topic Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause in Anxiety

Anxiety and Perimenopause

EmmaL21 — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:58:47 GMT

I have had chronic anxiety since 2016, but I have always managed to keep it at bay with medication/exercise.

in August 2023 things started changing. Anxiety was consistent. I do have a lot of life stressors inc family, work, moving.
Periods slightly started changing but nothing too serious. I had been to the dr and he told me it could be perimenopause. I dismissed it thinking I was too young. I did eventually start medication for 4 weeks and it made everything worse. So I stopped and went to another Dr. August I changed my medication as it wasn’t getting any better. Slowly started feeling better. However September came and things started going south again. Periods have started changing shorter, sharper, pain in my right hip, and every 2/3 weeks chronic anxiety attack that can last up to 1 week. Waking up in panic almost each morning. I have to take medication when needed to stop the panic. Does anyone have anything similar? It’s getting really tough and not feeling like living anymore. My 3 kids are the only think keeping me going.

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:20:03 GMT

Dear Guest-65543263,

I can very much relate to what you’ve written. For me perimenopause symptoms started at 41 but were not too bad to begin with, just a bit higher anxiety and slightly irregular cycle. However, at 47 it really went pear-shaped with the onset of extremely heavy anxiety, depression and a drive not to be here anymore. That began to ease after 6 weeks. I then had bouts here and there and then was slammed again at 48 with uncontrollable distress and considered going to hospital. This was 2023. I decided late that year to try hormone medication. Initially it was transformative and I was so much better. But over time I developed a severe histamine reaction to the medication and had no choice but to come off it. Depression has returned but not quite as severe as before and it seems the increased histamine levels are keeping my oestrogen levels a bit higher so my hormones haven’t gone off a cliff like previously. But I’m still struggling with daily depression and routinely feel like just falling on the ground and crying.

A few things that I’ve found helpful just through researching include the Dr Louise Newson Podcast on all things perimenopause and menopause and the app she developed called the Balance app of which there is a free version. It includes ways of tracking symptoms and also a place to discuss experiences with others. I discovered there that many, many people are going through exactly what you describe and what I’ve experienced. It does at least help being able to talk with others who understand. Louise Newson’s approach is quite pro hormone medication but whether that is right for you or not, there’s quite a lot of helpful info on her podcasts.

I know the panic is absolutely awful and I’ve gone for many weeks at a time waking with hideous panic. I’m doing better now and I hope that can give you some encouragement that things can improve. I reached out to helplines a number of times and I would say don’t hesitate to do that if you are feeling really bad. I called both Lifeline and the Suicide Callback Service several times and it was grounding and at least partially calming and stabilising talking to another human about what was happening to me. Always reach out if you feel yourself drifting into that space of not wanting to be here. Your beautiful kids need you and it’s just these horrible hormonal imbalances that are driving your feelings.

There is an Australian psychiatrist, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, who has been working in this area on the impact of hormones on women’s mental health for decades. There’s some articles of hers on the internet which may be of interest. Also, there’s the option of seeing a hormone specialist doctor. I did go to one and she was very helpful initially but didn’t seem to have anything to offer once I had the severe histamine reaction. So I’m back to doing my own research at the moment. But the thing about hormone specialist doctors is they often know a lot more than GPs, unless you can find a GP really specialised in the area.

How is your sleep? I was hit by insomnia as well when the anxiety was really bad but my sleep is much better now. I’ve also had some night terrors that are very specific to when the hormones are low. I’m trying to keep a kind of distance from these things, recognising it’s just hormones, but of course it’s hard when in the midst of it.

Take care and happy to chat further if you wish to,

Eagle Ray

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

EmmaL21 — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:09:25 GMT

Thanks for the reply.
My sleep is ok. It’s the waking between 4 and 5 in the heightened state that’s horrible. The panic comes and goes. Someday a I am fine and the other I don’t know what I should be doing with my life.
I have had my hormones tested but this was by a GP, so I am not sure if this test is as accurate as seeing a hormone Dr? I still can’t work out if it is just me and my life stressors or something is changing in my cycle.
thanks for all of the info. I am tracking my cycle through clue as well.

