THis week I've felt much more dizzy and off balance than usual. I feel like I'm walking on the deck of a ship (at sea of course !) and just can't get my bearings. I'll put my hand on the wall to steady myself and give my body confidence as I walk down the hall, at home and school. My legs feel weak and uncoordinated and I worry about that quite a bit. Will they just give out on me ??
Period is due within a week. Anyone ever find that dizziness worsens during this time? I really wish I could just stay home until all this passes. Even if it takes five more years - I don't care. Being a work intensifies all these problems. I look around and everybody else looks so normal and healthy. And I've broached the subject of peri with co-workers that are about my same age and they just aren't having these awful symptoms. Thank God for this forum.
Anyone else find that off balance feelings and leg weakness worsens at certain times of the month?
Full Version: balance and dizziness problems
QUOTE (suzyq2 @ May 6 2006, 06:54 PM) 
THis week I've felt much more dizzy and off balance than usual. I feel like I'm walking on the deck of a ship (at sea of course !) and just can't get my bearings. I'll put my hand on the wall to steady myself and give my body confidence as I walk down the hall, at home and school. My legs feel weak and uncoordinated and I worry about that quite a bit. Will they just give out on me ??
Period is due within a week. Anyone ever find that dizziness worsens during this time? I really wish I could just stay home until all this passes. Even if it takes five more years - I don't care. Being a work intensifies all these problems. I look around and everybody else looks so normal and healthy. And I've broached the subject of peri with co-workers that are about my same age and they just aren't having these awful symptoms. Thank God for this forum.
Anyone else find that off balance feelings and leg weakness worsens at certain times of the month?
Period is due within a week. Anyone ever find that dizziness worsens during this time? I really wish I could just stay home until all this passes. Even if it takes five more years - I don't care. Being a work intensifies all these problems. I look around and everybody else looks so normal and healthy. And I've broached the subject of peri with co-workers that are about my same age and they just aren't having these awful symptoms. Thank God for this forum.
Anyone else find that off balance feelings and leg weakness worsens at certain times of the month?
Hi Suzyq, sorry your feeling so bad. Yes I do get some off balance dizzyness a lil before my period but mostly durring my period. I also get my left arm sometimes falls asleep on me at nite and hurts in the day. I try not to get anxious because I know it will go away but it still gets scary. Just so you know what seems to help me is I needed to start walking again. Seems as if with the walking on the treadmill it releases the good hormones called "ENDORPHINS", (hope I spelled it right
) I do take some natural supplements too that work for me. I also watch the sugar intake. I know how you feel and you are not alone. Try on your worst days to rest and take care of yourself as much as you can, easier said than done. God bless you, Tinkybug 
suzyqq, sorry you are having such a time of it. I get the dizzies too and the leg weakness, but mine just comes and goes unpredictably. I thought I was over it all after a few months of feeling really good then bam! My legs feel so weak now I too am afraid they won't hold me up at times. And the dizziness too... And don't feel bad about not having any friends with these symptoms. All of my friends seem to be sailing through life, strong and healthy. I try not to pity myself, but sometimes I just get so ticked off that I have all of this stuff going on! I'm with you, this board is a lifesaver. We'll have to all get through this together! Hang in there!
