Could peri cause/be a factor in a worsening phobia?

[DisenchantedOwl]

I have a dental phobia. Was under control for years but has worsened in recent years following lockdown and not being able to access a dentist (I fear something going wrong and needing further dental treatment) and I have also developed very sore gums (no known cause, current thinking is dry mouth/mouth breathing but could also be menopause related I think) which are painful and so make dental treatment more worrying for me.

Anyway my dental phobia is getting out of control. I had a panic attack whilst on diazepam while getting a clean a few months ago. I then had another panic attack Monday when just getting a brief check up. It's really escalating and am concerned I won't be able to maintain my appointments soon. It's already at the stage where I think it's impacting the quality of treatment which is also a concern.

I was so wondering if this could partly be due to the menopause. I have definitely had a worsening of general anxiety in the last few years. Has anyone noticed worsening of an existing phobia? I am wondering if HRT might help?

I am 49.

Morning! No dental anxiety here: driving anxiety instead. Also exacerbsted by lockdown & hormones. so yes, in my experience hormones have a huge impact on anxiety. HRT has helped with general anxiety levels - I am a lot more chilled in general- but not with driving in particular.
Got to be worth a try, I'd say......what have you got to lose?!

Hi there. I’m 49. I have two horses. One is a young horse I’ve been training. I’ve had a few meltdowns during lessons of complete fear to the point of sitting there crying. I’ve had a few falls and it has affected me more than it ever usually would. I’ve doubted myself as a capable rider. I firmly believe it is the peri-menopause. I can’t take HRT due to medical issues but was under a specialist for menopause and the consultant said the anxiety with my horse is definitely down to it. Lots of friends who can take HRT swear by it so might be worth looking into. It’s also affected me driving anywhere new. I was always having to do a new run the day before but now it’s got that if just rather not do it (unless it’s for horse stuff then I muster myself with the massive reward at the end!) so yes, I do think it’s peri-menopause and it’s a pain in the backside feeling like this.

Thank you both that's helpful. So as I thought really that it could be a contributing factor. The sore gums is also a major factor which could also be menopause.

I would have tried HRT a while ago however I have thyroid disease and have been titrating to get the right dose for over a year. Just had dose changed again. It's always a bit tricky knowing what's what if adding in too many things at once but it's also tricky knowing what's thyroid and what's menopause. I also have ADHD as another complicating factor. I also have a lifetime history of anxiety, depression and BDD (plus dental phobia). All of which were pretty much under control until a few years ago.

I am not getting any hot flushes but am convinced I am in peri (although I'm not sure my endo agrees). My anxiety generally is much worse. My DH has said it's like I have PMT most of the month! I have sore boobs for at least half the month now. Periods are getting more regular oddly (I have PCOS also) but much closer together. So I'm having a period every 21-29 days but usually 23/24 day cycles. I think I am getting early signs of vaginal Atrophy (some dryness but mainly weird very strong musky odour and sensitivity). Sex drive has dropped off significantly in last few months. Really awful brain fog which is starting to get quite debilitating. Significantly worse ADHD symptoms. Dry mouth, sore gums. And worsening stress incontinence.

I have been waiting to get my thyroid meds sorted but this is all starting to have a severe effect on my mental health. It's also seriously affecting my ability to do my current job (on top of all my other difficulties). And there's another job I really want to apply for but I honestly don't know if I could cope with it now even though I have the knowledge and experience. Not even sure I could manage the job interview!

GP has just prescribed my vaginal oestrogen for the atrophy but I am wondering whether to go back to ask about full HRT.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by asking & everything to potentially gain!

Agree with previous poster - ask for sure.

My periods have been the same. Closer together and longer. I’ve got endo but it’s other issues. Oddly I’ve not had hot flushes but I’m definitely in it due to my mood swings. They are raging, crying, snappy and lack of tolerance as well as self doubt and anxiety over the horse / driving new places.

Roll on it all being over. Our Endo should also shrink and get better my Dr said. Fingers crossed.

Definitely have a conversation.

@OriginalFloorboards your description pretty much matches my situation. I have become so much more anxious over the last few years—but specifically with riding and driving. I get so annoyed with myself as my horse is calm and sensible. Recently I’ve been shaking just getting on him. I also get so anxious about parking my car that I just don’t go to places. I started HRT 3 weeks ago and really hope the situation improves.

Yes. Definitely understand that. Glad you can have HRT. I’m on those human calming cookies they make also for horses :) Hopefully you will see a difference with HRT. I can’t have it, but glad you can. Remember to breathe. I start singing all the songs from Grease and I don’t care if I make up half the words myself and bump into a dog walker. My friend bought me a brilliant book. It’s absolutely fantastic. Called control your stress and enjoy your horse. It’s by Karl Greenwood. You will laugh, cry and feel a thousand times better. Even if you re-read bits before riding. I was surprised by the book. Might be worth a try. You are not alone. There are many of us like this out there. Some just don’t say xx