I just hope something gives, and this eases as I am honestly ready to give up.

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 23:59:33 GMT

Hi Emma,

I’m not sure whether or not a hormone specialist does testing that’s any different from a regular GP. Oestrogen levels become increasingly erratic during perimenopause, so there will be times it really drops low and times it’s high. So it’s possible when you were tested things were not outside the normal range as it’s so changeable. From what I’ve read the symptoms are often used as the guide more than testing and my specialist didn’t do testing. But the testing can still be a helpful indicator. I had my levels tested by a GP in late 2022 and oestrogen was definitely low which corresponded with feeling absolutely awful. The morning panic is a very common thing. If you do join the Balance app and communicate with the other people there you will quickly find many others with that symptom.

When oestrogen drops out so does serotonin which can have all kinds of adverse effects. Some women’s brains and bodies navigate this fairly easily and perimenopause is not too bad. But apparently 20% of women get noticeable mental health impacts. Our brains have oestrogen receptors throughout, so when levels drops it is not just a reproductive issue, it can affect our whole being.

I was just at the GP yesterday and found my hormone specialist had written to my GP about my inability to tolerate the hormone therapy. It’s being suggested I try particular antidepressants next. Only certain antidepressants tend to help perimenopausal anxiety and depression which is important to know as not all GPs know that. I’m sorry I can’t mention specific meds on here as we’re not allowed to. When I went on the hormone medication it really transformed me as I was what my specialist called a super absorber. The anxiety just disappeared for me and I remember waking up going, “oh, I feel normal” as opposed to feelings of absolute horror and dread. If the histamine intolerance issue hadn’t happened I’d still be on that medication.

It’s good you are tracking your cycle. Please know there are treatments out there and it can be trial and error finding what works for you. I’m almost 50 now and likely near the end of perimenopause. An ultrasound last year showed one ovary has no eggs and the other almost none so I must be close now. I’m hoping to feel more stabilised as this process completes and my body finds a new normal. If it’s any encouragement the morning panic has pretty much subsided for me now. I know it’s just awful when experiencing it but reach out for help when things get tough and let your GP know how bad it is. And if they’re not understanding try another GP or a hormone specialist doctor. Also feel free to communicate here anytime if you just need to chat about what’s happening.

Take care,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Annas1 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:45:28 GMT

Oh Emma and ER,

What a journey this perimenopause is! You have both described the symptoms I experienced at the same age. I did not link my increased anxiety, insomnia or digestive issues to hormonal changes, and neither did my doctor nor the psychiatrist I consulted. As a result I spent several years trialling different anti-anxiety/depressant meds only to come full circle and find significant relief with MHT. When MHT supply was short, I had an impromptu break for 6 months, with the return of most symptoms, I have decided to resume it. (If I need to stop in the future I would look to natural supplements, particularly magnesium and zinc, following advice from a naturopath endorsed by my menopause gp. Apparently magnesium is supportive of brain function - which is what estrogen does, and zinc is good for tissue health (skin and hair).)

The recent journalism on women being underserved/disserved by the medical sector is pertinent here. I have followed Prof Kulkarni's work too and feel a lot of relief and validation about my own experience, as well as astonishment and frustration about the lack of knowledge about women's hormonal health and wellbeing more broadly.

My sense Emma is that you are really having a rough perimenopause experience in the midst of a full and demanding family life. I am learning to grow some inner compassion for my own physical and mental wellbeing challenges and 'coach' those near and dear to approach my needs in the same way. Of course this is a patchy process, and sometimes I forget not to get lost and down on myself when I'm over-wired and under-slept. But the heroine is the woman who reminds herself of her unique value and tries her best after a defeat. It's so understandable that you feel overwhelmed and hopeless at times. This is really tough. But you will get there, with the right practical and moral support and lots of patience. Be as kind to yourself as you can and be patient as your wellbeing improves. I believe in you. Go well.