Same with me suzyq2. I started peri 5 years ago and anxiety and dizziness, lightheadedness, off-balance feelings have been my worst symptoms. At first I was pretty hysterical, thinking I had a brain tumor or some other horrible disease. When I found this site I felt truly blessed. I never imagined that this transition could cause such feelings. Sometimes I wish I could just have the awful hot flashes that everyone talks about and get rid of all of this other stuff. I have never had a hot flash----but then never say never 
. The feelings come and go. They are very unpredictable and I can't see any real pattern to them. I do notice that when I keep myself very busy they aren't so bad. That makes me wonder if a lot of it is self-induced and when I have lots of other things on my mind I don't have time to think about it. Who knows? I just long for the day when all of this is behind me and I can feel like my old self again. Don't be discouraged. There are lots of us going through this and even if everyone else "looks" normal to you, chances are if they are the right age, they are experiencing some of these same symptoms too. You probably look normal to them. I have become an expert at hiding a lot of what I'm going through just so I don't appear whacko. You have found a wonderful place here. The women are great. Take care and visit often. It helps. Believe me, it really does. Donna
. The feelings come and go. They are very unpredictable and I can't see any real pattern to them. I do notice that when I keep myself very busy they aren't so bad. That makes me wonder if a lot of it is self-induced and when I have lots of other things on my mind I don't have time to think about it. Who knows? I just long for the day when all of this is behind me and I can feel like my old self again. Don't be discouraged. There are lots of us going through this and even if everyone else "looks" normal to you, chances are if they are the right age, they are experiencing some of these same symptoms too. You probably look normal to them. I have become an expert at hiding a lot of what I'm going through just so I don't appear whacko. You have found a wonderful place here. The women are great. Take care and visit often. It helps. Believe me, it really does. Donna
QUOTE (dcamp @ May 7 2006, 08:48 AM)
Same with me suzyq2. I started peri 5 years ago and anxiety and dizziness, lightheadedness, off-balance feelings have been my worst symptoms. At first I was pretty hysterical, thinking I had a brain tumor or some other horrible disease. When I found this site I felt truly blessed. I never imagined that this transition could cause such feelings. Sometimes I wish I could just have the awful hot flashes that everyone talks about and get rid of all of this other stuff. I have never had a hot flash----but then never say never . The feelings come and go. They are very unpredictable and I can't see any real pattern to them. I do notice that when I keep myself very busy they aren't so bad. That makes me wonder if a lot of it is self-induced and when I have lots of other things on my mind I don't have time to think about it. Who knows? I just long for the day when all of this is behind me and I can feel like my old self again. Don't be discouraged. There are lots of us going through this and even if everyone else "looks" normal to you, chances are if they are the right age, they are experiencing some of these same symptoms too. You probably look normal to them. I have become an expert at hiding a lot of what I'm going through just so I don't appear whacko. You have found a wonderful place here. The women are great. Take care and visit often. It helps. Believe me, it really does. Donna
. The feelings come and go. They are very unpredictable and I can't see any real pattern to them. I do notice that when I keep myself very busy they aren't so bad. That makes me wonder if a lot of it is self-induced and when I have lots of other things on my mind I don't have time to think about it. Who knows? I just long for the day when all of this is behind me and I can feel like my old self again. Don't be discouraged. There are lots of us going through this and even if everyone else "looks" normal to you, chances are if they are the right age, they are experiencing some of these same symptoms too. You probably look normal to them. I have become an expert at hiding a lot of what I'm going through just so I don't appear whacko. You have found a wonderful place here. The women are great. Take care and visit often. It helps. Believe me, it really does. DonnaDonna,
Yes, I agree with you on several points. I have often wished for the hot flashes and night sweats as a trade off for all these terrible symptoms I have constantly. And, like you, I've only had one night sweat episode. I've often wondered why - is my estrogen still high enough? I don't know ...
I probably appear somewhat normal to my friends too - but it takes a lot of work doesn't it !? Do you ever wish you could just stay and home and ride this thing out ?
When I'm busy with something, my physical symptoms do seem lessened but it's only because my focus is elsewhere. I do not feel that they are self-induced. These things are real and worrisome. And they affect my quality of life, from doing things with my kids to having a sense of peace. It's hard to have inner tranquility when your mind and body are going through so many changes ...
Thanks for your reply.
How do I reply to a post without dragging their post into mine as a yellow quote ??? I just want to reply without their comments ... it was a lot easier posting replies before the site was overhauled and redesigned.
Help !
I too have been having the dizzy spells more so this week. Mine comes with weakness in the legs and arms. I have been without a period for 17 months now. This month I have been feeling like I could start though. Hoping and praying that I don't have to start all over again.
Suzyq2,
When I reply to a post and don't want the whole quote with it, I just highlight the quote and delete it. Then all that's there is my reply. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, but it works for me!
Ihotmama,
I hope you don't get another period after 17 months. Once you have gone 12 consecutive months without one, you're considered post and should not have any more periods.
When I reply to a post and don't want the whole quote with it, I just highlight the quote and delete it. Then all that's there is my reply. I don't know if this is the proper way to do it, but it works for me!
Ihotmama,
I hope you don't get another period after 17 months. Once you have gone 12 consecutive months without one, you're considered post and should not have any more periods.
