Hi, iv been going through perimenopause for about 4-5 years I think. When I look at symptoms iv been getting. Started having sleep problems, which I never suffered with before. Periods have become shorter, 2-3days. Two years ago I had a gap where I missed several periods, then they came regular again. Went through a patch of hot flushes, still get them but not as bad. And now suffering really bad with anxiety and started getting panic attacks, having really weird feelings, sensations, emotions, feeling dizzy, disoriented, almost feel disconnected sometimes like things don't feel real. It's really scaring me, feels like my brain runs away with me, scary thoughts, then feel like I'm loosing my mind or terrified I'm going to loose it. Also last few months iv had severe irritability, mood swings, feel low, severe pain in hips and joints and now spots again. Feel like I'm a teenager again. And I'm 46 next month. Can anyone help me with advice..? does anyone else relate to these symptoms...? do you think it is perimenopause?
Forgot to ask also if anyone knows or can give advice on when you know perimenopause is coming to an end.
As can’t seem to find any proper information on it..
I am 55 and have had every possible symptom. I thought I was period free and had some spotting a few months back, so I had to start counting again.
I have had, in the past, and recently wobbly leg feeling and light headed. My anxiety is off the charts.
Just today, I was out food shopping, and I had a weak arm and started feeling bizarre that I had to leave the store. ( I chalk this up to an anxiety/panic attack) I couldnt get out fast enough.
I have been to cardiologist, had a stress test and echocardiogram done. All was said to be fine.
I sometimes wonder myself if these horrible feelings really can be perimenopause. Is it possible it can be this bad?
Thank you for your reply…
Yes it’s so horrible isn’t it, I think alot of it is down to the hormones, even though I question it to, as there are so many severe and strange symptoms. But from all Iv read so many women get wiered and horribly wonderful symptoms 
hi Rachael,
Yes I’m sorry to say this is what happened to me during peri. All of the above, anxiety off the scale. i had these symptoms for at least 2 yrs before periods stopped aged 47. im 3 years menopausal now at 50, much better tho still on low dose betablockers and prozac for anxiety. 1/3 of the dose of when i was really bad 2 years ago. anxiety still lurks in stressful situations. it changed my life, i didnt work for a year (after working for 25 years!) back working part time and trying to get more hours but finding it challenging at times, i should probably up my dose a bit! so yes, it can be horrendous and turn you from a normal functioning,working, well balanced person to an anxiety ridden wreck! i guess they don’t call it the Change for nothing! Once you’ve not had a period for a year you’re considered menopausal. my doc said 2 yrs to be safe from pregnancy risk. like im interested in sex any more lol. the joys!
hi !!! you have described everything ive been going through the last 3 years. its as if i wrote that post. please know that you are not alone. i had no one to talk to and really thought ( and still do) think im going crazy… its scary but i am so so thankful i found this forum… ive had anxiety in the past and panick attacks but got over them. but they came back really bad. blood work fine. ive been in menopause for 2 years… my fsh is peri was 107. its now 92… mornings sre the worst for me and my anxiety my heart pounds and hands tremble soooooo annoying!!!please know you ARE NOT alone!!! hugs to you!!!
Thanks for the reply 
it’s reassuring to know its not just me having these wiered feelings then… As you do sometimes feel like your going to be carted away with men in white jackets lol 
I laugh now but it really can make you feel unhinged…
So thank you for replying, glad I’m not alone. Only pray it eases soon.
Take care
Thank you for your reply… Can’t believe I have got replies already.
But making me feel less alone and a little more normal knowing you also have said you have the same symptoms. It really is scary, but this site is helping already, so grateful I found it and for the rapid responses from you lovely lady warriors out there.
We need a blumming medal going through this!!!
Thank you again, hugs back to you.
Rachel - you have put into words so much of what I still feel off and on each month!!
I am so much better than I was when this all hit and I’m hoping it’s because of the over the counter progesterone and estriol cream I started. Do I consider stopping it because I’m concerned about “messing with my natural drop in hormones”…yes, I think about stopping it weekly. But - then I remember how awful all of the symptoms were and I’m scared at the thought of going through that again. Some women have a sharp and sudden drop of hormones and I think that’s why the change is so rough for some of us- that’s my theory.
I’m so sorry Rachel…it totally sounds like Peri. The comfort I find on this forum has helped me so much. I missed my first period this summer and the cycles are all different.
It’s hard isn’t it? That feeling of being disconnected; today that’s the one that I’ve been thinking about the most.
It’s like I’m having this feeling of withdrawing from my friends and loved ones and the way I used to be.
Right now I don’t like it. I want to go back to who I was.
It reminds me of when I went from elementary to middle school and everything I knew about life and being a kid seemed to change so rapidly and I hated seeing how quickly the loss of innocence happened. That’s how this feels to me. It seemed to happen so fast and overnight. Rapid aging. Rapid symptoms. There was no gradual, tapering off.
The thing is - I’m not depressed. I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling; but your title - strange feelings - I could so relate.
This forum is amazing and you will find such great support and wisdom. Take care!
you are very welcome!! i loved your statement about being carried away i away in a straight jacket!! boy, how many times have i thought that!! mine was usually saying i need to be in a corner of a room in a white straight jacket rocking back and forth while saying “i know im not going crazy, i know im not going crazy”!!lol in fact, i said it to my mom and sister just today!!! ugh !!! i feel like i cant think straight sometimes ! very tiring!! hugs to you!!!
You are not alone Rachael. By the way you described your symptoms, I’m going through the same things you are experiencing. The worst for me is the anxiety and the doom and gloom thoughts that are worse when I wake up in the morning. It’s like they come in waves. Some days are really bad. I work full time and sometimes I just cannot concentrate on my work. I’m not on HRT or any anti-depressant but my doctor prescribed me lorazepam for my anxiety on as needed basis. I exercise as much as I can and try to eat healthy. I avoid caffein. I also practice meditation. Praying gives me hope. So far, these things help me but as I said, these symptoms come in waves. I can stand the hot flushes and headaches here and there but the anxiety is the worst. I’m 51 by the way. Take care everyone.
Yes it can. How else would you explain women going to the doctor, positive they’re dying and are given every test imaginable, yet all the tests come back normal. Menopause is the craziest roller coaster ever!
YES IT IS!!!
Hi Rachael…I can relate and empathize with every single symptom. You are hardly alone and you’re not losing your marbles.
Morning Rachel
In my opinion you are not going mad and your symptoms are ones I’ve had, I beleive I began to change when I was around 42 with various symptoms.
I now 57 & I feel the worst of what we can exoerience is over.
I did use some incredible supplements to help me through the last 3 yrs of pain, severe tiredness and at times depression. Rest in the knowledge that you are not alone.
Your friend Alison x
Hi Alison - out of interest which supplements did you use that helped? I am taking various supplements (Sage Complex has been the best) and I am always interested in sharing more supplement info thx Max x
HI are you on any medication at all
HI can you tell me the names of the cream please
Dear Racheal
Im three e years post meno and one of the many meno symptoms that i had was panic attacks and anxiety and at times i would feel like my head would go wierd and feelings of panic would suddenly rush over me out of the blue. I felt quite out of control when this happened but it did pass
Hi Max
I drink 99.7% pure aloe gel daily I take 1 bee pollen tab daily which is enough for my daily energy levels, I also take vitolize women and use royal gelly tabs when I’m most amxious. I do use a couple of other items but these helped my symptoms straight away, within days. I declined hrt for many reasons as I wanted to intervene nutritionally
hope that helps
if you would like a link to these products I’m happy to send you a link
Alison x