Hi.
I'm just looking for any tips or non-prescription ideas for anxiety and panic attacks brought on by peri-menopause. Has anyone had success with anything OTC?
I went to my GP last year after seeing lots on TV about symptoms of Peri and full menopause. I realised all the things that I had started to experience a year before could be directly linked to the start of menopause. I also used the NHS Menopause advice website which has a questionnaire available and it told me my answers matched. It advised contacting my GP.
I did so and was granted an appointment with a nurse, who agreed with me that it did sound like I may need some intervention, although I said I wasn't keen on HRT because of a history of breast cancer in my family. She did a blood test and said one of the GPs would be in touch.
The GP was possibly the most patronising and ignorant person I've spoken to yet. She would not let me get a word in edgeways on the phone and said the blood test showed O wasn't "post-menopause" so she couldn't do anything.
I pointed out I and the nurse didn't think I was post menopause but that my symptoms are actually having a hugely detrimental effect.
I can't sleep, so I'm permanently tired. I have memory lapses. My bones ache and I constantly have migraines. I have debilitating sense of doom, and I have no motivation to do anything. The panic attacks are vile and the hot sweats and flushes make me feel like I'm on fire. I'm usually a very easy going person but I can snap at people now over anything which then makes me feel ashamed! It's awful. My hair is also thinning and that upsets me as well as I'm convinced I'll end up bald.
But all she said was it could be "anything" and to consult the NHS Menopause website. When I pointed out I had done that, hence why she was speaking to me she said "well go have a look" and that was it.
I don't think I've slept in 6 months more than an hour here or there and as a result I'm so bad at remembering even basic things.
I clearly am not going to get anywhere with the GP so if anyone in the hive mind can recommend something I'd really appreciate it. I literally dread going to bed because the nights are the worst for anxiety and panic attacks.