QUOTE (suzyq2 @ May 7 2006, 01:10 PM)
How do I reply to a post without dragging their post into mine as a yellow quote ??? I just want to reply without their comments ... it was a lot easier posting replies before the site was overhauled and redesigned.
Suzyq2,
If you don't want the quoted portion of someone's post, simply go to the very last post on the page. Right below the post, you will see an "ADDREPLY" button. It's to the left of the "NEWTOPIC" button. If you click on the "ADDREPLY", you will get a blank window (with no quoted portion) to type in.
There is also posting information if you click on the "Help" key -- it's located on the right hand side of every page. It's below the window that's entitled, "Important Menopause & Midlife Information". It's in yellow letters, right next to "Search" and "Calendar". I found this section very helpful!
RedFox
Dear Suzyq2
Don't feel alone with your symptoms. I have seen so many people writing about similar symptoms in peri/menopause
Doctors make you feel worse!!!! because they haven't had some edict handed down to them that dizziness can be a symptom of peri/menopause.
My heart went out when you mentioned the pitching ship feeling. My feeling exactly as well as buckling legs and staggering. I have frequently longed for hot flushes or night sweats since these seem to be the commonly accepted symptoms of menopause!!!! no such luck.
I try to exercise through this feeling, and am lucky if I don't fall over.
Worst moment is at night when I am trying to find out bed in the dark. Even worse was when (only once thank heavens) was when I was IN bed and had that falling feeling. Certainly woke me up with a start. Worst of all was when I went to a friend's birthday party and the doorman made fun of me because I could barely walk. (Do not experiment with alcohol in this situation as this will vindicate anyone who wants to make fund of you).
I have run the gamut of testing, ear nose and throat, eye hospital, antidepressants(which made me feel awful), balance drugs which just didn't work, and constantly fighting off the doctors promise of quality fo life if I go onto HRT.
My doctor realised I had strong wishes not to go onto hrt and she was very interested when I investigated bio-identicals and found a private dr who would prescribe them. I am now on estrogen and progesterone. My gp sent me off to a neuro-gym at the local neurology department and I am doing physiotherapy to "re-calibrate my brain".
My physio's view is that I have got so many things going wrong at the same time (eyesight changing rapidly AND I have one lazy eye, menopause lack of hormones, I had a virus which could have affected my balance) she is treating the the whole body rather than just one symptom. I spend time daily doing eye exercises and balancing on one leg.
My last resource is good old Earl Mindell who has written a book called "secret remedies". He recommends for dizziness various things but I am going to try out a combination of calciium and fluoride in time release form. He says that there is none other than anecdotal evidence that this relieves this symptom but that's good enough for me!! I am also going to have a go with Co-enzyne Q10 which I have seen reported on these forums as being good for general malaise in menopause.
You may laugh, but I tried to put a positive spin on the symptoms. Since my legs feel so leaden and my balance so bad, it constantly feels as if I am doing an upside down form of pilates, all my muscles resisting the pull of gravity. I can feel myself getting stronger despite all this difficulty!!!
Don't feel alone with your symptoms. I have seen so many people writing about similar symptoms in peri/menopause
Doctors make you feel worse!!!! because they haven't had some edict handed down to them that dizziness can be a symptom of peri/menopause.
My heart went out when you mentioned the pitching ship feeling. My feeling exactly as well as buckling legs and staggering. I have frequently longed for hot flushes or night sweats since these seem to be the commonly accepted symptoms of menopause!!!! no such luck.
I try to exercise through this feeling, and am lucky if I don't fall over.
Worst moment is at night when I am trying to find out bed in the dark. Even worse was when (only once thank heavens) was when I was IN bed and had that falling feeling. Certainly woke me up with a start. Worst of all was when I went to a friend's birthday party and the doorman made fun of me because I could barely walk. (Do not experiment with alcohol in this situation as this will vindicate anyone who wants to make fund of you).
I have run the gamut of testing, ear nose and throat, eye hospital, antidepressants(which made me feel awful), balance drugs which just didn't work, and constantly fighting off the doctors promise of quality fo life if I go onto HRT.
