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Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2012 6:49:59 GMT
For me these problems were more a result of my menopause problems, rather than an actual menopause symptom, but for other women it could be different.
Tell us how you cope or what experiences you've had with these symptoms.
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stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
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Post by stumpy on Jul 16, 2012 6:57:57 GMT
Anxiety was the first thing i really felt when peri started although i just thought i was going mad at the time, didnt know anythign about peri menopause.My OH was the one who researched (bless him he was so worried) & kindly suggested to me I may be startign menopause. GP told me I was too young...so suffered for another 2yrs, till one day a locum GP sent me for blood tests saying she was sure I was peri by my symptoms...bad anxiety & no sleep etc. (no flushes though). I still suffer quite bad with angst on estogen days of HRT (am hoping that will go soon  ). Stumpy xx |
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Post by Gelis on Jul 16, 2012 9:41:03 GMT
I've been prone to "hormonal" bouts of depression (ie in PMS) all my life, as well as being a bit of a worrier, but the dramatic mood swings that arrived with peri were truly horrible. My GP first suggested ADs, which I refused, as I have a terror of being "zonked" and out of control. Once I insisted that I was sure that hormones were the problem she then packed me off to a gynae consultant, and he prescribed (full) HRT straight away - as I've said elsewhere, I'd been on prog only for years.
Hope you can get settled soon, Stumpy.
Gxx
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stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
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Post by stumpy on Sept 1, 2012 10:27:14 GMT
Anxiety was/is ther worst thing for me.
Nearly lost my job 2yrs ago as couldnt leave the house at all for 3months even with my hubby.
Lots better now, but still feel like i wont be the same again, was always outgoing, loudest one at a party etc etc. Not any more.
Stumpy xx
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susan
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I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member - Groucho Marx
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Post by susan on Sept 1, 2012 12:59:22 GMT
Anxiety was definitely a Peri problem for me. Like you stumpy I nearly lost what is a very good job because of it.
I was going to resign as I refused to go sick and so was going in but not really operating at the level I needed to. Cue massive amounts of guilt and feeling like my lovely colleagues were carrying me.
Doing everything to get out of the more difficult meetings etc.
I have to say though that I Am stubborn and stuck with it and as I came out of peri menopause and went over to menopause this got a lot better for me. (even without HRT or the AD the GP was trying to force down my throat.
Downside for me is that went and all the physical symptoms came.
It's a tough choice but I feel better dealing with the physical stuff than I did the anxiety, weepy, can't cope thing.
I hope this means there is light at the end of the tunnel for some peri ladies who suffer with anxiety and gives them a bit of hope.
xxxx
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stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
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Post by stumpy on Sept 1, 2012 19:34:34 GMT
Hi Susan Yes I really do feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. I can see it now since starting HRT.  I used to go into work & have to leave after coupel of hours, shaking & crying...total fear of nothing!! awful awful time. Eventually ended up not leaving the house. Work let me work from home which kept me occupied  For all the ladies who suffer from anxiety, it does get better Stumpy xx |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Sept 1, 2012 20:29:02 GMT
Pre HRT I just froze with Fear. My poker was on hold. I lost my nerve at the game. My interests diminished and I was flat and depressed. I also lacked confidence and was riddled with anxiety. I refused to dress, go out or put cosmetics on.
Every dawn after a restless night I lay in bed crying. My husband was terrified and shanghaied me into seeing a specialist for hormones. A couple of weeks later I started to feel better although he still had to drive me home after a major panic during a trip out.
It did get better though and these days I'm always interested in something and generaly very mentally active with plenty of zest for life.
Jacks
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stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
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Post by stumpy on Sept 1, 2012 20:37:43 GMT
Am glad Jacks for you.
How long have you been on HRT?
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Post by rusalka on Sept 14, 2012 14:17:12 GMT
I always had some anxiety tendencies in stressful times, but one year ago a really severe anxiety hit me from one day to another with the whole power. I didn't understand what's going on, I thought I'm getting insane! I find support and some relieve reading postings from other ladies who are in similar situation. I never heard that anxiety is one of the most annoying and common symptoms of peri! No doctor told me that, they all are telling it's all mental!
