Health Anxiety & Peri/menopause - is it a thing?

[Worridoncemore]

Never had it until about 10 years ago when, looking back I was likely at the start of perimenopause. It's ramped up massively these past 3 years and am now on the brink of menopause, convinced it's only a matter of time before I'm diagnosed with a nasty! Doesn't help that several peers have health issues, a couple have been diagnosed with cancer, and I don't seem to be able to escape scary cancer stories.

I'm even scared of the dentist & optician now as I know they screen for signs of cancer. All the screening tests you get offered once you're over a certain age send me into a meltdown too.

Anyone else? Is this a part of menopause or just my age?

I’ve had health anxiety before but it was worse for me when I was younger but this was because of personal circumstances. Anxiety is certainly a feature of perimenopause. Health anxiety is such a huge waste of time and energy and very unpleasant. Are you thinking of trying to address it?

Believe me I've tried - CBT, self help. Can't take antidepressants due to a serious side effect which made it ten times worse. Considering HRT, but again scared of side effects.

I'd try HRT. I had anxiety (not health related anxiety, more a general feeling of dread) and HRT really helped. I haven't noticed any negative side effects. I think there isn't an increased risk of cancer unless you have a breast cancer risk anyway (someone may be able to correct me on that here?) but your GP would only prescribe it if suitable for you anyway.

I feel for you.
I am exactly the same with my health anxiety, and like you I am too scared to try HRT.

I think what started it for me was when my cycles, which had always been regular, suddenly became unpredictable.
It's the not knowing what to expect and when.

I think health anxiety is normal as we get older. When young ill health rarely affects us then as the years go by we see people die or suffer from chronic illnesses and we then over diagnose ourselves.

Just keep busy and distracted. Easy to say don't dwell but if you find yourself stressing go on a brisk walk, bike, hoover whatever. I find keeping body and mind active is the best antidote!