My doctor realised I had strong wishes not to go onto hrt and she was very interested when I investigated bio-identicals and found a private dr who would prescribe them. I am now on estrogen and progesterone. My gp sent me off to a neuro-gym at the local neurology department and I am doing physiotherapy to "re-calibrate my brain".
My physio's view is that I have got so many things going wrong at the same time (eyesight changing rapidly AND I have one lazy eye, menopause lack of hormones, I had a virus which could have affected my balance) she is treating the the whole body rather than just one symptom. I spend time daily doing eye exercises and balancing on one leg.
My last resource is good old Earl Mindell who has written a book called "secret remedies". He recommends for dizziness various things but I am going to try out a combination of calciium and fluoride in time release form. He says that there is none other than anecdotal evidence that this relieves this symptom but that's good enough for me!! I am also going to have a go with Co-enzyne Q10 which I have seen reported on these forums as being good for general malaise in menopause.
You may laugh, but I tried to put a positive spin on the symptoms. Since my legs feel so leaden and my balance so bad, it constantly feels as if I am doing an upside down form of pilates, all my muscles resisting the pull of gravity. I can feel myself getting stronger despite all this difficulty!!!
Hi Suzyq2 - I so identify with what you have said.
Balance going awry was my first peri sign that something was up - I get this on and off all the time now and am not having periods (5 months). I agree with Hrafndot - my Drs really panicked me about this and just didn't (actually still dont) ascribe this to hormonal balance (or lack of in my case). I dont get hot flashes or night sweats either (at the mo) - my main symptoms are rotten incessant palpitations, dizziness, awful stomach discomfort, internal shaking and anxiety - added to that I have classic menopause insomnia!!!
Tinkybug mentioned the left arm going to sleep on her - I get this too - a very odd feeling (my leg does it too)- disturbing at first - but I have to say my body keeps doing such weird stuff these days - I just put it all down to peri. Like Hrafndot I have been through ENT/ADs and a GP who keeps trying to get me to take HRT again. I also do balance exercises - esp juggling which I have found useful for hand eye co-ordination.
I look normal and healthy - so annoying when I am keeping myself together with great effort and in discomfort nearly all the time. Even when I am out and about 'doing stuff' - in the back of my mind I feel I am just biding my time till this is all over. I couldnt stay in and hide - I feel too crud. Like you my physical symptoms are pushed to the side of my mind if I am busy but I am defintely not imagining them and they are not self induced. They are with me 24/7
PS has helped me more than I can say - just finding people who have exactly the same wacko stuff going on in their bodies is so calming and reassuring!
Keep posting!
Love Mele
Balance going awry was my first peri sign that something was up - I get this on and off all the time now and am not having periods (5 months). I agree with Hrafndot - my Drs really panicked me about this and just didn't (actually still dont) ascribe this to hormonal balance (or lack of in my case). I dont get hot flashes or night sweats either (at the mo) - my main symptoms are rotten incessant palpitations, dizziness, awful stomach discomfort, internal shaking and anxiety - added to that I have classic menopause insomnia!!!
Tinkybug mentioned the left arm going to sleep on her - I get this too - a very odd feeling (my leg does it too)- disturbing at first - but I have to say my body keeps doing such weird stuff these days - I just put it all down to peri. Like Hrafndot I have been through ENT/ADs and a GP who keeps trying to get me to take HRT again. I also do balance exercises - esp juggling which I have found useful for hand eye co-ordination.
I look normal and healthy - so annoying when I am keeping myself together with great effort and in discomfort nearly all the time. Even when I am out and about 'doing stuff' - in the back of my mind I feel I am just biding my time till this is all over. I couldnt stay in and hide - I feel too crud. Like you my physical symptoms are pushed to the side of my mind if I am busy but I am defintely not imagining them and they are not self induced. They are with me 24/7
PS has helped me more than I can say - just finding people who have exactly the same wacko stuff going on in their bodies is so calming and reassuring!
Keep posting!
Love Mele
QUOTE (Mele @ May 8 2006, 01:26 PM)
Hi Suzyq2 - I so identify with what you have said.
Balance going awry was my first peri sign that something was up
PS has helped me more than I can say - just finding people who have exactly the same wacko stuff going on in their bodies is so calming and reassuring!
Keep posting!
