked out! It's been a long 4 months but acceptance is one of the things I am working on.

First, if in doubt ask for a saliva or blood hormone test. That should ease your mind.

Second, anxiety typically causes us to worry about health - I don't know why. Arms tingle - MS. Can breath - pneumonia. Breast hurt - cancer. None was true. It is your hormones playing tricks on your mind. Depression usually follows anxiety. They seem to go hand in hand.

There is great information all over this site. That will get you started. You're seeing a doctor which is great. Gotta rule out all that other stuff just in case. You can also do a search for the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. They have a special program. If nothing else it helps to read their boards and info.

Hang in there, you are not alone. There's lots of us middle aged anxious women lurking :-)

HI, I am new here, but I just wanted to say that my symptoms these last three months are exactly the same, and I am scared out of my mind too....

I am 47 (48 next month, eek), and since June this peri thing seems to have gone into overdrive. Like you, it was a case of a ton of bricks hitting me out of the blue, and logically I think it has got to be hormones. I also ought to be more sensible as I am a nurse and a midwife so I should know better but I don't.

I am in the UK and where I live the docs are useless. It has taken three of them telling me that there is nothing wrong with me -"it will go away, lots of people feel like this" (really? I didn't know men were peri too!) till I finally saw a fourth last week who has sent me for an URGENT referral to a physician who deals with dizziness, fits, faints etc. Now I am terrified.

I am surprised how I can have heart disease, a brain tumour, MS, and some type of stomach, liver, or bowel cancer all at once and this is the ONLY thing that is keeping me hanging on at the moment as it must be impossible.

The scariest is the dizziness, hits out of the blue, haven't been out of the house alone for three months now, too frightened in case I faint or have a fit in public etc. and I dare not drive for fear of having an accident. The palpitations are right up there with the dizziness, I am waiting for my heart attack. Interesting the palps and dizziness don't happen at the same time though.

My appointment is on Monday and I will be climbing the walls by then. My poor DH is in for a really trying weekend.

Anyway, hope this makes you feel that you are not alone!

I'm with you there Gelfie! Our docs have no idea and they really only want to be able to see two patients in their 5 min slots so they can meet government targets! They've no time to listen to you blubbing and saying how you feel.

I've totally given up on them, especially now I work from home and do things when I can and stay home when I can't. No boss to threaten me about days off!

I've used Natracalm for anxiety (diaz when stronger needed - only 2 prescriptions in 4 years), Menopace or Estroven and a good multi mineral/vitamin, Minadex as a tonic and Seven Seas Hormonal when I've been really antsy - for magnesium.

Trial and error I'm afraid! No-one has a clue over here

Hi soscaredinCA,

You story could be mine exactly, same symptoms, same perimenopause diagnosis, same fears - heart disease, brain tumor, MS, etc. I have been to the hospital once with heart palps that made me feel like I was having a heart attack. I've been to the ENT for the dizziness and ringing in my ears. I have had a CAT scan done for the headaches and looking for brain tumors. Everything always came back as normal and "nothing is wrong with you."

Just know that you are not alone in how you are feeling. While is it wise to check everything out completely, take comfort in the fact that all of us here on PS have been through much the same as you. This website has helped me so much in dealing with all the unknowns of perimeno. Even my doctor has not helped as much as the ladies have here.

Hang in there,
Maeflower

Welcome Soscaredinca,

I have been dizzy/offbalance,like walking on a bed for 11 mos now.It freaked me out when you said you felt off balanced when you moved your muscles.I get this every time i go to cross or uncross my legs.I am off balanced all of the time even when im sitting.I dont feel this way when im in the car,however,strange

I also have Head pressure and stiff neck muscles.I get these strange adren rushes when im in bed .It feels like that woosh feeling right before you fall asleep.


I know how your feeling right now.I thought i had some deadly nuro thing going on.

I now have come to realize this is all related to perimenopause.

As you search this site you too will see that there are los of women with the same symptoms .they have had every test and they came out fine.

It sounds as if you have discussed these symptoms with your dr and all seems to point to peri.

Dont worrie,keep reading and you will find peace of mind here at ps.


Take care,

I also have the off balance feeling most of the time. I have felt this way for about 6 months although I can say that I am having a few days here and there that I feel no lightheadedness or off balance feeling at all. I have not taken anything for it. My doctor tells me it is the hormonal imbalance that is making me feel this way.
Like you che che I do not feel this when I am driving. How Strange is that! <_<
After I have been driving for a long time I get really off balance when I get out of the car but while I am driving it does not bother me.

