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Menopause

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Original poster

Anxiety in menopause

29 replies

Dawn1331 · 30/08/2023 10:29

I've been hit with horrific anxiety. Fought it for ages with complimentary therapies but saw my gp and got Duloxetine and two weeks on it no change.
It's like a cycle of anxiety, hopelessness, disassociation then I'm fine. Has anyone else been through this?

OP posts:
readingmynightaway · 30/08/2023 10:44

Did your gp discuss the time to feel the affects of your medication?
Give it maybe 3-4 weeks?

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 30/08/2023 13:48

@readingmynightaway thanks for the reply. He said after two weeks but I feel just the same. Menopause has just hit so hard and I didn't expect these extreme mental issues x

OP posts:
UmpteenSteps · 30/08/2023 15:21

I’m battling with anxiety - was there a bit yesterday and now frozen with anxiety most of today. dr said she wouldn’t review my HRT until I’ve been through another cycle. Might have to call in sick to work because I can’t handle it right now :( I really hope HRT is the silver bullet (once I’m on the right dose!)

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 30/08/2023 15:52

@UmpteenSteps going on hrt definitely helped me. I came off anti anxiety at the same time which was silly but got a new Dr and he put me on the duloxetine and he's great faith in it.
I understand how you feel completely it's all consuming and so debilitating!
Here any time you need a chat x

OP posts:
Morby25 · 30/08/2023 17:00

Same here anxiety, mood swings, headaches, tiredness. Feels like I’m going nuts. Hoping it will pass and putting off seeing gp. But may be time to go?

ethelredonagoodday · 30/08/2023 17:18

I defo feel more anxious than I ever have. Not often, but probably once a month have a day where I'm very distracted by thoughts if death and global meltdown, and other such cheeriness! 😵‍💫🫣

AitchPH · 30/08/2023 20:39

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 31/08/2023 06:28

@Morby25 @ethelredonagoodday I've always had anxiety but hitting menopause early really kicked it up 100 notches. I love going to sleep because it's the only relief I get. I feel hopeless.
I know my meds need more time to work but I'm miserable.

OP posts:
Morby25 · 31/08/2023 08:38

@Dawn1331 Yes, sleep is the best relief. Every morning my first thought is oh no I’m awake!

Purplecatshopaholic · 31/08/2023 08:46

Anxiety hit me for six when I hit menopause. I have never been an anxious person and at first I thought I was losing my mind - it was awful. I became acrophobic for a while before I managed to get a grip of it - I went on Sertraline which absolutely turned things around for me. That and HRT keep me (relatively) sane these days..

EstrogenPatches · 31/08/2023 20:31

Are you on HRT? You might need HRT rather than more anti-depressants

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 31/08/2023 20:38

@EstrogenPatches I'm on hrt, magnesium and evening primrose. My anxiety was unbearable tweaked my hrt still no benefit so started duloxetine.

OP posts:
Ughhelp · 31/08/2023 20:49

Will try HRT soon. Vagus nerve exercises and restorative yoga seem to help. Sometimes have panic attacks/racing heartbeat. It is horrible.

user1498572889 · 31/08/2023 20:50

Anxiety was how I knew I was menopausal. I was one of those people who never got anxious about anything. I had talking therapy. It didnt stop the anxiety but it helped me understand it and accept that it would stop which it did after about 18 months.

EstrogenPatches · 31/08/2023 20:52

I also find that light exercise like walking in the fresh air helps. And mindfulness/meditation helps you train yourself to tune out the anxiety a little.

WhereAreWeNow · 03/09/2023 19:48

Peri made my anxiety go through the roof. It was debilitating. HRT has definitely helped.

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 03/09/2023 19:54

@WhereAreWeNow hrt helped and I was so happy but then the most debilitating anxiety I've ever had hit. I've never felt suicidal ever but I told my husband I would rather be dead than feel the way I feel.
Here's hoping the meds work soon x

OP posts:
Lioney · 03/09/2023 19:59

@Dawn1331

Your describing my situation.
I've been on HRT about 7 years.
I'm postmenopausal.

Was hit by extreme anxiety in July. I'm on Sertraline and Propranolol. Not sure when or if they will work.

I'm still really struggling. Having hypnotherapy and waiting on counselling.

I love to sleep as its the only time I don't feel anxious.

Sorry I have no advice but my sympathy as its hideous.

Thighdentitycrisis · 03/09/2023 19:59

I had it for about 4 years, it’s better now and I’m just depressed. It was horrible, I tried, Sertraline and Mirtrazipine, moved jobs, actually left a job I liked but felt I could no longer do, then missed it and new job made me more anxious!.” Eventually I just rode it out.

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 03/09/2023 20:38

@Lioney I too love to sleep it's my only relief. I've tried all complimentary therapies, cbt, counselling, exercise and none stopped the crippling anxiety.
I'm on duloxetine now - 3 weeks in and no relief. Still on hrt and just down with how I'm feeling, the NHS, lack of support it sucks x

OP posts:
Original poster
Dawn1331 · 03/09/2023 20:40

@Thighdentitycrisis I have tried to ride it out since Feb and I'm miserable. I spoke to my new Dr and he said why suffer when you have tried everything else?
I hoped the meds would work sooner but no. I pray every night I wake feeling normal x

OP posts:
WhereAreWeNow · 03/09/2023 21:36

I'm sorry @Dawn1331 . I still have problems, just not as bad as pre HRT. I've been going through a bad patch recently in fact.
Has anything changed in your HRT? I'm just thinking that when I went from patches to gel I was overwhelmed with crippling anxiety, panic, and depression. As soon as I switched back to patches I felt OK again.

EstrogenPatches · 03/09/2023 22:39

I’m sorry you’re struggling @Dawn1331. I’m going through a really bad patch of anxiety at the moment and it’s awful. The worst is not knowing how long it’s going to last. I just want to feel ok again.

Original poster
Dawn1331 · 04/09/2023 08:09

@EstrogenPatches tell me about it! It feels like it will never end. I was sat in the garden yesterday in full sunshine watching my wee boy play in his pool and just felt numb and anxious - it's so so horrible!

OP posts:
Laburnam · 04/09/2023 08:13

im on hrt for me the anxiety is worse through the night, I play out things I need to do for the next day. It’s horrible During the day I don’t have it as bad, lots of fresh air and walking the dog helps