anxiety and the menopause

[marthagirl]

I have had panic attacks and anxiety for a year now, originally thought it was heart attack but after all the tests my heart is fine. Have been prescribed anti depressants, beta blockers, diazepam and CBT but no better. Have been close to losing my job. Could it be menopause, I am 53? I don't get periods anyway as I have a Mirena coil.

You can ask for a blood test I learned on mumsnet - to see if you are going thro menopause
While you're at it, ask for a thyroid test as well, then ask to see the results. A tsh over 2 is worth further investigation even though it shows up as 'normal' on tests. Thyroid test is one of the most commonly run tests in the NHS and women near menopause/just after menopause are the most likely group to have thyroid probs (before someone jumps down my throat about dr google blah blah)

You can ask for a blood test I learned on mumsnet - to see if you are going thro menopause
While you're at it, ask for a thyroid test as well, then ask to see the results. A tsh over 2 is worth further investigation even though it shows up as 'normal' on tests. Thyroid test is one of the most commonly run tests in the NHS and women near menopause/just after menopause are the most likely group to have thyroid probs (before someone jumps down my throat about dr google blah blah)

thanks mercibucket, I have already asked about the thyroid levels which they checked already when they thought it might be a heart attack and they were OK. I've just been to the doctor who has given me HRT low dosage oestrogen, not sure how long it will take to work though if that is the problem??

Hi marthagirl

Sorry to hear about the panic attacks
If you look at the menopause score-sheet on this site
www.menopausematters.co.uk/greenscore.php you will see all the symptoms of menopause which include feeling tense or nervous, panic attacks, feeling tired or lacking in energy, feeling unhappy or depressed, irritability, which are due to decreased oestrogen and the fluctuating hormones around the menopause.

Have you had hot flushes? - maybe if you are still taking Ads you won't be getting these so some of the other symptoms are more apparent?

What oestrogen preparation have you been given?

The physical symptoms usual begin to decline fairly quickly but the emotional symptoms can take longer - but hopefully you will feel improvement after about a couple of weeks and gradually from then onwards.

For some women it can take a year to get back to their old self (well as near as is possible at our age!) - but it's worth it because once your hormones stabilise and if you don't experience side effects you will be able to continue with the oestrogen for some years - if not many.

How long have you had the Mirena?

Hope this helps

Thanks for your message Bellaciao, that really helps. I've had the Mirena coil about 7 or 8 years now and the doc has given me Elleste Solo.
I have to admit the only problem I've had is the panic and anxiety, no hot flushes, I'm never depressed or tired, in fact probably the opposite I find it quite hard to sit down and relax. I'm possibly the least irritable person you could meet.
This is what makes me wonder if it is just work (so much pressure, changes, extra responsibilities, restructures etc) and I just had a breakdown. I guess I'll soon see if the HRT doesn't work!

Thanks so much for getting in touch. It's quite nice to know there's all these women out there who might know what I'm talking about!

Just a point about the Mirena - Have you had a new one put in since the first one as they are only licensed for use as part of HRT for 4 years and I came across one woman on another forum who hadn't had hers replaced? Maybe the specialist GPs at their discretion let them stay in for longer though as they can't run out just like that! Hopefully you'll feel better soon.