Peri at 39?

[Dobie54]

Been lurking in this forum for some time but wanted to share my experience and see if it resonated at all. I am 40 this year and mum of a 3 and 5 year old. Mum started menopause in her 40s.

Around 6 months after 3 year old was born, I started having heart palpitations and went to drs for an ECG, found nothing so I upped iron supplements. I have had full bloods taken about every 6 months over the past few years, all been clear, including hormone testing last March.

But then came the crushing anxiety. I have always suffered from anxiety due to PTSD but this has been another level. Every morning I wake up with a weight on my chest, and the feeling that someone has injected me with liquid anxiety. This can go on all day sometimes, along with racing thoughts and dissociated feelings. Hand in hand with this anxiety came a sort of rage/irritation that I have struggled to describe to anyone. I mentioned to my doctor that it feels as if my bones are angry and irritated inside. Weird. It's almost impossible to parent, I find my children so irritating, which brings guilt and shame to the table as well.

Sexual issues have been rife. My libido is non existent and I have a feeling of rage when my partner touches me, despite finding him objectively attractive. Again it is the annoyed feeling inside. I feel absolutely zero during sex mostly, but I haven't the heart to say anything.

IBS issues- feeling like I'm full of gas, weird poo, nausea. Did a FIT test and coeliac all fine.

Psoriasis has gone out of control and I'm now almost covered in it. Acne all along my jaw line. Hair gets greasy almost immediately.

Brain fog is a new symptom, I'm finding it harder to construct sentences, proof reading etc and keep making stupid mistakes or saying one thing when I mean another.

Itching constantly, especially in my inner ear channels but all over at night.

Aching legs, have been using magnesium butter but still keeps me awake.

Periods are now nearly 50 days apart.

I have an appointment on Tue and my doctor has already suggested the patch and micronised progesterone. I'm nervous as I am very sensitive to meds, I really don't want to feel any worse than I already do.

Wondering if these symptoms sound familiar to anyone? I've always felt I was hormonally challenged and frequently resisted antidepressants, really hoping HRT might help me.

How are you doing? Have put my second patch on this eve and I felt some instant calm. I could feel that the last one needed changing so I guess it must be working?!

hi, i changed mine tonight too lol. It's my third one. I defo think it has helped my sleep, have slept through the night for 3 nights and that NEVER happens with me. Anxiety still up and down but do think it may have helped a bit. i have a review in 3.5 months to see how ive been getting on. Im so glad its helping you. feel free to keep in touch

Just checking in, how are you? I feel so much better on the patch now but nervous about starting the progesterone phase this evening. Have read mixed things about it, some really positive about improving sleep and anxiety but others not so

Hi! So glad you're noticing a difference and a positive one at that. I defo felt the benefit too and my sleep was so much better. I was nervous too about the progesterone one. Started it on Monday and did notice a difference. My sleep was bad again and I was really irritable for few days but settling now. Just got to keep going. It's probably just settling in the system. Let me know how you get on

How you getting on?

Generally so much better. The progesterone was a mixed bag, it helped me sleep and I was really calm, but also had horrific bloating and palpitations. I have read this can settle down. One thing I'm noticing is I can feel my patch wearing off by the day I need to change it. I'm not sure if this means it isn't strong enough?! Generally think this is the best thing I've done though, I've even had enough energy to start exercising again! How about you?