Take care,
Jill~

I just wanted to thank you so much to the ladies that responded to my post.

Today is another rough day. Now....I have horrible exhaustions, weakness and fatigue. I'm already disabled and homebound...not in the best of shape. I'm not active and mobile like most others. The weakness and fatigue does seem to wax and wain.

I just actually read a post ...I couldn't believe my eyes...where someone had a horrible dizziness and vertigio sensation when trying to drop off to sleep. I've had that off and on for 3 weeks. This happens every minute or two....sometimes 30 times before I go to sleep. I have to grab onto the bed ....it only lasts a few seconds. Then I also have problems keeping my balance in bed as well. Oh my gosh...the symptoms are endless.

When I got out of physical rehab ...4 yrs ago after the auto accident (we were hit by a drunk driver) I seemed to be holding my own fairly well. Then BOOM in December last year when I was 47 1/2 I started getting massive PVC's and PAC's. Then it turned into heart pounding a month later and HORRIBLE anxiety. Now...here I am today...9 months later...and feeling more down and depressed and scared more than ever. Now I can't keep my balance in the bed and I have more physical symptoms than I ever thought possible. Since I'm not able to sit up for long periods of time...its hard for me to sit at the PC and read all these posts...which I know would be encouraging and helpful to me.

I did get a referral to a neurologist today from my primary care doctor. It will take at least a month to get an appt with him.

I just wanted to thank you so much to the people who have commented on my post....as I feel so incredibly depressed. Since I am homebound ....I am a big collector of dolls and used to love and talk on the phone to my friends...and I've just lost interest in EVERYTHING ! My one friend told me that its normal to lose interest in all these things when you don't feel well or normal.

I would love to put my email address in here in case any of you would like to email me. I would so appreciate hearing from you. The dizziness and fatigue...weakness....and allt these neurological symptoms are scaring me so much right now....I feel like I'm dying....I'm just very scared. It sounds like there is a wonderful group of you here who are so supportive. I could not even believe when I actually read about the weirdest symptom I've had.....the feeling like I'm dropping free fall off of a building when I'm going to sleep or napping. The symptoms are never ending and just too many to describe. I feel like I"m going through a living hell right now. But...after reading some of your posts....I know I'm not alone.

Thank you so much....to the gals who took the time to respond to my post so far.

If anyone would like to contact me...my email is lorrieharbin@comcast.net

Hi. Don't be scared (ha ha - easy to say!) Your symptoms completely mirror mine and your feelings of anxiety too. The worst thing for me is the dizziness, although after some weeks it subsided a bit. Hope yours does too.
I was told to try to carry on as normal and do everything I usually do, despite the dizzy and nauseous feelings. Apparently this helps the brain to cope and adjust.

Please try not to worry too much, you are not alone. This site is so helpful and when I first joined (a week ago) I was in tears of relief because I found out that so many us share the same feelings and problems. I realised I wasn't going mad. This menopause business is the absolute pits isn't it.

(((soscaredinCA)))
>>>Am I losing my mind ??? I'm feeling the worst....that I'm dying....have a brain tumor.....MS.....heart problems or something.<<<


Yep I can relate! BIG TIME! I broke down and made a appointment with a psychologist the other night... First thing I told him>> I need help. The physicals symptoms are bad enough but then add the emotional stuff, my anxiety level is out of control... I look back on whom I used to be? Wow I'm just a shell now! I don't like whom I have become. I have lost all coping skills and yes I am frighten, I don't recognize my myself anymore it frightens me... I see your new so please read, it helps>PS will bring you comfort...

Dear soscaredinCA:

I am sitting here on Monday, September 12, 2005 feeling exactly like you. I have not worked for 2 years now do to lower back aches (I was an Administrative Assistant). I woke up one morning a year ago feeling like I was passing out and I had not even got out of bed yet! I went to the doctor by 1:00 p.m. that very day....Dr. stated I had somekind of intestinal bug (was having active intestinal activity). She also mentioned my age and menopause could be approaching. I was 47 years old last year.

I have had crushing fatigue and dizziness this last year and currently as I type this message. I was having some difficulty with sleep the last few years....but now I am totally fatigued. I fall asleep at 12:00 midnight...wake up and pee at 2:30 a.m. and fall back asleep until 8:00 a.m. The other day I slept 10 hours...woke up feeling tired.