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:01:24 GMT

Thank you for sharing your experience Anas1. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this all too. I was certainly confused myself about the sudden plunge into a mental health crisis as although I have a complex trauma history and have been through certain challenges, the type of anxiety and depression I was suddenly in was something different. It was very perplexing in the beginning so it must have been so hard for you too, going through those trials with medication and then finally getting relief with hormone meds.

I’m seeing a naturopath at the moment who is very helpful and I’ve done advanced microbiome testing with him. He’s putting me in contact with a nurse practitioner who can prescribe MHT as I may be able to restart a component of it. I’ve become discouraged with the hormone specialist doctor I saw as she seems to have given up based on my histamine reaction and doesn’t have any idea for how I can go forward. Whereas the naturopath is knowledgeable about histamine, mast cells and hormones.

Yes, the lack of understanding about this area of women’s health is astounding. So many women have been misdiagnosed with a mental health condition that is not being correlated with what is happening hormonally and is off the mark. Some women are fortunate enough to get through these years without much difficulty, but for some it’s a rollercoaster and there needs to be much deeper understanding.

Emma, I hope you are going ok. As Anas1 says, it’s a case of finding the right practical and moral support. I have found it’s worth persisting until you find such support. As well as hormone specialist clinics, I know there are some GPs in regular medical practice who have a focus on this area of women’s health. It may be worth trying to track down someone like that with a good grounding in perimenopause. It’s so important to go gently and as Anas1 says be really kind to yourself.

Take care,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

seashells — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 23:49:59 GMT

Im experiencing these same horrific depression and anxiety 51 yr old still have periods going longer to 10 days with change in body odour underarms ect, This is as though i am not myself it is very hard to get through each day. This is not normal for me and i will be seeing the GP to try the HRT. i did try to do it naturally but with my headspace ATM it seems too slow. i have been experiencing this for 2 months now does anyone know if it will just go away????

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 01:05:12 GMT

Dear seashells,

I know, it’s utterly horrific isn’t it. I know what you mean about it being not normal for you. Even though I’d experienced anxiety and depression before it’s like a totally different type of it and it wasn’t normal for me either.

I don’t know if it can just go away and whether it disappears once finally in menopause seems to vary from person to person. I think for some people It settles, but I’m on an online community through the balance-menopause app and some women are still getting the symptoms past menopause 😞

For me there have been episodes where it is really bad, such as late 2022 and late 2023, followed by times where things settle again. I did improve amazingly on HRT and it seemed definitely like the solution, but developing severe histamine intolerance from the increased oestrogen levels was a problem for me and I had to come off it. I still haven’t sunk as low as before but most days I feel I want to collapse on the ground sobbing multiple times a day. That’s still better than how I was before where I was bedridden and experiencing extremely intrusive and uncontrollable thoughts. It’s all to do with how the drop in oestradiol in the brain affects some women, as it’s not just a reproductive hormone, it has many other functions. Some women are particularly sensitive to the changes.

I wanted to do things naturally too until I got desperate. I’m off the HRT now because of the histamine reaction, but hopefully you won’t have that. Only some people have that issue. I improved very rapidly after I started HRT. It was like night and day. So I really hope it works for you 🙏

Take care and reach out for support whenever you need it. The app I mentioned above can be a good place to talk to others going through the same kinds of things. You can find it by googling balance-menopause app. It’s free unless you opt for the premium version. There’s some informative podcasts on Dr Louise Newson’s podcast about many aspects of perimenopause and menopause. There’s some controversy at the moment about her clinic prescribing high doses of HRT to some women, but you wouldn’t be doing that starting out with HRT and there is helpful info discussed whether you’re on it or not.

Take good care and sending you a big hug 🤗

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

EmmaL21 — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 08:43:34 GMT

Hello Ladies

I have had my hormones tested again for the 3rd time and they are all normal.

I am still not sure if this is perimenopause or it’s me and just anxiety. It’s been 2 weeks since any waves of panic so I’ll take this as a win.

Thanks for all the info.