I'm now 4 weeks on estrogel, but I can't say that my anxiety is better, also the insomnia which is worsening the anxiety even more.
I will increase the dose on two pumps and see if this brings some relieve. I'm so happy when I read from you that with HRT the anxiety is getting less. Anxiety is the worse for me ( well, insomnia too...) and I so wish some relieve soon! Also my whole family is suffering with me- I'm not there for my kids as I would love to be and my marriage is also undergoing a hard challenge. I know that my husband loves me, but it's not easy for him to deal with my conditions, he feels helpless and even useless, because he can't help me or fix the problem. At least our intimacy is better again, thanks to estrogel which improved my lost libido.
What would you say- how soon on HRT your anxiety became better?
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stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
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Post by stumpy on Sept 15, 2012 8:07:38 GMT
Hi Rusalka
I have been on HRT 5 months now & anxiety is still 'in the background' but is vastly improved from before, like you i really though i was going mad.
My sleep improved say within 6-8 weeks, energy levels within a week or so, anxiety i think is slower to go, but it is getting lots better. At least now I can reason with myself that it is 'just' anxiety. Before, nobody could tell me anything, i just was hyper anxious all the time.
It will get better, I know its hard to believe at the moment. Have you tried Bach Rescue Spray? Thats quite good for taking the edge off things.
We are all here if you need to chat about this or nothing in particular, you arent alone, I found that helped me a lot!!
Stumpy xx
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susan
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I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member - Groucho Marx
Posts: 749
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Post by susan on Sept 19, 2012 7:50:56 GMT
I always had some anxiety tendencies in stressful times, but one year ago a really severe anxiety hit me from one day to another with the whole power. I didn't understand what's going on, I thought I'm getting insane! I find support and some relieve reading postings from other ladies who are in similar situation. I never heard that anxiety is one of the most annoying and common symptoms of peri! No doctor told me that, they all are telling it's all mental! I'm now 4 weeks on estrogel, but I can't say that my anxiety is better, also the insomnia which is worsening the anxiety even more. I will increase the dose on two pumps and see if this brings some relieve. I'm so happy when I read from you that with HRT the anxiety is getting less. Anxiety is the worse for me ( well, insomnia too...) and I so wish some relieve soon! Also my whole family is suffering with me- I'm not there for my kids as I would love to be and my marriage is also undergoing a hard challenge. I know that my husband loves me, but it's not easy for him to deal with my conditions, he feels helpless and even useless, because he can't help me or fix the problem. At least our intimacy is better again, thanks to estrogel which improved my lost libido. What would you say- how soon on HRT your anxiety became better? I think your anxiety will gradually respond to the extra oestrogen rusalka, but unfortunately it can take sometime to do so and it will be a matter of sticking with the HRT for the long term to bring it under control, probably some months. One of the good things though is I think things do continue to improve over the long term. I felt there were gradually improvements for up to a year in the emotional and anxiety issues and then I remeianed at this better level so long as I take the HRT. As I was post menopause so had hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal problems it got to grips with those really quickly in a matter of weeks for the first two. I'm glad it is having some effect on the libido as well.  xxxx |
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Post by rusalka on Sept 19, 2012 16:40:29 GMT
I made an interesting experience recently- I felt anxious again, although no reason from outside or from my mind, everything was just fine, but the anxiety raised from hour to hour. So I just applied another pump of estrogel and within short time I started to feel great! No anxiety, I was cheerful and energetic, although I'm in a PMS-phase of the cycle! This gave me a strong sign that my severe anxiety since one year is related to low estrogen and I'm hopeful now that if I stay on HRT I have a chance on a normal life again! Since then are few days gone and I'm applying two pumps and a half of the gel, so this is quite clear- my body needs estrogel! I feel better then ever!
I so hope this experience isn't just random and the anxiety will hit me back soon or later...
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susan
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I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member - Groucho Marx
Posts: 749
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Post by susan on Sept 19, 2012 18:01:51 GMT
Hi Rusalka
I 'm so pleased to read this, I hope it continues to work for you it's encouraging that you are getting decent results from just two and a half pumps as that is still quite a low dose.
xxxx
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Post by Robyn on Sept 19, 2012 23:32:56 GMT
Hi rusalka
That's really good news. I hope your anxiety issues continue to improve. Anxiety can be so debilitating. My anxiety only seems to be a result of my insomnia, and at the moment I'm sleeping well (thanks to my sleeping meds which I'm slowly reducing), so my anxiety is under control, and I'm hoping to keep it that way.
