Peri-menopause and Anxiety

EileenV · Post by **EileenV** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:11 am

Great posts here. Thank you MichiganMom for sharing your story. Very motivating to hear how everything has been working for you. My story is very similar to yours. Although the herbal therapy I'm taking has made a significant difference in my health, I may need to consider the bio-hormone replacement therapy for my hormone issues. My hormone imbalances have improved a great deal with the herbs and I know it will take time for everything to readjust, but it's good to have the BHRT as a consideration if needed. I am also very grateful for Lucinda's program. It is a lifestyle therapy that has been long overdue for me. And most important for me also, has been my spiritual enrichment over the last year or so. Thank God for his loving grace. I would not be safe today without my spirituality.

Thank you for the web resources Cherl. Wonderful info here. The womentowomen site has terrific info on hormone issues. And discusses the bio-hormones as well. Good info to know.

Cheers

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:35 am

This is a very helpful website: <A HREF="http://www.drnorthrup.com/index.php" TARGET=_blank>http://www.drnorthrup.com/index.php</A>

EileenV · Post by **EileenV** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:58 am

Thank you Pecos for this great site!

Lady Feelgood · Post by **Lady Feelgood** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:49 am

I'm so glad you started this post. I too am in perimenopause and the anxiety that Lucinda's program helped me get rid of 20 years ago has come back with a vengeance. My doctor says it's because of the hormonal fluctuation of perimenopause. The scarey thing is it can last for up to 10 years! Oh joy!

Mom of 6 · Post by **Mom of 6** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:39 am

I am 39. last summer after my first pap exam(after having the twins) I was told there was a good possibility that I am entering peri-menapause. I am just now beginning to truley believe that is true. Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, hot flashes, etc. are more intense than EVER! Is there a test that determines that one is going through "the change" or do that speculate purely on symptoms???? I would really like to know just why I cannot kick this anxiety "feeling". I've been through the program, I can control alot of it, however, the feeling of "doom and gloom" and upset stomach just seems to linger. I'm assuming now that is simply going through this womanly phase now. Can anyone answer my question???
Thank you and God bless you all
Robin

jc1029 · Post by **jc1029** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:48 am

I love Dr Christiane Northrup's book - it's a wonderful tool and so reassuring that these feelings are very normal, though not much fun!

Julie

~*schnauzermom*~ · Post by **~*schnauzermom*~** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:50 am

Yes Mom of 6, there is a female hormone panel that your OB/GYN can do to test (mine said she could). My primary care doc did mine though as she was easier to get an appointment with.

Mary Wargo · Post by **Mary Wargo** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:14 am

Mom of 6 - I was told that up until the time you actually stop the monthly cycles it is really hard to determine by blood tests what stage you are in due to constantly changing hormone levels. I had a uterine biopsy done and they were able to determine at the time that I was officially menopausal. Perimenopausal is different because your hormones are still fluctuating, and wildly at that from what I remember! I had numerous tests done and none were conclusive until I actually stopped the cycles. I think they pretty much diagnose for perimenopause by symptoms but that may have changed by now, as this was about 10 years ago.

EileenV · Post by **EileenV** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:30 pm

Hi Mom of 6,

Check out <A HREF="http://www.womentowomen.com" TARGET=_blank>www.womentowomen.com</A>.
There is a lot of really good info there. And they describe their recommended thyroid testing here: <A HREF="http://www.womentowomen.com/hypothyroidism/testing.aspx" TARGET=_blank>http://www.womentowomen.com/hypothyroid ... ng.aspx</A>.

The thyroid plays a large role in hormones and metabolism in the body. And here is another web site that shares some information about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

<A HREF="http://sloaging.com/Women%20and%20HR.html" TARGET=_blank>http://sloaging.com/Women%20and%20HR.html</A>

pecos also shared this really great web site as well: <A HREF="http://www.drnorthrup.com/index.php" TARGET=_blank>http://www.drnorthrup.com/index.php</A>.

Cheers, Eileen

flameglow · Post by **flameglow** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:59 pm

Yes, I can relate to this 100%. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 39, I am now 43. I have always had anxiety growing up, but it was ten times worse after my hysterectomy. Even though I had only 1 ovary remaining, my hormones dropped significantly! I developed extreme panic and generalized anxiety 24/7, which also led to me being agoraphobic.My GYN tested my hormones, and found out I was hardly making any estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. My DR said that anxiety is intensified when estrogen drops/ especially panic attacks. After being on several hormone replacements, which I am finally getting my estrogen levels up, I am feeling much better. I still have the generalized anxiety, but the panic attacks have been less. I would suggest having a hormonal panel done and see where your levels are. You may have to go on estrogen and progesterone. If you do, I recommend, Femring estrogen, and natural progesterone, which helps anxiety. Testosterone is also important for general well being, libido, and energy and also anxiety. Hope this helps, Good Luck!