Love Mele
Balance going awry was my first peri sign that something was up
PS has helped me more than I can say - just finding people who have exactly the same wacko stuff going on in their bodies is so calming and reassuring!
Keep posting!
Love Mele
This week my mum suggested my balance thing was psychosomatic and I should see a psychologist!!!!!
I let rip with the full force of my menopausal rage; useful weapon.
It is so difficult because you do look normal; unless you try to do something like walking around, or retaining your balance.
Mum has been on hrt since she started menopause, she's now 72 and still on it!!!! how's she to know what normal is???
I have made peace with her and am just going out for a stagger with my partner now, thank goodness for nice loving men!!!!
LOL H
You are right - I blame everything on peri now - what a cop out????
I was told by a pschy nurse that all my symptoms were psychosomatic - luckily there was a very nice pschiatrist in the room at the same time and he put her straight - funny thing but thinking about that - it is only the psychiatrists who agree with me my symptoms are hormonal and they wondered why the medical bods had referred me to them - God bless the NHS
Its a funny old world isnt it!
Have a good stagger H
Mele
You are right - I blame everything on peri now - what a cop out????
I was told by a pschy nurse that all my symptoms were psychosomatic - luckily there was a very nice pschiatrist in the room at the same time and he put her straight - funny thing but thinking about that - it is only the psychiatrists who agree with me my symptoms are hormonal and they wondered why the medical bods had referred me to them - God bless the NHS
Its a funny old world isnt it!
Have a good stagger H
Mele
QUOTE (Mele @ May 8 2006, 02:34 PM)
LOL H
Have a good stagger H
Mele
Have a good stagger H
Mele
Had a good stagger in the park LOL M thanks for the wishes. Interesting that one side of my bod is a lot weaker than the other.
Came back to look guiltyly at the exercise darling partner has bought me. This is going to see some more action.
I'm so glad that I found these boards as this is a very lonely part of your life and support is really doing me good.
I have also noticed my tendency to hi-jack threads and rant on at great length. Sorry everybody........
I just got back from the neurologist regarding balance/dizzy problems - He told me I have no signs of MS or brain tumors (nice to know!) and is sending me for an MRI just to make sure. When I mentioned the possibility of hormones being off, he said I was kind of young (will be 40 next month) but he didn't brush me off entirely - He said hormonal problems were more a diagnosis by exclusion, and yes it was possible that hormone imbalance could cause my dizzy symptoms... I find exercising helps. When I am running I either don't notice it or it doesn't happen.
I had never even thought about perimenopause before I had a whole whack of symptoms in the last 6 months - palpitations, the dizzies/off balance, weight gain around the middle - I can hardly wait for the hot flashes (haven't had any of those yet - I'm much more inclined to be freezing cold).
So you are in good company! I'm soooo glad this site exists.
I had never even thought about perimenopause before I had a whole whack of symptoms in the last 6 months - palpitations, the dizzies/off balance, weight gain around the middle - I can hardly wait for the hot flashes (haven't had any of those yet - I'm much more inclined to be freezing cold).
So you are in good company! I'm soooo glad this site exists.
QUOTE (suzyq2 @ May 6 2006, 07:54 PM)
THis week I've felt much more dizzy and off balance than usual. I feel like I'm walking on the deck of a ship (at sea of course !) and just can't get my bearings. I'll put my hand on the wall to steady myself and give my body confidence as I walk down the hall, at home and school. My legs feel weak and uncoordinated and I worry about that quite a bit. Will they just give out on me ??
Period is due within a week. Anyone ever find that dizziness worsens during this time? I really wish I could just stay home until all this passes. Even if it takes five more years - I don't care. Being a work intensifies all these problems. I look around and everybody else looks so normal and healthy. And I've broached the subject of peri with co-workers that are about my same age and they just aren't having these awful symptoms. Thank God for this forum.
Anyone else find that off balance feelings and leg weakness worsens at certain times of the month?
Period is due within a week. Anyone ever find that dizziness worsens during this time? I really wish I could just stay home until all this passes. Even if it takes five more years - I don't care. Being a work intensifies all these problems. I look around and everybody else looks so normal and healthy. And I've broached the subject of peri with co-workers that are about my same age and they just aren't having these awful symptoms. Thank God for this forum.
