Why do I feel like this? Scared and constantly on edge

[CoastalGrey]

I don’t know if it’s menopause or what (I’m 53 but on the Pill so don’t know when I last had a period). Life is fairly stressful but I’ve coped with worse.

I’ve become increasingly anxious about things that never used to bother me - driving certain routes in particular. I’m so intolerant to noise that I have to play music or wear headphones to drown out anything external. I can’t bear feeling trapped - have to book aisle seats, things like that. I feel always on edge and can’t relax, I buy books but don’t read them, can’t concentrate on tv so watch things I’ve seen a million times. I just don’t feel like myself - I used to be strong and relatively sorted now I’m scared and panicky and I don’t understand it.

Can anyone suggest what on earth is going on?

Feeling overwhelmed is how I knew I needed HRT

I was like this and hrt made me feel normal again. Had 2 months off work and was so anxious I couldn't even go out to my garden.

Hrt has helped me a lot but not enough now, so I have just started counselling too.

I thought at 53 I should be heading towards the end of menopause so it didn’t seem worth trying HRT.

But you feel like this because your hormones are low. They will stay low and you will feel like this unless you replace them

If you don't already, it's worth taking magnesium every day to see if that helps a bit. HRT would be better though.

I have an adult child but live alone. I have a lovely partner and good friends but a very stressful job and a family who need more than I feel I can give.

I don’t know if I’m happy. I have moments but life seems to bring more stress than pleasure.

I walk when I can and I do feel better for it but it’s hard to fit it in - I know I should prioritise though.

I have a feeling my blood pressure may be quite high - could this be contributing?

I recently started mounjaro which has lowered my BP to normal and it’s amazing how much calmer and buoyant I feel. I would defo take your high BP to your GP and see if they can help.

@Thentulip more than it should be but it’s a vicious circle isn’t it, a glass of wine is one of the few things that relaxes me. I’m not drinking a stupid amount though and I have at least 3 days a week when I don’t.

I’ve booked a dr appointment - they asked to see me face to face so hopefully I’ll start getting some answers.

Hope your appointment goes well.