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.

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megsmom8816 08/19/2015

Okay, so 6 years into menopause and my anxiety is getting worse. I feel anxious about so many things, mostly health related. I have always had migraines, dizziness, and other headaches. I have a weird symptom that developed about two months ago, and I don't know if it is anxiety of what. Whenever I spontaneously cough or laugh, my heart starts racing and I get really dizzy.....I had a cardiologist appt in June and while he didn't do any new tests, my blood pressure is under control with medication, as it my cholesterol, and my stress test from a year ago was alright.

I find the farther along I get with this menopause, sweating, hot flashes, a bit of depression, and anxiety, I get more and more panicky about health issues. I hate to blow things out of proportion, but I am 51 and feel like I am at that age where things could start going seriously wrong.

Advice? Opinions? Just crazy??

sandi 08/20/2015

I can relate with the depression and anxiety. Some days I even find it hard to just get going from the severe fatigue I have with menopause. it might be because all of us women know once we go through menopause we are at higher risk for different medical issues;. I would just try and take one day at a time and eat healthy. I know it is hard because I worry like you do.

megsmom8816 08/20/2015

Thanks. That is pretty much what I do...a day at a time....but the anxiety is so much worse when I have to go do something I don't want to do!

Do you take anything for it?

hotgirl51 08/20/2015

I am always discontent, anger, frustrated, irritable etc and was considering getting a med that doesn't cause weight gain. I refuse to add weight gain from a med to my list of things to feel bad about.

Lady22599 08/20/2015

You are not alone. I started peri menopause at 38 and I'm now 45. I find that my anxiety about my own health has increase ten fold in just the last 3-4 years. Of all the crazy symptoms of meno that I've experienced so far the anxiety is by far the worse to me. I'm currently trying breathing exercises and walking or cycling every day to help manage.

megsmom8816 08/20/2015

I do about a half hour of stretching twice a day for my back, and I add in my recumbent bike on most days. I think what freaks me out the most is health concerns....I have had this weird symptom with my heart racing and head feeling like it is going to blow up at times...just random..and it comes and goes quickly. I try not to be a hypochondriac, but I know heart disease runs rampant in my family so I do visit the cardiologist twice a year because I have had surgery to close a hole in my heart...about 8 years ago.

ladykate 08/24/2015

Hi megsmom...i totally agree with you and Sandi that we are at the scary ages where things could begin going wrong. I am and have always been a hypochondriac, but as I get older (I'm 56) I find that when I exercise consistently my anxiety decreases. I feel ya about the heart scares; I had rheumatic fever as a kid and even though it didn't affect my heart, I still have that fear.
I think you may be inadvertently holding your breath when you get that feeling when you laugh...especially since your doc says all is well. Take a deep breath breath when it happens n remember what the doc said. ...all is well.
We're gonna get thru these hell ish dsys!!!

marytcontrary 08/25/2015

Reading all the posts here, I find I must be pretty normal. I've been going thru all of these symptoms. They don't last and I know I'm not nuts. Has to be hormones!!!!
Thank all you ladies for posting how you feel!!!!

megsmom8816 08/26/2015

Thanks everyone. I finally decided to see a therapist for anxiety. I have an appt next week. Going back to work next week (teaching after the summer off) has me really stressed for some reason. I hate menopause! lol

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