Hello everyone . I am currently on at the moment , pretty heavy , but thankfully not as bad last month when I literally flooded everyone whilst out . Luckily I was in my car by the time it got really bad . Had to change all my clothes when I got home ( sorry if tmi ) . This month I am almost off my anti depressants , citalopram , so I don’t know if this isn’t helping matters . I am on day 2 of my period feeling testy , depressed , lethargic , headachy and my stomach feels unsettled and a bit nauseous . Should I be worried as my anxiety levels are also sky high . Advice needed please , as I’m now worried that I will go back to the way I was before I started the anti depressants , but my doctor wants me off them as she says they are not a long term thing . I started them just over two years ago following the death of my mum . I am 50 . Thank you , Jane X
Hi Jane - I am sorry for your discomfort. I remember those days when I could not leave the house for fear of my crazy flooding episodes. I am 61 and 5 years past getting my period, but have loads of symptoms now. My only explanation for getting so many symptoms late is that I had to be a sole caregiver to my parents & my mind & body were just in “overdrive” & now that they have passed my hormones or lack there of have wrecked havoc. I am only telling you this, because it sounds like you may be the same way. We really have to allow our bodies to decompress from stress. Stress makes menopause symptoms so much worse. I think for me, my adrenals are shot and that’s the reason for the high cortisol, high blood pressure & over the top anxiety. A rain storm gives me anxiety because all I think about is there could be flash flooding instead of focusing on how all the water will make the crops, flowers and trees grow. I am trying desperately not to live my life in fear, but it’s a struggle. I personally am so sensitive to RX’s that I choose not to go that route, but instead have relied on acupuncture and the Chinese herbs she prescribes for anxiety. They keep me calm without any druggie side affects...it’s worth looking into. I also take my B vitamins, D, E & magnesium- give it a try. I am not completely without symptoms but it does help.
I just got off my antidepressants this last month as well, as I found out that all of my symptoms were me going through menopause. Trust me, you aren't crazy, and the anxiety is hormone related. It helped me to realize that. It takes getting used to not feeling numb and that is is normal to have highs and lows. One thing I still use right now while I am waiting on my bhrt is beta blockers...it blocks the effects of the anxiety you are feeling...sort of like you know its there, but your heart isn't beating hard and you can relax on your own, its not a drugged out thing. Maybe ask about getting on some of those while you are transitioning?
Thank you Casey . I am on proponolol for my migraines already . I think that I’ve just got to ride all these symptoms out . I know that I’m not the only one by far , but that still doesn’t make it any easier . Hopefully it will settle down after my period finishes .