Much love

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

seashells — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 07:23:45 GMT

Eagle Ray

thankyou so much for your reply it really helped me. So nice to know im not alone. I hope you find the right help. I just cant believe there is not more awareness of this. Yes this is bad I've been in bed alot and just cant seem to snap out of this. Went to the GP today and got my prescription for HRT. but cant start till i get my next period. So i will hang in there. What if it doesn't come???? Young GP. not even 30 years old. but its hard enough to get in to the doctors these days let alone find one that understands you and what you are going through.

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:15:00 GMT

Hi EmmaL21,

It’s so hard to know for sure isn’t it. According to people like Dr Louise Newson and my hormone specialist doctor, hormone testing is not considered an accurate marker as it changes so much in perimenopause and often will be normal at the time of testing. So they tend to go by symptoms alone and then see if HRT actually works.

For me I could tell the anxiety and depression was outside the box of anything I’d experienced before coupled with sudden, severe insomnia and intrusive thoughts. So it actually felt pretty weird. The testing a GP ordered was at the end of a particularly bad episode and oestrogen was pretty low so it was easy to establish a link.

I guess just see how you go and hopefully things settle and it’s really good the waves of panic are over.

Take good care,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:42:36 GMT

Hi seashells,

I totally agree. The lack of awareness is shocking. Hence people like ourselves get to perimenopause and don’t know what’s hit us. I honestly thought I was going mad until it dawned on me it was hormones. I then started reading about women with identical symptoms after doing some searching for info. But it’s weirdly still kind of taboo. You don’t see that with other topics like heart disease or diabetes etc. They’re regularly discussed all the time. While all these women are struggling on alone, many of them totally lost and confused.

With regard to the HRT I had a GP who told me just start whenever. I have heard conflicting views on this. I just started it because he said it was ok but it was when one of the hormones was already in its high phase. So I actually got an extra boost of that hormone by starting when I did so the results were quite dramatic. I went from a barely functioning mess who hadn’t slept for many weeks to feeling incredibly alive almost immediately - like I suddenly had superpowers. I immediately slept well, like after the first dose, and woke up feeling like a normal person without the debilitating despair that had been plaguing me every time I woke before. I honestly had never felt so strong and well. Not everyone has such a dramatic response and for others it’s much more gradual. After two weeks though I had a bit of a crash as he also advised to start both hormones together as I was doing one of them cyclically to begin with (2 weeks on then off). Looking back, based on my cycle, I should have started one and then introduced the other two weeks later. But, honestly, getting clear advice on this seems difficult. Overall my understanding is though that your cycle falls into sync with the HRT which is what happened to me. It became very regulated. I soon went to taking the hormone that was cyclical continuously instead which is often more recommended in the late perimenopause/menopause phase and that was better and more stabilising for me.

I’m limited in what I can say specifically as we aren’t allowed to name specific meds here. But if you join the balance-menopause app you can ask questions as much as you like about meds and you will get answers from others. Even there you might get some contradictory advice but you can at least talk about meds freely.

I really hope you experience some benefit. It’s probably good to know it takes longer for some than others to start to feel the benefits so don’t be discouraged if it isn’t immediate. The dosages can require tweaking over time too. I have just restarted one of the hormones (the one that doesn’t trigger histamine intolerance for me) and it already feels it’s helping with mood and sleep.

Take care and all the best,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

seashells — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:47:19 GMT

Hi Eagle Ray,

I chatted with you once a couple of months ago. Ive been struggling with what works and what doesnt tried the HRT worked for a couple of days then no good so stopped doing that. Stopped smoking and took every herb i could naturally but this is a roller coaster up down all around. Initially i was so scared and anxiety levels through the roof. No libido, no interest in anything, really looking for some miraculous answer or miracle. Well atm i guess accepting this is the new me is a start. Breathe and pray for a brighter future and hope this passes soon. WTF happened to me!!!!! How has your progress been? Have you found anything that has been benificial since we last chatted.

Seashells

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:49:49 GMT

Dear Seashells,

I just wanted to let you know I will reply to you most likely tomorrow when my brain is fresher as I can feel I’ve hit a wall of tiredness tonight.