Anyone else find that off balance feelings and leg weakness worsens at certain times of the month?
Suzyq2
The night I read your post was as if someone was throwing me a life preserver! I have suddenly been getting horrible dizzy spells and a lightheaded feeling. For the past few months they happen only just before my period (which has been every 16 to 18 days) but these past few weeks is almost daily. It happens especially when I lay down in bed at night and when I first wake up in the morning. Then I get anxious because I feel like I'm going to faint. I'm afraid of going anywhere alone because of it. Along with it is an almost debilating fatigue. I could sleep all day! Its like a very weak feeling.
Went to my dr and he told me its probably hormonal. I'm 47 and in perimenopause. But no one else I know suffers from this. I also get a pressure feeling in my head and the fuzziness is unbelievable. I can't remember what my kids or husband said to me 2 minutes ago!!!!!
I'm so thankful I found this website and your post was the first one I looked at! Weird - was almost meant for me!
Anyway, I'm thinking of going back to dr and ask for blood hormone level test to see if that is it. Maybe I won't feel so anxious about it.
Wish I could trade this dizziness in for hot flashes too! I do get night sweats though they're no big deal compared to the dizzies!
The night I read your post was as if someone was throwing me a life preserver! I have suddenly been getting horrible dizzy spells and a lightheaded feeling. For the past few months they happen only just before my period (which has been every 16 to 18 days) but these past few weeks is almost daily. It happens especially when I lay down in bed at night and when I first wake up in the morning. Then I get anxious because I feel like I'm going to faint. I'm afraid of going anywhere alone because of it. Along with it is an almost debilating fatigue. I could sleep all day! Its like a very weak feeling.
Went to my dr and he told me its probably hormonal. I'm 47 and in perimenopause. But no one else I know suffers from this. I also get a pressure feeling in my head and the fuzziness is unbelievable. I can't remember what my kids or husband said to me 2 minutes ago!!!!!
I'm so thankful I found this website and your post was the first one I looked at! Weird - was almost meant for me!
Anyway, I'm thinking of going back to dr and ask for blood hormone level test to see if that is it. Maybe I won't feel so anxious about it.
Wish I could trade this dizziness in for hot flashes too! I do get night sweats though they're no big deal compared to the dizzies!
Hi margarita,
Thank you for responding to my post. These symptoms are sometimes intensified right before my period too but they are daily as well. I see my gyne next week - might ask for blood work-up and hormonal panel. But reading everyone's posts about hormones and blood levels makes me think that they aren't that helpful either. I am fairly sure that I am in perimenopause. Don't really need a lab test to tell me that !
Hope you had a great weekend.
Thank you for responding to my post. These symptoms are sometimes intensified right before my period too but they are daily as well. I see my gyne next week - might ask for blood work-up and hormonal panel. But reading everyone's posts about hormones and blood levels makes me think that they aren't that helpful either. I am fairly sure that I am in perimenopause. Don't really need a lab test to tell me that !
Hope you had a great weekend.
margarita, suzyq - just let me reassure you that you are not alone. I had my first attack of "the dizzies" about 18 months ago and it was the most frightening thing I have ever experienced. I had not had a period for 6 months before that and about a week after the attack - lo and behold! - a period. I was a bit cross about that!
The first attack took about 8 weeks to gradually get better, I have had other episodes since then but not as bad nor as long lasting (please God!).
I also get the pressure in the head and ears and it's almost unbearable at times. Nobody can give me an answer or a reason for any of this. Until I found this site, just after the first episode, I was literally going out of my mind...terrified, depressed, anxious, lack of confidence. I was so relieved to find that many other women suffer from this during peri/meno. It's got to be hormone related.
Stress and tiredness will make it worse so try and look after yourselves.
The first attack took about 8 weeks to gradually get better, I have had other episodes since then but not as bad nor as long lasting (please God!).
I also get the pressure in the head and ears and it's almost unbearable at times. Nobody can give me an answer or a reason for any of this. Until I found this site, just after the first episode, I was literally going out of my mind...terrified, depressed, anxious, lack of confidence. I was so relieved to find that many other women suffer from this during peri/meno. It's got to be hormone related.
Stress and tiredness will make it worse so try and look after yourselves.
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