I will remove myself from my house and go into the backyard and feel the air move through my hair today. I find myself reading one of my old books, "Simple Abundance" it makes me feel loved...just like reading this message board does.

So.......don't feel like you are alone.....I am right her in Central California.

Terry

I know how you feel being scard about the way you feel. In April of this year I experience my first full blown anxiety attack. It came with out any warning. I was at work and I just started to feel funny all over, my heart racing and my blood pressure went up. From day one my mother told me that this was the beginning of memopause. I felt like a baby crying in her arms. After seeing my doctor and then a cardioligst, I am on Lexapro for Anxiety and Toprol for high blood pressure. The Cardioligest says that the blood presssure has nothing do do with menopause. I KNOW HE IS WRONG. Shortly after this attack I had tremors in my head, arms and stomach. Thats when the fear started to set in. I was convinced that I had a tumor or was getting ready for a heart attack. After a lot of praying and watching Joel Osten The Preacher did I begin to feel better. Memopause is a mind game and if you give into it you will never feel better. Try being more positive and keep yourself busy. It has worked for me along with the medication. I still get symptons such as upper chest pains. They come and go quickly and the doctor says they are due to anxiety. The anxiety has been the worst for me. I can handle the sweats, light headedness and dizzyness but not the anxiety. It gets me to thinking awful things, however when this happens which is almost daily, I talk to myself and remind myself that this a natural process and it will not kill me. It has not been easy but like my mother said for the start "darling before you know it you will ignore the symptons and just move on." Well I am moving on but not as quickly as I would like to. Hang in there, if we women can survive child birth we can surely survive menopause. I would love to hear back from you.

Angel1

hi again...I posted a response to your other post but this one looks like it gets more
activity.

Look up Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyaliga....I had a lot of your symptoms 15 years ago when I hit 40... (never considered perimenopause...regular periods etc) ...... after being treated for a heart condition ( which it turns out I did not have) and going through 2 years of doctors....this was the diagnosis I got. Maybe mine was peri menopause all along (didn't get hot flashes until now at 55)...who knows...anyway look it up and see if you fit that profile (CFIDS).

I am on the bio identical hormones and that stopped the flashing almost at once.

What happens in California if you just go to the emergency room and say you think you are having a heart attack? ...and then let them look you over. That is a way to get to see a doctor I would think.

hope you feel better soon
we are never alone
Babygirl

To Angel1 and Babygirl and whoever else is on this board
I would bet the farm (if I had one and I am nowhere near being a doctor) that half the women on here that was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or an Anxiety disorder has been misdiagnosed!!!! Doctors don't seem to have a clue when it comes to perimenopausal symptoms. Don't blame them....they are not taught anything about that or very little. I guess in a way, I am fortunate. My mom, who is gone now, always said she started through menopause at the age of 29. That is when all of her funky symptoms hit. Perimenopause was not a "catchword" at the time. Crap started happening to me at the ripe old age of 32. I recognized it right off the bat. I am 48. 16 years of this s#*t and I am tired of it. It has not been constant but I would say the last 10 years have been a challenge! And that's putting it mildly. Some women breeze through this very quickly and some, believe it or not, don't have any symptoms. I have had every symptom on that list of symptoms. Hopefully I am winding down from all this. I have good days and I still have periods. They are all over the calendar but I still have them. A few years ago, I actually wondered whether I would survive or not. All the mental stuff hit. I HATED that crap. Depersonalization, living in a dream world, not knowing what's real, whatever you want to call it......it s*cked!! Glad the mental crap is gone. And it will leave, ladies. Now I have a host of physical symptoms that I will take anytime over the mental stuff. Just wanted to add my two cents worth. A positive attitude, reading these boards, keeping my sense of humor has been my lifeline. You're not NUTS, probably most of you are not SICK, it's just this hormonal stuff that nobody seems to know anything about. Thank you so much for letting me vent!!!!

Is there a physical reason for the uncontrollable anxiety due to peri or menopause? I know about the fluctuating hormones of perimenopause, but
what exactly is going on? I have had horrible anxiety attacks for the first time in the last few months and I want to chalk it up to hormones because there have been no life changing stressful events in my life to explain this. I feel that there is a relation between sleep cycles and anxiety because it seems your body is never really at rest. Is it that certain people who are already predisposed to anxiety just can't tolerate the added "hit" 'of fluctuating hormones and everything goes haywire?. I read about the magnesium connection. How long does it take for the magnesium to make a difference? I tried it, plus breathing into bag,etc.
and nothing seems to help. I'm feeling so desperate, I just want to cry but I feel too numb.