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Post by rusalka on Oct 8, 2012 11:30:12 GMT
Hi, here I'm again, unfortunately with bad news-my anxiety is coming back  I'm now on 2 pumps of Gynokadin( Estrogel),on some days up to 3 pumps. My newest E levels are still very low- 40 pg/ml, which has surprised me, I was expecting higher levels after increasing my daily dose. Does the body needs more time as 6 weeks to absorb enough estrogen? However, my period is missing for almost 3 weeks now and I have PMS all the time. Since one week the anxiety is there again, not as severe as before, but stronger from day to daym which is scaring me. I have tried with increased estrogel, but it didn't work anymore for me, so I'm back on 2-3 pumps. Since few days I'm using the Progesteron cream, starting with smaller dose, which helps me with breast tenderness, but I notice that I'm not only anxious and nervous, but also depressed! Depression wasn't really my symptom before. And I'm taking an AD, (Valdoxan/Agomelatine), almost 6 weeks now and I was expecting that I will be totally cheerful and positive as a result. I'm definitely not. Also my sleep problems are increasing together with the anxiety. I really don't understand what's going on. Is my estrogen level still to low, or I need more progesteron ( which was very low) and I should take the prescribed dosage of 100 mg as a capsule, not as a cream? Or the both hormones are not well balanced, that's why the anxiety and depression? I have high prolactin ( 90) due to my pituitary tumor, so maybe this is the cause for anxiety and depression. But I can't take the meds for prolactin, they are making me even more depressed, fatigued and dizzy all the time, I actually feel better without the meds. At the moment I don't know what to do. My gyno wants to see me in december, till then I should continue with 2 pumps ( or better with only 1) of estrogel and 100mg progesterone as a capsule. Should I follow this instruction and have more patience? I can tolerate a lot, but not the anxiety... Tonight I'm going into sleep laboratory to see if they found out something about my sleep problems. Does some of you made similar experience- an improvement of the symptoms at the beginning of BHRT, but worsening after a while? Some other advice, idea? My life was very positive during last weeks, I was enthusiastic, working on my career as a writer, my marriage was good, but now I see everything as a problem, I worry about everything, I see only darkness and no hope for me Thanks for listening! |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 11:53:06 GMT
Rusalka
During peri hormone levels can plummet very quickly. I suspect you need more progesterone to balance the estradiol. If you are suffering flashes and sweats then re examine the dosage of estrogel with the idea of raising it. During starting BHRT it is not uncommon to constantly chase hormone doses as your body starts rto falter in providing them.
Jacks
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Post by rusalka on Oct 8, 2012 12:38:02 GMT
Hi Jacks,
thanks for your reply!
I actually don't have sweats and hot flashes at all ( which I would love to change for the anxiety...). Yes, probably I have to increase Progesteron. Tonight I will start with the 100 mg capsule instead of the P-cream, which contents much less P.
Can you tell me how long did you need to find your individual dose and a constant improvement of your main symptoms?
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 13:02:37 GMT
Rusalka
I had complications caused by my thyroid disease but I can tell you I got very quick results from increasing my progesterone.
Jacks xxx
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Post by rusalka on Oct 8, 2012 13:09:22 GMT
Thanks, this is giving me hope and trust in Progesterone!
xoxo
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Post by rusalka on Oct 8, 2012 14:18:24 GMT
I was only on Gynokadin(estrogel) for almost 8 weeks, one week ago I have started with 6% progesteron cream, but my gyno told me on the telephone on friday that I need to take progesteron in a capsule, 100 mg in the evening. He thinks that 2 pumps of estrogel are actually more then enough. ( I didn't tell him that on some days I take 3 pumps). He also thinks ( well, his lab too) that optimal estrogen levels for my age are between 50 and 150 pg/ml.
Ic have already changed three gyno's during the last year, so this one is the best till now. A privat doctor I can't effort at the moment, so I have to stick with this one.
