Hi, I'm 47 years old and perumrnopausal. It's only recently my periods have gone irregular but started with anxiety about 12-18mths ago. I went to GP as my heart was pounding (127bpm) who did ECG and bloods and everything was ok. He prescribed propranolol which does help but the anxiety seems to be getting worse, feeling nauseous, chest pain, left shoulder pain, occasional light numbness in right arm(all symptoms of anxiety/panic attack. Just would appreciate other people's experiences so I know I'm not going mad !!!
Hi Sarah I'm also 47 and I had the same experience as you, I'm now on antidepressants for my anxiety and it's helped me so much x
Hi Sarah, I was put on propranolol in the hospital for heart palps last year. I took myself off soon after. It lowers your heart rate, yes,...but it also lowers your BP. Mine runs on the low end anyways. I was lightheaded, weird feeling. Woke up in the morning with a scary slow heartbeat. Was not for me. Hated it! I am on an AD for peri anxiety until i can can my hormones sorted out.
As i say i do have propranolol which I can take 3 a day of but up to now been trying to avoid, but think now I will have to go for it. I literally stepped off a plane in the early hours of this morning after a week in Spain and for the last 3 days I have felt sick, dizzy, chest pain and anxious but had no tablets with me. Do you find anything else helps?
HI Sarah, I am 5 mg escitroplam (lexapro) anti depressant. Just started it 5 wks ago. It takes a couple of months of continuous use. There are side effects, and they can be lousy. BUT, I am 41 and having a hard time getting proper hormone care. In my case, anxiety is a symptom of a hormone imbalance. But, so far it is helping me while I get that sorted out.
Proponol is a beta blocker, usually for irregular beats, heart conditions, however, some drs prescribe for anxiety, even migraines...just tweak dosages.
It may work fine fir you...it just didn’t agree with me, but my BP runs low anyway😀
Hi Sarah if you want to try something more natural for heart palps that does the same thing that propranol does without the side effect. You can try hawthorn or motherwort tincture , both of thes are for heart palps and menopause symptoms: anxiety, insominoa, heart palps, etc. I was referred by my herbalist to use these. I also tried the propranol and ended up going to a lung specialist from fluid around my lung. My herbalist explained why that happened from the med. But thank God it was no longer there when i got to the specialist. I was told that by my cardiologist, only went for heart palps after taking propranol led to something else.
Hello
I’m 48 and My periods are regular but I get the same exact symptoms as you the pain on my left shoulder I notice I get it before my period and the chest pains. I also when i turned 46 I developed this inflammation on the top of my scalp is itching, burning and scally I’m puttin meds but not working.
I get night sweats between my breast and back some nights.
Thank you .. I will perhaps just take one before work on a daily basis and see how that works. I was keen to hear how perimenopause/menopause affected us ladies and their symptoms.
I’ve suffered with panic anxiety for over 10 years and had NO idea it was due to hormones . I’m 52 now and have been on the HRT patch 3 weeks which is helping with all of that . It has made me a bit ‘down’ but maybe just hormones adjusting .
I suggest you get a full blood panel as once you get on the panic anxiety rollercoaster it’s hard to get off . It becomes your life and limits you from doing things .
Would I get these from somewhere like Holland and Barrett??
Welcome Sarah, I’m also 47 and my first peri-related doctor visit was for recurring panic attacks at age 43. My periods are irregular and I struggle with anxiety but work full-time and try to take it a day at a time. I don’t take anything for the anxiety but find that deep breathing helps some. I hope you find the best option for your anxiety. This is not an easy phase of life. Take care. 🌸
Im not familiar with Holland and Barrett. I am in the US. But if its a heath food store then yes you will be able to find it there or maybe a vitamin store. Another option is to order it online.
Thank you Liz. I also work full time and so far have no issues with that and even though my bosses are both male have told them that I'm peri and they were fine. I can be ok for days and think I'm fine and then it just got me. It's a relief to join this group and no other people are going through the same thing as when the anxiety hits I can't help thinking that my heart is giving out even though I know its not.
Dear Sarah
I'm three years post menopausal, I did start going into menopause at 51 but due to family history I had ovaries out so was plunged straight into menopause. I had terrible anxiety and panic attacks, takinng vitamins for over 50's helped and things have settled unfortunately I experienced many other symptoms in peri but they have passed, it is a long and uncertain journey but light at the end, stay strong x
Thank you so much .. I really appreciate it. Is there anything in particular you would recommend. I am willing to try anything.
Dear Sarah
I dont think we can name names on here but a good quality multivitamin for the over fifties after a time calmed my anxiety, plus avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can trigger panic attacks x