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Menopause

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Perimenopause panic

4 replies

Gherkingreen · 04/05/2023 15:56

I'm 48, started HRT about 6 months ago, feeling SO much better than I was before but each month just before my period I have phases of feeling panicky, tight chest, heart racing, tearful, like I need to run away really quickly.
It's come on today with no warning during an exceptionally busy time at work and I'm struggling to keep it together.
I know it'll pass and I know the root causes and the things that further impact it but it's really horrible.I'm eating well, working out, not drinking, sleeping pretty well (finally!)
Anyone else have this and can share coping mechanisms?

OP posts:
Bloodynitpickingpixie · 04/05/2023 19:05

Propranolol.
Sorry, no other advice unless you have time for a small meditation and some deep breathing. A small dose of propranolol calms the racing, panicky feeling and battling the need to flee.

One minute meditation link.
https://simplehabit.app.link/TN9KD7j5wzb

Or Weightless if you have 10 mins to sit and close your eyes and some headphones. It slows the heart rate and is apparently the worlds most relaxing song.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/relaxing-song-best-weightless-marconi-union-youtube-surgery-anxiety-a9011971.html

Simple Habit | 1 Minute Break

Transitioning from the office to home? Shifting from email into a meeting? The essentials in this one minute pause leverage your body’s natural reset physiology.

https://simplehabit.app.link/TN9KD7j5wzb

Gherkingreen · 04/05/2023 20:27

Thanks @Bloodynitpickingpixie , can definitely fit in meditation when working from home - the song sounds intriguing - will give it a go.

OP posts:
suesoso · 05/05/2023 14:48

Yep, I know the feeling. Unfortunately, even with HRT, it's a rollercoaster ride in peri-menopause as treats low hormones & not the fluctuations, which in themselves can be very disruptive.

Our bodies are stressed out, so anything on top of that can get too much.

I've been on HRT for 3 years & have good hormone levels, but I can still get overwhelmed, anxiety, bad sleep, brain fog, mood swings etc. Sometimes the tiniest added stress, that wouldn't have been an issue pre-menopause can blow up symptoms. It's really frustrating!

It's also very tricky when working full-time as peri-menopause often needs us to take a step back & do some extra care.

All I can say is to be kind to yourself, fit in whatever you can to relax & recognise that it's all par of the course. Perhaps you can talk it through with your manager or Occupations Health at work? There may be some way to ease things for you in the moments when things get too much.

I used to take real pride in being good at my job. But sometimes I find it helpful to not care so much if I'm not as on it as I used to be, or care as much that others may think I'm underperforming. It will get better eventually & calm down.....

I ensured that work know & have recorded that I'm having problem symptoms, so I don't feel my job is under threat, even if my pride is. It helps that I work for a large organisation. x

Gherkingreen · 06/05/2023 09:25

Thanks for replying @suesoso - thankfully my employer does have initiatives in place to support employees going through menopause and I'll explore what support is available.
My work's fast-paced and quite high pressure and at 48 I feel the impact of that more these days - the team is mostly people 15/20 years younger. Like you, I feel hugely responsible for maintaining high standards in my role & worried about those slipping/making mistakes.
I did mention to my LM how I was feeling when the symptoms ramped up last week, but maybe I need to make that more formal. Meantime, will focus on self care, and enjoying the long weekend! Hope you're doing okay x

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