Severe Anxiety through Perimenopause

[Booblet]

Hi everyone,

I was told that Perimenopause /Menopause can leave women with severe anxiety. Which includes me.

My anxiety is through the roof (as well as severe depression)

However, the question I want to ask, is if anybody knows any medication for just anxiety that really works?

Kind Regards to you all,

[Sasical]

Hi Booblet

I have had anxiety all my life but since peri it seems to be on another level. Last year it was so bad that I finally gave in to taking meds (which is something I was terrified of doing due to a previous severe reaction to a medication) and I have to say it has helped quite a bit, I still get some anxiety but nowhere near as bad. This time last year I was a nervous wreck, shaking and sweating from the second I opened my eyes, now I'm sooo much better. I take Mirtazapine and Gabapentin.

I also started doing yoga and a bit of mindfulness.

If you want to ask anything don't hesitate to get in touch x

[Booblet in reply to Sasical]

Thank you so much for your reply. Its really helped. I understand about 'anxiety through the roof' with perimenopause... I tried Mirtazapine but I piled on weight and unfortunately got so sluggish and tired which, with having M. E was horrendous.

But, like you, Mirtazapine really helped my anxiety.. its just so really anoyinf I can't take it.

What is Gabapentin? I may try that? I'm taking Venlafaxine (anti depressant) at the moment, it's OK but I need something specific for my horrendous anxiety, which has increased -

10 fold since peri.

Have you tried HRT? Like you, I have had bad side effects.

I'm so glad your feeling much better, Mirtazapine is a good medicine.

I have started yoga once a wk, and it helps, but I want to go more. How often do you go?

Please keep in touch.. And thanks again

[Sasical in reply to Booblet]

Yes Booblet I have put on loads of weight on Mirt too, but to be honest I was in such a bad place that the pros outnumbered the cons.

Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug that is also used for neuropathic pain and off-label for anxiety. Since I can't take benzodiazepines due to having dependency problems with them when I was younger that is why I was given Gabapentin.

I have not tried HRT, I sometimes think I will try it but I'm very afraid of meds.

I recently found out I have a vit B12 defficiency which can apparently cause anxiety and depression, so I'm addressing that. Have you had this checked?

I only have time to do yoga class once a week and I then sneak a few exercises at work when no one is looking lol

[Booblet in reply to Sasical]

Hi,

I'm so glad your feeling a lot better, you seem to have really gone through it.

. . I really wish I could start taking Mirtazapine again, it is the drug that really worked for my anxiety, but it is impossible for me to take with having M E and other illnesses example Excema and Severe arthritis which weight gain (from drug) is too much..

Forgot to mention, I'm taking Lamotrigine as well, - it's OKish..

Your B12 deficiency.. How often are you having injections? I have them every 8 wks. Apparently, it can really help to have b12 injections more often. Can you believe I have all the needles and b12 meds but anxiety really gets in the way of doing absolutely anything, even simple things, which you will be well aware of...

Anyway, please contact me if you need anything at all, it has been lovely speaking with you.

Booblet

[Sasical in reply to Booblet]

Booblet well I don't even have the B12 shots because I'm too afraid, at the moment I'm on oral B12 and depending on my next results the doc will decide wether I definitely have to have shots or if oral is ok.

Shame about the Mirt but hopefully you will find something else that helps without the weight gain. I don't know if you're from England but I remember I used to buy some tea when I travelled to the UK called Tranquillity Tea by Dr. Stuarts (Holland and Barret stocked it and also some of the smaller independent heath food stores), I remember that was very effective for anxiety.

Same here, nice to talk and get in touch if you need x

[Booblet]

Hi,

Thanks for your message. It's common knowledge that Perimenopause /Menopause can be a factor of the above.

I am well aware of estrogen and Progesterone, and it is the estrogen active hormone in our bodies that reduces and causes certain symptoms that, in different women (and studies!) can be horrendous, me included.

Many medical disciplines are well aware of this.

Wth respect to your statement that quote, "its debilitating and its manageable", what evidence have you got to support this?

Maybe read and research your statement? And look at area/subject, example, menopause and anxiety for starters?

Well aware of CBT and its components as an alternative, I have had CBT like most of the people on this site that need it. The problem is the waiting list here, are you from Great Britain?..

With reference to your suggestion of a female doctor GP, why not a male GP doctor? Yes, my hormones are all over the place, which again is a natural progression in perimenopause /and menopause. And is with pmt, but you will know that.

Alternative medicine can help with anxiety, but the question I asked is, "if anybody knows of any medication just for Anxiety that works, example, evidence from either there selves or other evidences. I have gone down the alternative route, now I am having to examine the medical model (as opposed to alternative).

Have you proven suggestions?

And please, please examine your statement, 'not debilating and not manageable' see suggestions above for evidential research.

[Blackpanther46]

Hi have you heard of serenity cream - progesterone cream . It’s good for period issues peri menopausal and menopause symptoms . Applied through the skin . 😊