But I thought you may like to know that BB have a webinar on tomorrow on the topic of perimenopause and menopause and the effects on mental health which you can see the details of at this link:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/events/the-menopause-mind-field

Take care and speak soon,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:24:55 GMT

Hi again Seashells,

With the HRT, when you say it stopped working how long did you take it overall? I was one of those people who was helped immediately and some women do report that, but for others it often takes 3 months before they get a sustained improvement. So I’m just wondering if persisting would help, unless you are getting bad side effects? The Balance app is quite a good place to ask questions and that is where I found a number of women reported it was 3 months to start getting benefits. It really is variable and the HRT (or MHT as it is being called now) can require tweaking over time. As I mentioned above, I stopped it because of a histamine intolerance reaction that eventually became so severe I had to. But many women never get that.

At the moment I’m trying a supplement from the Chasteberry plant (Vitex Agnus-Castus). It has a brand name but I’m reluctant to name it as I might get into trouble for mentioning a med on the forum, even though it’s a supplement and not a prescription med. I think it may be helping. It’s a bit hard to tell as I’ve been through a lot in the last 5 weeks or so grieving a loss so my emotions are already out of the ordinary. I’m in an unusual space. I would say my hormonal symptoms are actually better at the moment as far as I can tell.

I completely understand the WTF just happened feeling. Were you able to watch the webinar today and get anything from that? I didn’t see it myself. But I have found it reassuring seeing and reading things that help explain what’s going on. I think feeling some support, care and understanding definitely helps even if not a total solution. Is there anyone in your life you can share with for some support?

I think accepting the reality of it can help. It really is outside other experiences isn’t it. Feel free to post here anytime if it helps to chat or just vent. If it’s any encouragement, I do feel the hormonal side is improving for me at the moment. I also have a complex trauma history and I think my level of hormonal dysregulation is tied to that as well, so I’ve found processing trauma experiences with my psychologist has helped as it has taught my nervous system how to kind of rebalance. That in turn I think does have a balancing effect on hormones and the immune system too. I’ve had a lot of healing just in the past few weeks in the context of grief processing which sounds like a paradox but it’s what has been happening. So for me releasing emotions and going through emotional healing I think has also been helpful with hormonal issues.

Take care,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

seashells — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:57:45 GMT

Hi Eagle Ray

thankyou. I'm dealing with complex grief too. coming up to 6 years. And just last 2 years my parents having to put them into aged care. So very emotional times in the last 6 years. so possible post traumatic stress then add this perimenopause to it and WTF. I just want to keep checking in and see if either of us find something that works or see if we hopefully ride it out asap. I have been reaching out to God and asking for help and praying. Pray we both find an answer.

take care.

seashells

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:16:03 GMT

Hi Seashells,

That’s really tough dealing with the complex grief and putting your parents into aged care too. It seems to be the case that so many women go through perimenopause as they are caring for aged parents and many also for teenage children at the same time, and sometimes younger children which can be exhausting when struggling. I don’t have kids, but I was a carer for both my parents in my 40s while the perimenopause process was underway and it was a hard combo to deal with. My worst hormonal symptoms have been since 2022 though and I really hope the worst is over now.

I do feel like I’m experiencing some improvement at the moment. I feel like emotional processing of past life issues does seem to be helping a bit. I was talking to a friend about my age a few weeks ago and she was saying how for her these hormonal issues bring up all our life’s emotional stuff to process and I do feel like that has happened for me. It’s like anything I might have been able to suppress in the past I can’t now. But it’s like releasing certain emotions is helping.

That’s lovely you are praying for some help and answers. While I’m not part of a formal religion or church, I’m definitely a spiritual person and I’ve felt very spiritually connected over the past few weeks in particular and it’s really helped me. I think the feeling of being supported by something bigger can be so incredibly helpful and healing. It’s kind of like a feeling of being held whatever may be happening with those challenging hormonal symptoms.

If I learn of anything particular I find beneficial I can let you know. Things like the supplement I mentioned above are always good to run past a doctor or knowledgeable practitioner for advice. I try to look for things with some evidence base behind them.

