Hi: I'm new to all of this and would love some advice. I'm a 44 year old woman. I've had PMS here and there most of my adult life but for the past few months, it has been really bad. The worst symptom is a feeling of being wired along with headaches, minor nausea, irritability, difficulty coping with stress, etc. I had one incident of what we think was a panic attack. I'm wondering if this is just strong PMS or is it perimenopause? I went to my internist who believes it is anxiety and wants me to take .5 mg of Klonopin for a few weeks, which I have not started and don't want to. I'm thinking it is a major hormonal change or imbalance. Any thoughts? Thanks!

I definitely would have your hormones check before taking anything. That is like my doctor but I decided to go to my Naturopath and have a Hormone Saliva test done to see where the hormones are. I suggest that you do that first because it does really sound like you are starting to go through perimenopause. I know they tell you that you are too young but it can start as early as 35 and I have talked to some women that have already gone through it and they are my age. I am presently 41. I am awaiting my test results should be back within the next two week.

Let me know how you make out.

Lori2006

What is the difference? When starting this hormone wacky ride, I don't think there really is a difference. Those hormones just compound any and all what we feel - usually negatively.

modi,

I am 40 and I found that entering into peri, my PMS got much worse, with irritability, depression, and weepiness for days before my period. I have also had a few "panic attacks" and find it hard to deal with stress, even if it's just a minor inconvenience.

So my guess is that yes, it is peri. And if you don't feel comfortable taking anti-anxiety meds, then don't!

I am taking supplements, and since I started taking them my PMS is much improved. I'm guessing that the calcium/magnesium is helping. There is a "recommendations" section here at PS with info on vitamins and supplements, etc.

This IS NOT a one size fits all. We each have different needs, and respond so uniquely to medications and hormones.

One thing that we DO Share, is our common frustration in this mid-life turning point.

It's something EVERYDAY, isn't it???

Jules

Thanks for your feedback, everyone. Just trying to figure out what this is and how to approach it - especially when I have doctors telling me otherwise!

don't be afraid to take the klonapin..I do every night and it helps me sleep like a baby, something many have problems with during peri...it allows me to get enough sleep so I can actually work..and it really calms down my anxiety etc...mellows me right out...

it's addictive yeah, but you just slowly wean off it when your done with needing it at the end of peri..we take what we need to make this bearable...


Lisa