Regarding the AD I have started with it because I was so hopeless due to my insomnia, I couldn't sleep more then one hour at the end, so I was afraid I will end in a sanatory. So this special AD for sleep problems was my last chance, I couldn't wait longer if the HRT is gonna work for me soon.
But I have a feeling this AD don't work for anxiety or depression, it only helps with sleep. I'm on a very low dose.
Did I understand you right- you are taking 100 mg Progesterone for 7 days in the month? Not longer? I should take it from the day 12 till day 28 and then stop if the period comes.
When I increased Gynokadin gel on 3 pumps, my anxiety was also practically gone. Maybe I should stay constant on this dose... Now I use 3 pumps only every third day, I was afraid to overdose myself... You know, if the doc says to you don't use more then 2 dose, even this is a lot, the body must first get used on estrogel absorbtion, so later I will need much less estrogen...
Maybe I should try it again with 3 pumps, combined with 100mg Progesterone... It's not easy, when you can't trust the doctor completely...
Today the depressive mood is much better, the anxiety was severe at the morning and then I drank a passion flower tea which seems to help. At the moment the anxiety is quite low. But I don't know what will the evening bring or the next morning...
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 14:54:15 GMT
Optimal levels for you age mean levels equating to menopausal symptoms. You need levels of a woman not suffering symptoms to function properly. Mine are 469 pg/ml
Jacks
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Post by rusalka on Oct 8, 2012 15:23:49 GMT
Optimal levels for you age mean levels equating to menopausal symptoms. You need levels of a woman not suffering symptoms to function properly. Mine are 469 pg/ml Jacks wow, so high! my doc would faint if he would hear this :-) And you take only 100 mg Progesterone daily? |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 15:29:23 GMT
Optimal levels for you age mean levels equating to menopausal symptoms. You need levels of a woman not suffering symptoms to function properly. Mine are 469 pg/ml Jacks wow, so high! my doc would faint if he would hear this :-) And you take only 100 mg Progesterone daily? Yes 100mg daily and my endometrial lining is fine. Jacks |
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 17:09:27 GMT
I think it can be over kill with a high ratio of progesterone being prescribed due to a fear of endometrial build up. I had a scan last year and my lining was 7.00 mm the year before it had been 7 mm. The explanation was that the thing to watch for was that the lining didn't get thicker but 7mm was fine.
My personal view on estradiol is that if it isn't removing ALL of the symptoms either the dose is too low or maybe something else is implicated ( in my case thyroid) My philosophy is simple I want circulating amounts of estradiol etc which mimic a younger woman. In my opinion if I do not alleviate all of my symptoms then I'm taking a slight risk of breast cancer for minimal gain. When I contribute to a pot - I don't want to risk not winning everything if this makes sense and I am not prepared to suffer abdominal obesity, depression and anxiety due to my age.
You ever hear of men getting told that they should be happy to exist on minimal testosterone?
Jacks
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Post by jacksfullofaces on Oct 8, 2012 18:42:39 GMT
Men don't get told to live with a hormone deficiency because they would refuse to comply. I can just see some guy being told "reduced sexual libido perfectly natural at your age" My husband would blow his stack and when will they introduce Viagra The Musical featuring men waving their under pants in front of their shrivelled manhoods? Okay to laugh at women with Menopause The Musical though. As far as I see it if my clit isn't working then my husband is in for a rotten time as he is still mad keen on bedroom games. Seriously though if our bodies put out decent amoubts of hormones pre menopause - presumably they helped keep us healthy. Auto immune disease usually attacks women in menopause and the drugs are horrendous with risks and side effects which out strip hormone use - but women are expected to swallow these toxic substances. A friend of mine has inflamatory breast cancer( never used HRT) so they lopped off the breast then she developed dermyositis which she had high doses of prednisone for. This caused Cushing Syndrome and now they are drugging her with methotrexate. As a result she sits in a darkened house with open sores and skin which splits. Her hair has fallen out in clumps and her face, back and neck are swollen (courtesy of doctors medications for dermyositis and Cushing Syndrome) I would rather take my DHEA which offers some protection against auto immune disease. Maybe there aren't umpteen dumb trials authorising its use but it doesn't cause liver damage, diminished quality of life and depression. No thanks  Jacks |
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