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Menopause

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Anxiety/insomnia

6 replies

DutchCamper · 31/12/2024 10:07

Can anyone help please with what I should be asking the GP with these symptoms? I am 45.

It started with chest pain at the start of every period which has increased in the length/intensity of the attacks over the past year. I had an ECG and blood tests a couple of months ago to rule out heart issues after an attack that lasted a week - all clear.

I went to the GP and asked whether it could be thoracic endometriosis (I had endometriosis removed 18 months ago and have been symptom free since) as this is what Google suggested. The GP said very unlikely and their opinion it is perimenopausal anxiety.

Ever since the long attack, I have had chest pain most days with varying degrees of pain. I am also now suffering badly with insomnia - I either can’t sleep for hours or fall asleep for 20/30 mins and then wake up for hours. At night I feel completely on edge and tense, my chest pain is intense and it does feel like anxiety - I do not have anything to be anxious about out of the ordinary, so this is new for me. I get chest pain during the day too, but it is heightened at night. Sometimes I’m sweating a lot in bed, but not the majority of nights.

I can’t say if it is related to my cycle now as since the week long attack I have ran my pill packets together so I don’t have a period as things are bad enough now, I am scared what could happen during a period!

If the GP is right and this is perimenopausal anxiety, please can anyone let me know what kind of treatment I should be exploring to help me as I’m really struggling with the lack of sleep. Thank you

OP posts:
Growsomeballswoman · 31/12/2024 10:56

I am peri, mine is like this during ovulation and before a period. It's constant chest flutters racing heart/palpitations

DutchCamper · 31/12/2024 11:18

Thanks for your reply - it started with chest pain for a couple of hours when my period started and it worsened from there. It isn't palpitations as such, it is tightening and with the insomnia I recognise it as an anxiety reaction as I am so tense with it at night. In the day I do get short of breath with a bad attack.

OP posts:
Chroniclesofstress · 31/12/2024 15:00

Hey OP, just wanted to send some hugs and solidarity 💕💕💕

I’m in a similar boat, having ‘attacks’ of palpitations that go on for hours, especially at night. Also migraines and episodes of random high blood pressure.

I’m 45y and on HRT, but am sure it’s not working.

DutchCamper · 01/01/2025 11:02

Thank you for replying.
Will you go back to the GP for a review of your HRT?
I went to the GP yesterday and have been given a low dose antidepressant to take for the insomnia so I'll see how things go with that.

OP posts:
bluejelly · 02/01/2025 21:18

I had this. Now on HRT and low dose fluoxetine and the anxiety has gone, as has the insomnia. Good luck!

DutchCamper · 03/01/2025 10:23

That's good to hear! If the antidepressant doesn't work on its own I will ask about HRT, thank you.

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