Anxiety and Menopause

[Miswan]

I am new here and was wondering if anyone else has experienced anxiety with the onset of peri menopause or menopause? My anxiety attacks started back in February and revolved around my insomnia. I am currently on Lexapro which has worked wonderfully except for the sudden weight gain. I recently had another anxiety attack and just hate that overwhelming feeling of dread and inability to lie down even for a second. I was taking ambien but have stopped taking it recently which caused the anxiety to return. I am starting an exercise routine and hope that helps with everything. If anyone has had experience or any thoughts -please share!

[Pearl67]

So sorry! Am just entering the life of pre-meno myself (have not stopped yet) It is an emotional tornado. Physical too, at times.

The exercise should certainly help! Keep us posted!

[Miswan in reply to Pearl67]

Hi there! It can be a total emotional roller coaster! And if I don’t get enough sleep it makes it harder! Thank you!

[Pearl67 in reply to Miswan]

And I do NOT sleep now😝 it’s awful!

[Sprinkle1]

Hello yes menopause can cause havoc, I went thru it, from what I have read it is the hormonal changes that are going on in the body, that also affect the brain. Does not seem like there is much help, the exercise should help. Might not hurt to talk with a psychiatrist, they know so much about the brain and meds needed to tame it. You and Pearl67 have my empathy, do not blame yourself or give up on yourself, it will end. Be good and kind to yourselves everyday, read any pertinent information you can lay your hands one, go online. I wish you well and send love and understanding, peace and good health. Sprinkle 1 xxx

[Miswan in reply to Sprinkle1]

Thank you for the encouragement-knowledge is power! I have been researching all I can about anxiety which led me here so I won’t give up! 🙂

[gogogirl]

Yes- went through meno some years back, and after after that. I also found that exercise helps. I have other issues., but I know that meno can put a lot of stress on the mind and the body. Do you get hot flashes? I have some, but not as many as others.

[Miswan]

Hi gogogirl- I have started to run more hot and then get cold and then hot again. My wardrobe has changed because I now wear layers! I haven’t gotten the night sweats yet and I hope I don’t because it’s hard enough to sleep.

[Pearl67]

And night sweats! Dear Lord🤦🏻‍♀️! Change my sheets sometimes 4 times a week!!!! It is not all the time or even every month, but when they hit😝

[Sweetpea62]

Hi I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from anxiety. From one anxiety sufferer to another, I do understand even when too most it can seem ridiculous. Its great that you are starting to do some exercise. I also have an App on my phone, Insight Timer which has meditations , talks and teachers. I find it really good. I too have been suffering from insomnia and that effects so much of how we feel mentally and physically. I have found, staying off my phone and reading in bed can be helpful to falling asleep. I had my first descent sleep in 2 weeks recently and it felt amazing. I hope this will be helpful for you.