Lidge26..hun, go out to the main menu...of the site not just the forums...on the left hand side..scroll down to "your health during Menopause"..again scroll down to "Anxiety", highlight it and click on the Read Article bar....

Your can also click on numerous articles, transcripts and even ask the experts...about this. Those areas are "Gold Nuggets" as well as reading, posting and chatting with everyone in forums.

Dont be afraid to dig around through the library that Dearest has here..The complete site is just LOADED with Information and tips galore!

Happy reading...and please dont think I am saying to take your questions else where...It just seemed from your post that you were wanting more of a scientific, chemical..etc. answers...

Oh by the way...Welcome to the wonderful world of "change" and here too of course!

ooops, my bad...youve been here longer than me!

I'm glad you're here now, DaMomma!

Sugs, what a sweet thing to tell me..hugs ..hey, pull my finger...

Got back from my dear little doctor's office a couple of hours ago (I call him "little" because he's young), and at least he's honest with me.

I have multiple thyroid nodules and, though rarely, these cause pain when I move my neck around. Also, we can't get my thyroid hormones straightened out. Anyway, when I asked him questions about these problems he said, "I really don't know. Medicine is far more an art, not a science."

He is more right than he knows. Most doctors pretend to know what is wrong with you, but actually have no idea. I think we know better what is wrong with us than any doctor. I mean, they can't feel what we are feeling, so unless something shows up on blood or other tests, forget about it!

soscared....
I've read several times that some women experience an abrupt start to menopause..while others get one or 2 symptoms at a time. That's how mine started. I've been doing this for over 6 years...thought I'd be about done with it. But every now and then another symptom appears. But anyway...some women seem to have thier ovaries 'crash' within a very short period of time...causing much more harsh symptoms.

Just wanted you to know it's quite normal and happens to many women...
hugs,
June

"That woosh feeling right before you fall asleep." I have had that and thought I was having a stroke but I was just sitting watching TV, not in bed. My head became "full" and "buzzy". Went to the emergency room, had CT, EKG, MRI, Echo, etc. - nobody had any idea of what was wrong with me. Can it be "just" menopause. I'd like to hear if more people have experienced this "woosh" It scared me to death. I have had it to a lesser degree a couple more times. The first time the buzzing lasted about an hour, and my sight was muted, kind of ragged; I felt very subdued and vulnerable. The other times, it was a brief woosh which I just accepted, calmed down and it went right away. They are accompanied by the fullness in the head, and a feeling of doom. Anybody else experience this?

PDm... me o/ what a trip eh?

PDMarkle,

Yes absolutely, i know what you mean i have had this several times,

Its a whoosh where it takes you away for a second.Mine happen in bed for some reason,but i have had 2 while i was sitting on the couch.

also When I'm in bed and right when I'm my most relaxed and not asleep,i get the buzzing feeling in the head.My whole Head including my lips.I get this also when i wake up in the middle of the night.SOOOOO strange and so scary.

I almost want to say it feels like a mini seizure,although Ive never had one before.

I have not had the vision problems with it,that could be an ocular migraine Ive heard other women talk about.That is when you have the VISION problems associated with a migraine but with no headache,

I wish i had answers for you,But i don't know myself what causes this.I know how your feeling it scares the heck out of me.I think I'm dieing,as you say having a stoke or that there is a tumor in my brain. But i realise its just hormones out of wack

I have read that there are several women with this symptom and there is thought,that it is a surge of adrenalin another hormone that becomes effected by peri/meno. our adrenals can become compromised.

Try not to become too anxious i know its hard but keep posting and reading.This site will put your mind at ease.

One question for you,have you had your thyroid checked?

I hope this has helped you.Feel free to PM me anytime.

take care,
Lynda

Hi PD,

I too get that "whoosh" feeling. I call it "jitter brain". It scared the living daylights out of me the first time it happened. Just like everyone else, I thought stroke or brain tumor. Anxiety and lightheadedness have been my worst symptoms, and I think the "jitter brain" thing just aggravates the anxiety. So it's a vicious circle. I have found this sight to be my life-saver. Just continue to read all the posts and search the rest of the board too. It makes you realize that you are definitely not alone. Take care.

Donna

Hi Ladies,

Not sure where to post this but does anyone experience hearing problems, like an ringing in their ear or a low whining sound. 6 months ago, I experience like very load cricket noises and the slightest noise I could hear but this low whining sound is new. I woke me up several times last nignt that I am lucky if I had 5 hours of sleep., my period is suppose to come in 6 days and I also have a lot a head fullness today.

