Hi all. I’m 43 and have suffered bouts of depression and anxiety for most of my life. I have been on sertraline for 10 years, mostly successfully but I did have to increase my dose two years ago.
Until a few months ago I hadn’t suffered any anxiety for about 14 years but on holiday in May, I had it badly for a few days. It’s not like a panic attack but like days of racing heart, nausea and general panic. I can’t focus on anything or sleep. Once home, it dissipated but it just started a few days ago again.
I have noticed that each time has been in the week leading up to my period and I’m trying to work out if this is a link.
I’ve wondered for the last year if I was heading into perimenopause as I have definitely had brain fog and my periods are very light and short but I don’t know for sure. My mum went through the menopause in her early 50’s but my sister (47) has endometriosis, triggering early menopause, and has had a full hysterectomy in the last 6 months so I don’t feel I have anyone to directly compare myself to. I am child-free and on the pill so don’t know about endo in myself.
Can anyone advise? Do I need an antidepressant review? Is it time to ask about HRT?