Menopause Support Group
Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.
Hi...I hope that someone out there can help me...I will be 47 next month and in the last 3 weeks, I have been experiencing a lot of anxiety, stomach upsets, problems with sleep. A little history about me before I continue: I have always had sleep issues since I was a child...the very first time I had a sleepless night was a terrifying experience and since then, I had developed a fear of not being able to sleep. In my 20's i was diagnosed with anxiety, again associated with sleep problems. I was put on Xanax for about a year and got off of it. Did not have a problem with anxiety or sleep (maybe the occasional sleepless night that was cured by wine), up until 2 years ago. I had gone to the doctor and was put on Lexapro, and I had gone to see a counselor. I felt better and later got off of Lexapro. I had another bout with anxiety a year later, and went back on Lexapro. My doctor then had decided to do consulting work and I was left to find a new doctor. When I spoke of my symptoms, he thought it could also be a sign of peri menopause, given my age, and put me on a low dosage of Estradiol and off of Lexapro. Things seem to be getting better ( though I still drink wine to help me relax and sleep at night), during the day I could take a nap just fine without any worries...(no racing mind and uncontrollable thoughts). So here is my problem..I usually am pretty regular with my periods, but I skipped one in August. Not really concerned, I felt fine up until three weeks ago. I would wake up in the middle of the night and could not get back to sleep, my sleep is not so great and sometimes I get hot and then cold. I usually get an upset stomach, and the other day I felt jittery and agitated. I don't really have any night sweats that wake me, but when I am up and cannot sleep, I will get hot and sweat, followed by an upset stomach.
I have not experienced the classic "hot flash" or at least I do not think so, because mine seem mild compared to what other women go through. But I do experience the anxiety, sleep problems and stomach upsets. Does anybody else experience this? I sometimes feel so alone I want to cry. I also never had any children nor ever been pregnant. Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading.
I have not experienced the classic "hot flash" or at least I do not think so, because mine seem mild compared to what other women go through. But I do experience the anxiety, sleep problems and stomach upsets. Does anybody else experience this? I sometimes feel so alone I want to cry. I also never had any children nor ever been pregnant. Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading.
I have the sleep issues and as a matter of fact, I suffered from sleep issues just like you did when I was in junior high. Things got better and yes, I took ativan during that time. As I got older I did not have problems sleeping until the last couple of years. Now, I wake up between 3 and 4am and sometimes can not go back to sleep. I am currently trying different essential oils to help as well as supplements.I'm still early in the trials so haven't found anything to work yet.