I hope you have a lovely week this week and you take care too,

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:19:46 GMT

I’m having an horrendous day today with how I’m feeling with hormones. I just need to express how I feel. I seemed to be doing ok hormonally for a while but crashed badly this afternoon. I can feel when oestrogen suddenly falls which is often dramatic for me. It’s like going off a cliff into the most horrific anxiety that then morphs with depression. It’s like feeling beside yourself it’s so bad. And I’ve tried so many things now. Hormone medication worked best but caused severe side effects with histamine intolerance. So just feeling really lost with it right now and I feel over researching it to find answers. When I feel I’m in a hopeful stretch I just get crushed again. Trying to stay positive but hurting 😞

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Annas1 — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:56:22 GMT

Oh ER, it's really not fair how this stage in our lives continues to test us. And you've applied yourself to the causes and possible solutions with care and diligence. So, definitely it can feel unfair and distressing; I hear you.

I have a very similar experience of putting in lots of effort to manage the physical and psychological experience of anxiety and depression only to be tipped over/blindsided by hormonal changes. It really undermines my sense of capacity and worth sometimes, even though this is just low-ebb thinking that I try to counter with gentle wisdom. And sometimes its just 'emergency self-care' time, when the discomfort/angst/despair is overwhelming and I need to make my wellbeing priority 1. Perhaps this is 'emergency self-care' territory for you ER? If so, do what you need to do in order to tend to your discomfort and low feelings. This is important and kind. This might be a few days, or a bit longer, but whatever is needed. When the intensity and overwhelm are reduced then it will be time to think about solutions to this recurring experience.

I know that replacement hormones have been important in maintaining my own wellbeing, but I am also aware that I may not always be able to use them. A little part of my brain is trying to be ready for this eventuality, which would mean trying the non-prescription herbal and mineral supplements. I think there is some usefulness in these, and understand that magnesium and calcuim are particularly helpful. It also might be worth a second opinion/revisit of the range of hormonal options available so that you don't unnecessarily exclude treatments that could be tolerated. It could also be a dosage issue? I'm definitely not qualified at all to give medical advice, but know how I would be feeling in your shoes.

You have managed your life so well over this time, and I commend you for the effort it takes to work out what's going on, deal with the symptoms and carry on as best you can. I believe there will be something that can reduce some of your symptoms, or maybe it's a matter of a whole toolkit of things. I'm getting a lot of benefit from regular exercise, including cold water swimming/immersion. I hope you can count on good social support too, which goes a long way in holding up our self-esteem and confidence.

I wish that this wave of hormonal hijacking resolves asap, and that you can see your tremendous strength and value.

Take good care

Re: Anxiety and Perimenopause

Eagle Ray — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:56:04 GMT

Dear Annas1,

Thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful words. I did start to feel quite a bit better in the late afternoon and went for a walk and I still feel improved at the moment, with the anxiety at a lower grade so to speak. Yes, I think I do need to kick into 'emergency self-care' at such times. I did call Lifeline last night as it really was distressing but I think the person who sounded young didn't know what to do with the situation. It's like having to just endure through it somehow.

I appreciate your understanding and I'm sorry you've had to go through these issues too, but glad you have got the definite benefit from the hormone medication. I am going to continue with it tonight myself. So far I have no side effects from last night. I'm going to stay on a low dosage and see how long I can continue, hopefully without developing the same issues as before. Depending which medical people you listen to, some say you can stay on the hormonal medication for life and others say it should be time-limited. I hope when it gets to the time you may be considering whether to come off it, that there will be clearer and more consistent advice on it. I have been trying an alternative supplement over the past few weeks, but I don't think it's made much difference in that I still plummeted down to an extreme low yesterday.

That's really interesting about the cold water swimming. Recently my hot water system broke and I was without hot water until the new system was installed. So I was having daily cold showers which I actually don't mind too much. I honestly felt much better for the rest of the day than I do having a warm or hot shower. It really does shift something in the nervous system. I have access to a nice swimming beach so I have no excuse. I need to be doing some cold water swimming.

Hormonal hijacking is a good description for it. It's really like being taken over isn't it and I find it can happen very fast. Only the day before I was walking by the river in the sunshine feeling really good in my body.

Thanks again for your kindness and understanding 🙏