I read somewhere that tinnitus is a symptom also but it wasn't listed in the 34 symptoms. I have to look up tinnitus and its causes.

I am getting so scared that I am getting worse and worse. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Also, is anyone on bioidenticals and also using the revival soy. Just ordered revival soy but I am also taking a small amount of bioidentical progesterone and DHEA.

Thanks so much,
Plumeria

Plumeria,
Yes - I've had a lot of these ear things - pops, zings, sudden reduction or increase in volume, ringing, sometime I think a radio is on somewhere in the house, in the middle of the night.....
I have some trouble with neck and jaw tension which definately is connected to inner ear stuff, but I also read that peri-menopause can affect sinus etc, so I think sometimes there might be just inflammation. Alot of women here mention a 'stuffy head' feeling - I think it is all connected.
I've learned to just not react to the ear noises and they always pass.
M.

MaryP.

Thanks for your response. I feel a little panicked today more than usual and this past month with two periods, which has never occurred before is throwing me for a loop. I know my hormones are shifting again and I think also the stress of the holidays are getting to me.

Plumeria

Hi ya Fruity! (aka Plum) yeah Huney I can ditto that too..I have had the dillies in my ears now for about 4 years...sometimes the crickets are are singing away and other times I have trees and trees full of KatyDids....but for me, I can sleep when they come ...being a country girl stuck in surban hell...it soothes me..

i know there are alot of other gals that get these sensations as well..and sometimes I habe a loud "pop" in my left ear like a cork gun is going off.

I get the double periods too...have for the past 3 months now....crazy aint it..hang on youll make it ..

Plumeria,
I also had, for the first time, "doubled up" cycles in the last few months - scared me at first also.
I like a line I read in a book somewhere - I use it when new symptoms show up -
"OK, what fresh h*ll is this?"
M.

MaryP..you say it so lady-like..me ..its what the f**k?!

Hi ladies, I love this web site. I often think I am loseing my mind. I used to get double periods but now I get only one, but sometimes it just won't go away. Slight breakthrew bleading and feeling constant pms. I'm feeling anxious and just a few days ago I was okay. Also, does anyone get what I call the dropsies. I am starting to think I have a real problem. I'll be holding something in my hand and the next minute I'm sweeping it off the floor. Thank god for this web site, it has helped be get threw the fuzzy headed, can't remember anything, calling the vacumme cleaner an airconditioner, nervous days. Sometimes its just a few days and sometimes it feels like its here to stay. I try to have a sense of humor about it all but sometimes its just impossible. Thanks for listening. ArtsyD

Dam..hey girl...come and sit right next to me...lets see who will end up dropping the most stuff!

so yup..been there done that and STILL doing that..and everything you have stated...well my periods do doubles...off and on throughout the months...or I have even had one that lasted 63 days!ARGHHHHHHHHH

Welcome Aboard Hun

MaryP,

Are you on any bioidentical hormones and if so, has this affected the type of noises you hear or the volume?

I am taking bioidentical estrogen though I think I need a higher dose as it is not doing anything for my night sweats? Also, when I started the progesterone it semed ti increase the tinnitus volume but I do need the progesterone since I am still cycling?

Is the hormones helping with insomnia, etc.

Thanks and I hope you are okay,
Plumeria

Sorry, Plumeria
just noticed this post today.
I am on Bio progesterone. It is hard to say what all it is helping, of course, because once you're on it you don't know if symptoms would be worse if you weren't. I found a dramatic improvement in migraines. I can't say it is helping with insomnia because I still have it for several days in a row. For a few months I was less than careful and missed a few mornings with the cream and I definately had a more difficult month. Now I am really careful and in fact some days I use a little extra cream mid-day.
I only occasionally get the ear ringing, etc so I just disregard it if possible - it always goes away. I am quite convinced it has to do with shoulder/jaw tension at times.
Hope this helps
M.

MaryP,

Thanks for the reply. I know what you mean about figuring out what really works.
Much to my resistance, I started on 10 mg Prozac because I hit an all time low in December but much of the side effects of the medication is similar to soem peri symptoms that when I feel poorly, I don't know if I am experiencing a prozac side effect or it's just peri.

I am assuming you are still cycling. The insomnia is bad for me too. If I can get 3 hours of straight sleep...its a good night. Really hard to function at work.

Thanks again,
Plumeria