Health anxiety and perimenopause

[Unusualusernames]

I'm pretty sure I'm in full blown peri menopause. The symptoms just seem to be one after the other. I have terrible health anxiety and while I know the symptoms are probably logically connected to the menopause I just constantly feel like there's something seriously wrong with me.

I'm 45 and I know this sounds overly dramatic but I often just feel like I'm waiting to die.

I don't want to take anti depressants and ive tried CBT. I just find everything so overwhelming and I'm worried that me not being 'normal' (whatever that means) is going to have a long term damaging effect on my teenage daughter. I try to hide how I am but I'm sure she probably picks up on this.

I've made an appointment with my GP to talk about the symptoms but I'm so worried as in the past GPS have just fobbed me off when I mention the menopause.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice?

Not much advice just to say I’m with you and feel your pain! I also have teenage daughters and am trying to hide the magnitude of my anxiety but we do talk about it openly and sometimes manage to have a laugh about it all. I’ve been on HRT for a month and definitely sleep better which means generally less worrying in the middle of the night! Lots of people on here have found HRT relieves the anxiety. Others have found different solutions. Good luck with your GP! Louise Newman’s balance app has a menopause/peri symptom identifier. You can print it out so you have all your symptoms listed when taking to your GP.

Thank you so much for replying. It's really good that you can share this with your daughters and probably actually much healthier than trying to hide it.
I grew up with a step father who had schizophrenia. Logically I know this is entirely different from how I am but I think it's given me this intense fear of unsettling my daughter (which is probably stupid).
I really hope this GP is more sympathetic. The last one was really horrible to me and just ordered a blood test (which I know is pretty meaningless). I'm really glad the HRT is working out for you

My GP was also not that helpful. The Nice guidelines are at the top of this thread. might be worth bringing them along to your GP too if you are trying to access HRT. I think for me, anxiety can lead to that feeling of catastrophising and feeling responsible for everything. My 16 year old came home from seeing her friend last week and told me that her friend’s mum was on the HRT gel too and had also been suffering from anxiety. She was quite excited to tell me! Lots of teenagers experience their mums going through menopause/peri without any adverse effects. So please be kind to yourself, focus on getting support for yourself and good luck at the GP

I can't take HRT so I can't speak about that. My story is long / complex / boring, but I just wanted to say that a lot of what you've written is very familiar my anxiety was crippling me for a while. My GP suggested escitalopram which I resisted for a long time but eventually started taking it when it all became too much. It is really helping me. I know you've said you're not keen on antidepressants but for me it has been a positive step.

Also with you!!

I'm 43 and childless and have been experiencing anxiety (that seemingly came out of nowhere last year so put it down to lockdown!). Was prescribed beta blockers but now I'm having it almost every day and they no longer work. I drive over an hour to work on the motorway and honestly some days I don't know how I make it in but then am gripped by panic attacks all day. It's affecting my sleep, work, ended my relationship and is ruining my life.

I never even thought it could be connected to menopause as I thought I was too young, but I have been having irregular periods, forgetfulness, weight gain and completely lost interest in sex - again I put this all down to lockdown! I have an appointment today at the doctors so I'm hoping for some kind of answer. Honestly I'm so glad it's not just me!

@UnapologeticallyUnhinged I'm really sorry you're feeling like that. I've experienced panic attacks before and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.
I'm still working from home and the whole idea of going back to normal terrifies me. I feel like I've forgotten how to speak to other people. Do you have a nice manager you can speak to?
I'm with you on the fear of driving. I passed my test 6 years ago and I wouldn't dream of going on the motorway. I barely go on the dual carriageway.
I feel like I've always been a bit anxious but the menopause just cranks it up to a whole new level.
If I'm not severely anxious I'm raging or crying. There's no in between. The physical symptoms are so awful. I rarely don't worry I've got something seriously wrong with me.
You're definitely not alone. I hope the doctor offers you some help xxx

@BlueyIsMyBae I'm sure your story is not boring. That's really good to hear. I've actually seen quite a few people on here say that anti depressants help. The irony is I'm so anxious about the side effects I'm too scared to take them for anxiety. I really annoy myself

@yellowrattle I think it's so good that the conversation is opening up. I really hope by the time our daughters get to this stage it won't feel like such an uphill battle to get help.

Me too @Unusualusernames! Wish you all the best.