Period making anxiety worse?

[MrsDThaskala]

After some related experiences or not. I’m 46 and I’ve noticed these last few months- probably more, my anxiety is worse around my period time. Now I’m sure you’ll say this is normal, but is it? Like through the roof, anxious to the point I can’t relax at all, jumpy, can’t sit still, bad thoughts, bad sleep. Two cycles ago, I was on during my holiday and I posted about holiday anxiety. This cycle I’m on before a holiday and now I’m thinking is it my period? Is it a menopause thing? Currently beginning to pace around the house, not able to relax. Any ideas? I feel like going to the doctors!

Yes! This is exactly me lately. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety (health anxiety) following a medical issue about 8 yrs ago. Over the past year my anxiety has ramped up, and I’ve realised it is around my period. I have spoken to my epilepsy nurse who has agreed it could well be related. I can’t take HRT so that doesn’t help!
My mum had exactly the same issues until she went through the menopause so I’m hoping I will be the same!

Thank you for replying! I mean I guess it’s always there but very manageable and I feel I can cope, but the last two cycles have really bothered me. Like I can really see a difference.

It’s horrid. I’m given a ‘rescue’ drug for if I feel panicky as it could be the start of a seizure apparently. My consultant has said I should now (as of next month) take it for five days around my period as it really does seem to be the hormones affecting my anxiety.

I was thinking about rescue remedy. Nothing too strong. Don’t know if it’ll help. So you think it’s an age issue thing? Or an anxiety thing? Or period thing?

This is not just you and I noticed my anxiety is sometimes worse near my period. It feels as if the anxiety is ramped up and you're afraid/worried of even the most trivial things. It was so bad during one cycle a few months ago I felt very depressed, hopeless and worthless. It definitley has changed since hitting my late 30s and you are not alone in this. The bad thoughts and terrible sleep collide and it feels much worse in the middle of the night and tears run down your face and your mind says what are you even doing being alive. It honestly feels quite horrific and then the pmt ends and the mind tricks go. I have beta blockers that help with physical symptoms, but these hormonal changes have made my anxiety go through the roof too.

I think it’s the hormone thing. I’m 50 and things seem to be happening peri wise. As I said, it happened to my mum at exactly the same stage so I reckon that’s what it is.
It’s worth giving rescue remedy a go…can’t hurt!

I get it too and have been using rescue remedy, it does take the edge off. I’ve also started taking a daily probiotic, which I think also helps.
I’m the same as you, general anxiety with a ramping up with hormonal fluctuations.

Absolutley this! I’m so relieved to hear it’s Not just in my head (sorry you have to go through it). This morning, I woke up
and thought my god I feel sacred- I need a doctor! But I don’t really need to! What probiotic? Thank you for sharing.

You are not alone in feeling this way and it's not often spoken about having bad anxiety and the hormonal changes with pmt especially after 35. You should see your doctor if it impacts you a lot though and see if you can have any meds. Sorry, I am not on any herbal/probiotic for it and just have my beta blockers. If you do take any meds already for your anxiety, then check to see if it is ok to take anything like rescue remedy that someone else suggested, incase it clashes with your prescribed meds.

It’s called “biocultures complex” (daily tablet) off Amazon.