Menopause...thought I was prepared!! Not for this!

[Female_54]

When I look back I think I'd been struggling for 3 years. Different HRT Doctors visits.

2 years ago Hysterectomy for heavy cycles.

A lot of Migraines and just not feeling myself.Then 6 weeks ago it all happened

Woke up with Anxiety Panick attacks. Fear!.Loss of appetite.stopped eating.couldn't go into work.

Went to doctor and put me on higher patch of HRT and Anxiety tablets. But not to expect a quick fix , can take 6 weeks to work.

So I'm starting to feel a little better.. not without hard work.

A Therapist.Meditating.Sustagen.Mindfulness. Kiensology.Walking the streets in morning with the dog .feeling I was going crazy and would end up in hospital. Ringing beyond blue in desperation.

I'm trying every day sometimes it's so hard...but I think I'm getting there.

I have a great doctor.a very understanding husband .a some very close understanding supportive friends.whom I asked for help..not like me cause I'm normally the one who helps everyone else.

So wasn't prepared for this journey!!

[PamelaR]

Hello Female

Welcome to Beyond Blue (BB) forums. People here are warm, friendly, caring, supportive and respective of privacy. We're not counsellors or therapists, just have experience with mental illness.

I'm really impressed about all the things you're doing to help yourself through this very difficult time of life. Good on you for being so committed to wanting to stay healthy. I started going through menopause in my mid 40s and never stopped for 10 years. It is tiresome and downright annoying to say the least. HRT was never an option for me. During the worst time, around 50, I used to go to a naturopath and had acupuncture monthly. It helped with the sweats, the irritableness and the anxiety. Not sure how it will work with HRT though.

It does get better!! Takes time, and being patient with yourself. I know it's hard especially when you feel like you're crawling up the wall.

That waking with a panic attack is frightening isn't it. I do at times, full on sweat, heart rate going through the roof. Sometimes for me, it's either a bad dream or sleep apnoea. Not sure why it is for you, maybe talk with your dr.

When you're feeling like you are now, this is a good place to come and vent!! It's good. You are doing so many wonderful things for yourself. Keep up the good work. Just remember to slow the breathing, things will settle eventually. There's a good book I read when I was going through it - The Wisdom of Menopause, Christiane Northrup. Didn't leave my bedside table 🙂

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

PamelaR