Hi there. I've already posted about going mad and today I'm having a massive anxiety/panic attack.
So trying to put things into perspective. I'm 48 and for a few months have been having sweating episodes. Anxiety and panic attacks for a few months longer than that.
The sweating is random, but does occur more when it's warm outside and when I'm eating or drinking. I have the odd night sweat, but not horrendously.
I'm terrified it's some rare cancer and not peri as my periods still come. Though they are more frequent and shorter. I've even paid for a private urine test to check for the thing I fear, though now the thought of handing that over for testing has me sick with worry.
It's so hard to deduce what's a peri symptom and what's not. My gp has ordered bloods to check hormone levels but I've heard they are unreliable at this point. I wish I'd skipped a period, then at least I'd have a clue. Anyone out there with similar experiences before I completely lose the plot? Xxx
Hi
yes I can completely understand where you are coming from.
im only 35 but mum was menopause mid to late thirties and over the last 2 years I have been to a& e a few times when I feel like I'm dying, I've had heart monitor fitted for 48 hours, ECG, X-rays on lungs, heart, you name it and 2 years on I'm still here, Albeit even more anxious than ever as I have bad palpitations, hot flushes, really bad vertigo and dizziness and nobody can find anything physically wrong with me. Sometimes I wish they could so there was an explanation, my periods are still faintly regular albeit it a bit heavy n then nothing but my fsh test came back normal because I am peri menopause, not in the menopause. Apparently this won't show up until you are in menopause but I have never felt so dreadful. I do have good days but I have really bad days too. You really are not alone in this and I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad, and you have not lost the plot, none of us have, we are just unfortunately having a really bad reaction with this bloody menopause!
make sure you look after yourself, deep breath and don't do too much because I find if I'm really tired it really takes it out of me.
take care and sorry I can't be more helpful, there will be plenty of ladies who can be tho. Love K.xx
Thanks K. Just fed up of worrying about the next flipping cancer ( it's always Cancer with me) it just makes me want to cry with exasperation. Wish my body would just leave me alone! Xxx
Exact same symptoms 3 years ago before I want on contraception, I was a mess totally, I did learn some tricks, I would carry a paper bag with me and when I had a panic atttack I would blow into it...cheese is a big panic attack none friendly product stay away from it.
Were you still having regular periods? I wish I could say they were irregular but they aren't. Bloody things! Xxx
Hi Stella,
Don't worry!! Peri menopause is different in different people, unfortunately the sweats come before your ever done with having periods , and the start of meno can be a variety of changing cycles in your period. It's not exactly the same for everyone, it just starts changing. Your changes sound very normal and a blood test might show that your hormone levels are at that place of starting to go through this. Some if the natural supplements like eve primrose helps level out your hormones a bit. Also try black cohosh. Hope your feeling less anxious!
Page 
What are the sweats like? I don't get palpitations, just rushes of sweat. The hotter it is the more it comes. I don't even go that red. Just loads of sweats. Now my bowels are joining the party. Sweats and loose bowels are also symptoms of my latest anxiety trigger. Aaa argh! Xxxx
Stella,
I found that I could bring on hot flushes sometimes when I get upset or nervous. I don't get red, just kindof sweat from within, it's definitely not fun!
It does start to affect your digestive system, but that might also be because you have been anxious. I have found drinking aloe gel in some juice with sparkling water has helped my digestion enormously! Try to relax, it's just a normal part of life, not the most fun, but great once you don't have to deal with periods anymore!! Drink a cup of tea and read up on material remedies for menopause. It will help!! Stay cool!
Page
Hi Go on Amazon,get some Meno sticks,use like pregnancy test kit,or go to Boots chemist if UK ,they do them ( £10) test your hormones at home,when it's a bad day ,go do it then .Get thyroid checked out to.
This time is a nightmare,hormones going everywhere,so many different symptoms, yes I agree with age go by what your mums age was at meno start,good guide ,even ask your aunts on mums side there age,another good age indicator.Dont let Drs fob you off,get a female dr involved.
Stella,
Sorry that's supposed to say natural remedies!!
Page
That's where I get stuck. My mum had a hysterectomy at my age. Don't know why and now she's no longer here. My only maternal aunt has massive learning difficulties so no help there. I know my mum was on HRT but can't remember when at all. Silly things you don't even think about til it's your turn and then there's no one to ask. Xxx
I am going through peri and have been for about five years now. I started when I was 35. I didn't know that the things that I was experiencing was peri, I just thought my PMS symptoms had gotten worse with age after having the kids. But after finding this forum I realized that I am in peri. Believe me I battle with those thoughts that I have some terrible illness too. But that fear and those thoughts are also associated with the change. It's called "thoughts of dread and impending doom."
Try not to torture yourself by thinking like that. I know it's easier said than done but we are all here for you. I hope this helps.
Hi Page, similar here. Kind of heat up and then swear. Sometimes heavy, sometimes not. Usually heaviest when I have a hot drink. They are the killers! Xxx
Swear?! Ok sweat then swear! Xx
Hi Stella - welcome to my world! LOL. I am 50 and everyone experiences different symptoms. Way before my peri started I had bad panic attacks/agoraphobia which robbed me of a life for nearly 10 years. Got over that in 2008. Peri started about 3 years ago and it's now developing into meno. I had regular periods up until about a year ago, and now it disappears for 3 months, comes back for 3 weeks, etc. In the last few months I have started feeling panicky again, which is scary. I don't want to go back to that "life" again. But I know it's part of peri/menopause. I am a scardy cat when it comes to doctors, results, etc, and I have other symptoms which, in my panic mode, also fear are related to cancer, heart, etc. But these are normal thoughts when one has panic attacks. I've learned a lot of coping mechanisms over the years - breathing, meditation, keeping busy, focussing on something else, counting, etc. It soon passes. Sweating is perfectly normal too. I have it a lot. I've always got wet wipes in my bag and bottles of water in my car. The heat aggravates it too. Sorry if I wasn't much help, but know that you are not alone. Am here if you have more questions. xxxxx
I was in same position,never thought about my maternal aunts at that time,and I was living away from home town,think aunts would have been to my benifit,had been at home,your mum put on HRT what age ? Even rough guess,I'd say due to Meno,hence hysterectomy,9 times out of 10 .maybe an old good friend of your mums would know,women talk hey.worth asking.
Such great words that's made me feel so much better! Gosh ladies the things we all have to bare!
Thanks Jeno that is truly a great help !
Hey Jen, thanks for your reply. Did you have the sweating even with normal periods? Looking back my panics started when I turned 44.
The sweats have been noticeable since May. I'll be glad to welcome myself to the peri club, unfortunately cos I've convinced myself ( yet again, grrr!) that it's the end I'm going to have to get my act together and do this test. Wish I hadn't flipping ordered it now. Just been on Amazon and bought the sticks so hopefully some answers there. Xxx
My sister in law could do some detection for me. There's only one woman left who would maybe know but it's down the other end of the country from me xxx