Many women suffer with panic attacks and heart palpitations in perimenopause. I certainly did. Though, your physician does have a point if you're on anti-anxiety medication. It certainly could be related.

But, don't rule out perimenopause if you think you are. Heart palpitations, vertigo, dizziness are ALL associated with perimenopause.

Have you had a diagnosis? Have you had any tests run for perimenopause?

Adrenal fatigue and low thyroid function can cause all of the above as well.

Magnolia

I dont know if everyone experiences panic attacks the same, but I had one in my entire life back in the late summer of 1994. I was coming home from a relaxed (at least I thought) date with my now husband. We were at Dennys and had coffee and dessert. I lived in Florida then in Pensacola, FL. My home was in Gulf Breeze, FL across the bay and I had to go over a 3 mile bridge. When I got to the bridge I was scared to go over it. A feeling of panic came over me. I had crossed that bridge 100's of times without it bothering me. I made it over the bridge and found myself saying the name of Jesus all the way over the bridge. I got home and then felt like I couldnt breathe. I called 911. Of couse, the fire dept. arrives first. Im sitting outside on the front porch with me and they try to slow my breathing with a paper bag, it didnt work. I finally had to go to the ER. They gave me a shot to calm my breathing and then a shot to counteract the shaking effect you get from the medicine. I went home later that evening and I was wiped out for 4 days from the medicine. That was my panic attack. Your case could be a panic attack if you have a documented history of panic attacks and are medication for them but I would hate to chalk it all up to that. Menopause can be very tough on a gal and those symptoms arent uncommon and can be directly related to hormonal fluctuations in menopause. Have you had your FSH checked to determine your levels and if you are in the menopausal range? As far as the doctor, well, I see one who has gone through menopause and come out the other side and understands it. The younger doctors dont get it. It all depends on their viewpoint of it. I would ask her why she thinks its just a panic attack and ask her to check your levels of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and Cortisol. These are important to your health and well being. Best Wishes to you!

I definitely know what you're going through. I had several panic attacks, was in the ER 7 times in 5 months. FINALLY, I changed doctors and she knew exactly what was going on. She placed me on Buspar and Paxil (low doses) and it has helped tremendously. Sometimes I still feel them coming on, but they're not full-blown. I have almost every sympton of perimenopause, but still having periods. My estrogen level is in the low range. So it's definitely what is causing my problems. But like I said, they are much better now.

I had my first Panic attack in April 2008, I was 491/2. I know EXACTLY how you feel. It is very scary!!!! I have tried Propranolol. That didn't work very well for me. I am currently prescribed Clonazepam (Time Released Xanax).5 mg take as needed . It works but is very addicting which for me, is also very scary. I recently talked to the Dr. about it and she suggested I try to replace my Clonazepam with a product called Kavinace. I know the feeling when they approach so I take it as soon as I feel it. She recommended 2-3 per dose. It seems to work. If I get caught off guard I take the Clonazepam. You can get it online or at a "Specialty Pharmacy". I get it from the Dr. as she sells it to me for a discount. It's more expensive ($29.00-$35.00) than generic medications but allegedly non addictive. You should check it out. I believe it is related to Hormone fluctuation but don't seem to be able to get a Dr. to agree with me. It's just too odd that it started just before I turned 50. Hope it gets better for you!