I think I'm going mental

[Tootsey11]

Do women go mental during peri? I have been on hrt patches since Oct 2020, patches, conti ones. The last few weeks especially I've been severely anxious crying, mood very up and down, and now have tinnitus. I don't know whether the hrt is nowhere near enough or my body cannot cope with hrt. Patches are 50. Last time my levels were checked my estrogen was in the thousands and progesterone was really low. Doctor said neither was a problem. He is not in any way helpful and fully believes women should only be on hrt for a few months then stop. He has phoned me twice in all this time and shouted down the phone that I would get cancer repeatedly if I didn't stop. I have lost half a stone in the last 10 days due to no sleep with the tinnitus.

Any help appreciated as I no longer wish to be here.

I’m well into peri and had resisted HRT, but am about to start as I can’t cope with the way my life is now without some help.

Yes to new tinnitus and terrible, debilitating insomnia.

Also yes to depression and horrible anxiety, something I had never experienced previously in my life. I’m currently having an awful period of depression and anxiety. A couple of days ago I had a panic attack when I noticed one of my windows wouldn’t shut fully, and in seconds I had catastrophised that it meant the house was subsiding and we wouldn’t be able to claim on the insurance for some reason. I also have awful brain fog and lack of confidence, where I am usually incredibly capable and a star performer at work. I’m at the stage just now that I can’t even work out how to time the bits of dinner so they are all ready at the same time. It’s doing so much damage to my sense of self.

Add to the mental health stuff: joint pains, hair loss, dry skin, and all the rest, and it’s truly miserable. I know some women sail through, and I am pleased for them, but my god - this is such an awful affliction to be visited on us just for being female.

Solidarity from me, even though I can’t offer much help. I find getting outdoors helps, as does exercise when I can motivate to do it. Be kind to yourself. I am just holding on to the thought that this will end sometime, though I am still having regular periods at nearly 52. Please make it end.

You should make a complaint about your GP, though, and change practice. His behaviour is totally unacceptable, however under pressure they are.

You need a new GP. His information is about 30 years out of date. Oh and PS, half of us will get cancer anyway.

Also yes to depression and horrible anxiety, something I had never experienced previously in my life. I’m currently having an awful period of depression and anxiety

Yes, this is what I'm experiencing and the feeling of impending doom. One minute I'm grateful to be alive the next I just feel like I'm so done. The difference with me is that I have always suffered from anxiety so it feels like now I have an extra layer to contend with. Plus, the NHS don't provide the treatment I need for existing mental health condition (and apparently, I'm not entitled to benefits having gone through the assessment). I honestly think I should receive something to contribute towards treatment on a private basis but it's because the perimenopause has exasperated everthing. Not currently working but want to do something for example on a voluntary basis but it's so rubbish having to try and get back out there with all this going on - even taking the first step. I can't wait for my period to stop now - hoping this will change things around a bit as my periods can be quite heavy - so physically impacted too including anaemia and insomnia (I take prescribed iron tablets for this).

Also, I can't take HRT currently (quite complicated). Medication just hasn't seemed to help the peri or existing underlying condition.

Op, yes - as others suggested, I would definitely seek a second opinion from a different GP.

I meant to also say op, sorry you are feeling so low...not being listened to really makes things worse I find. I find myself in this space too. Run up to period is also making things seem much worse for me.