Is there such a think as perimenopausal anxiety/depression?

[Umbongo1]

Sorry if this is a long post.

I'm 45 and am suffering from anxiety and depression which started when I was 40 (no previous MH issues ever).

It seemed to dissipate entirely when I was pregnant with my daughter at age 41 and re-appeared with vengeance as PND.

I've always noticed how it was worse just before my period but it seems the days when I feel good are getting fewer and fewer. Im already on a whack of antidepressants which seem to be doing nothing to help.

Am I hormonal or just nuts? Anyone else in a similar boat?

Yep, that's peri. For me, the (combined) pill worked far better than HRT. Anxiety simply disappeared whereas with HRT it improves but still spikes a couple of times a month.

This is really interesting to read. I'm slightly younger than you OP but have exactly the same symptoms you describe. I'm waiting the results if a hormone test.

I'm contraindicated for the combined pill due to migraine aura. I'm scared HRT may be off the cards too in that case. I've a really complex, high flying job, am usually very capable. But this just floors me. The insomnia, anxiety and flatness are horrific. I also get panic in the car and supermarket

@TotoroPotoro I'm the same, I'm an experienced professional with a good career, but the anxiety has really taken the wind out of my sails.

It started with anxiety and I didn't get any low mood until a few years later when I started to think that I was always going to be this way.

My panic comes out of nowhere, it feels like someone is pouring ice water down my neck and back and I can't think straight. Supermarket is a classic one for me, also the school run for some wierd reason.

I'm on antidepressants since this all started, I'm guessing FSH levels were checked when general bloods were done years ago but no-one has ever suggested it's anything hormone driven, despite the cyclical nature of the spikes.

The family planning clinic were pushing the pill last time I was there going on about how unplanned pregnancy could be such a risk in the 40s etc etc, I know could probably get it there if the GP was being unhelpful. There is also a hormone contraceptive patch I understand.

Thanks for this thread op.

Well. Very interesting discussion with menopause expert who said starting symptoms in late 30's is not abnormal.

Anxiety/panic is apparently one of the most common.

Who knew? Not me, clearly!!!!

I feel a little relieved, believed, even dare I say a teeny bit hopeful?

How is everyone else doing?

Did she prescribe something, Umbongo?

Excellent news @Umbongo1, be hopeful!
There's absolutely no reason to be suffering, it's not 1820, you have many decades of life ahead of you and every right to enjoy all of them.

The more you read about and talk about this the more you think ‘how did I not know!!’

Mindfulness yoga avoiding stress etc can help with managing symptoms but they can’t replace oestrogen so temporary relief really rather than a solution for all

Does anyone find it is worse in the evening and at night?

@dingledongle Yes, definitely! I can hardly bear to speak to anyone in the evenings.

I feel this overwhelming panic and last night woke up and burst in to tears

Soooo needy, my poor husband and family

Just want to be left alone ☹️

Memory is the other one that women struggle with as oestrogen falls
I didn't know this. I have been to my doctor several times about memory problems and he put it all down to stress/anxiety - never suggested that the anxiety and memory problems could be perimenopause. I have also had the fear OP - once I just felt that I couldn't walk home from school (which I do every day). It was so weird.

I definitely get the feeling of wanting a lot of alone time as well
It is a struggle at weekends when the family are all there and no time alone

The last six months have been so stressful; kids at home ALL the time!

Back to school
Off school
Back to school

Weekends-
Teenagers and GCSE's

All manageable without meno madness ☹️

Frustrating when GPs don’t spot what is going on.

I had heart palpitations, loads of expensive tests etc all ok. Started hrt, they didn’t happen again.

More gp training on this would save money and also save people being on anti ds etc when they don’t need them

I keep going to GP for different things
I think I have failed to see how rough I have been feeling as it is the new normal for me ☹️
All stemming from anxiety
Think I might need to bite the bullet and go for HRT

Am relating to so much of this.

I genuinely had no idea that this was even a thing. I like to think of myself as well educated but I assumed that I was way too young for menopause to be an issue.

It is scary how many of our (otherwise successful) lives are being ruined by this - not because of the issues themselves but because no one tells us what is happening to us.

I had simply not considered it, and neither had my doctors.

I have made an appointment to see a private GP in January at a menopause clinic (eye watering cost but potentially worth it). I don't want to go back to my GP with this as they have a preconception of my diagnosis. I'd rather lay it out (warts and all) and get a fresh opinion.

This may be timely: a qualitative study to assess personal experiences of menopause, triggers for seeking medical advice and openness to group-based programmes.

imperial.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50FEp8SO3LA0xud

I'm 54 and in the menopause
I seem to cry at things

My daughter sent me some photos of the grandkids
I had tears rolling down my face

I live nearby etc so I see and hear from them a lot

The other night I couldn't stop crying
But after a good cry I feel on top of the world

I have a good job lots of friends a love other half who would do anything for me etc etc
But I still cry
I'm starting to make a note when I feel tearful then see if there's a pattern

I haven't had a period for about 4 months

Im sure its worse at night for me as I am so exhausted. A bit like mybDC, she gets tired and emotional. Sometimes we both cry

Umbungo money well spent 👍

If people can’t afford to go private you can ring your surgery or around and ask which GPs have done training in meno. Not just women’s health. Usually in a larger practice one will have been on the extended training. Sometimes younger GPs are more knowledgeable on peri.