Hi all

Have stumbled across this forum looking for an answer to my problems. I'm 41, not in menopause according to one of those chemist tests and my periods are regular although a bit heavier than previously. was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1997 and Panic Disorder in 2001. Have been taking antideprressants for both. All along I have noticed a correlation to my menstrual cycle. used to be worse around ovulation. I also have been diagnosed as infertile although they couldn't find any reason for it. Recently I came off my medication gradually and each month my anxiety got worse - I sometimes have a panic attack on day one of my period (sort of every alternate month) and I have dreadful anxiety (butterflies and tight chest muscles) about a week after my period - lasts about a week. This only happens in the months when I have no PMT symptoms like period pain, sore breasts etc. I am sure this is not just depression/anxiety - the only thing that gets me down is bad health! I am trying to work out what happens in the week after the period to see what I might be missing. Also thought of having a saliva hormone profile done. Any thoughts? Getting pretty desperate!
many thanks
mimi-nc

Hi Mimi

Welcome to Power- Surge! You will find as you read thru this site ..most of us were told no your too young for peri-menopause...which is what I would say you are. My peri started at 39 with panic and anxiety,up the wazoo, and a body that felt like it got hit by a truck. The doctor told me I was too young to even think in terms of menopause...but in my gut I knew something just wasnt right. I would try the saliva tests....theyare a bit more accurate than blood tests. But be warned in peri..hormones fluctuate from min. to min...and hour to hour...so you sometimes cannot and do not get accurate readings. Your Doctor probably told you your not in menopause ..becaseu your not...to be in menopause you have to be without a period for a year to be officially in menopause.....BUT I would definatly say your in peri menopause...those are the years leading up to menopause. And usually peri can last anywhere from 1 to 12 yrs. But alot of the women on this board average about 7-8 yrs....but it differs for each woman. Hope this helps you some...and once again Welcome to Power-Surge! Please read all the information on this site ..the message boards are very helpful cause you can talk with the other woman and get opinions but there is so much mre to this vast site and so much valuable information...please check it all out.

Peace
AA

Thanks AA for making me feel so welcome!

Already worked out this site is a mine of information - I'm sure it's going to get me through a lot of hard times. At least I'm in good company!

mimi-nc