A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Good Lord am I in perimenopause or going insane?
Posted: Oct 19, 2013
I'm hoping to hear from ladies who have recently went into menopause. I'm 49, still having periods, though irregular lately. For the past year or so I have been feeling like I'm going to go insane. Started out with a case of severe vertigo which led me to a year of a carnival horror ride of feeling nauseated, anxious, unable to sleep, and literally feeling like I was going to die. It landed me in the emergency room, they did a CAT scan, MRI, sent me to ENT. They found NOTHING to explain my symptoms. All they found was an incidentally "enlarged pineal gland." Which, by the way I thought was interesting as I work graveyard shift. Anyway, let me get back on track....a friend suggested I may just be going thru perimenopause. REALLY? Are you kidding me? I mean, I guess that would be good to know I'm not going to die of a brain tumor or actually go insane, but is THIS what's menopause is about? I thought I'd have some hot flashes, trouble sleeping and the like, but THIS? I've gotten a little better (or just used to it), still feel a bit wound up, anxious and nauseated. Every once in a while I wake up panicky and think I need to go to the ER, but I try to ride it out bc I now have no insurance, and I know nothing would come of it anyway. Anyone with similar symptoms or thoughts on this? I would be GRATEFUL for any insight. ;
It sounds like panic attacks to me. nm - Kitty
[ In Reply To ..]X
Panic attacks occur with perimenopause symptoms. - nm
[ In Reply To ..]NM
Umm, yeah ... - That about describes it
[ In Reply To ..]I never had a single hot flash. I had extreme irritability. I could hardly stand being in my own skin. Everything set me on edge and I was so snappish that people hid from me. I had vertigo and nausea. Was unable to wear contacts anymore because of dry eyes. Had night sweats, too, but not hot flashes. I was in my 30's, too.
Thank God for the VA, because after 2 years of doctors pooh-poohing this, ridiculing me, and blaming the recurrent UTIs on the sex I wasn't having, I lost my health insurance and ended up in a VA ED with another UTI. Their next question after I cried because they saw me without insurance was if I would like to have my hormone levels checked. I was receiving appropriate care for my perimenopause within days.
So, yes, I think your friend may be on the right track with this. It is a very common presentation for perimenopause. You are exactly the right age, too.
That being said, I know an awful lot of people, myself included, who had a longish-term vertigo problem starting about a year ago. It seems to be an ear thing. Maybe viral. Several of us have had ongoing ear infections with it. My suggestion for that is Benadryl. Start with childrens' doses of chewables or liquid so you don't get sedated. If it helps, great.
There are herbal estrogens like those in soy. You can try those for the menopause. Just knowing what it is may be enough. You already know it is unlikely to be anything worse.
Thank you for your reply. Just knowing that at least - Kiki
[ In Reply To ..]one other person had the same symptoms and that it probably is impending menopause is relieving. The symptoms still suck, but might be easier to deal with if I know I'm not dying. And you're right, if it were something dire, the tests probably would have shown something. I will try Benadryl as I do have some. Nice thing about it is that it's sedating too, and it's usually worse at night, so that will help. When I finally get health insurance again I will see about getting my hormones checked, too. Thanks again--I really appreciate your taking time to reply.
Perimenopause, even the psychiatrist agreed - MT
[ In Reply To ..]Oy vey what a bad time of life! Not just the hot flashes, but the true insanity! I went to the shrink and he said it was perimenopause. I end up in the ER thinking it is heart attack, they gave me Xanax. I go home take the Xanax and have hallucinations (meds too strong), end up back in the ER overnight, behavioral health checked me out: Perimenopause! Can you believe that our bodies acting this way at a certain age literally makes us go crazy. And the bloating (weight gain), mood swings, panic attacks, and of course this job doesn't help. I think that most MTSOs have perimenopause themselves! Seriously you are not alone. Just don't let anyone make you think you have lost your mind. You have not. You are saner and stronger than ever for what you are putting up with. One day at a time, one moment at a time. It started at 49 for me, now 52 and a little better, the insanity not so bad, but now the weight gain. I also now look in the mirror and see I have aged! Hang in there. We are with you.
Yup, hang in there...it is - Fantastic when it stops
[ In Reply To ..]Really! When your hormones get stable again, you'll be thrilled at how nice life is. No PMS. You'll realize just how much your life was yanked around by your hormones.
Women used to tell me that, but I never understood. Now I know why men dominate everything. It isn't that they are any better at it, but just that they have twice as much time to do it. When you get through menopause, you'll have that much time, too.
You know in fairy tales how the wise woman is old? There is a reason for that. They finally had time to think!
Going through it too - 49 here too - anon
[ In Reply To ..]Several years ago I remember sitting across from my best friend who is 10 years older than me, listening to her describe menopause to me. She said, "I literally felt like I could kill someone with my bare hands, 24 hours a day.". I thought, wow, that's really extreme. Well, I started having perimenopausal symptoms almost a year ago and all I can say is, I can totally relate. I'm not really "missing" any periods yet, but they are coming a little later and later all the time. Conversely, they are lasting longer and longer when I have them. My last one lasted about 10 days, and was extremely heavy. During the 4th week when I would normally start my cycle, I feel the exact same thing that you and the others have mentioned - like I want to climb out of my skin. I get terrible anxiety where I feel that I absolutely cannot calm myself down. Other times, the slightest thing will set me off either in a crying fit or periods of rage that make me think I've totally lost my mind and gone insane. I'm not exactly having vertigo or nausea, but I do occasionally have hot flashes. I will share with you what I know for SURE ... many women before me have discovered this and now I have too ... sugar is the devil. Sugar ... sweets, candy, cookies, etc and menopause do not mix, and can make symptoms 10 times worse. If you are able to cut back even a little bit, you'll see a huge improvement in your symptoms. What helped me cut back on my sugar cravings are flavors of hot tea - cinnamon, peach, etc.
What is so important to keep in mind, is that we all go through it differently. Leading up to menopause, there are no "clear-cut" symptoms that are universal for all of us. Just know that this is what could be happening to you, and try and ride it out.
Every woman has to make her own decisions about hormone replacement therapy, risks vs benefits, but I've decided against them and to weather the storm the natural way, but you may want to do some research to find out if they're right for you.
Just know you're not alone ... I'm going through it too. I can't wait until it's behind me!
To what everyone has said above I would add - MME
[ In Reply To ..]Self compassion. Lots and lots of it. Give yourself permission to not feel well. If you feel like taking a nap or a hot bath, take one. If you feel like watching movies all afternoon or lounging around with a good book, do it. Treat yourself the same way you would a sick friend or child - because we all need that care and compassion sometimes. Even though our husbands, family and friends might be well-meaning, they still don't fully understand what might be happening so you might need to show yourself a little self care. Whatever you need, give it to yourself during this time - kindness, compassion, and understanding.
Otherwise, all great suggestions above. You're definitely not alone, there are lots of us out there going through the same thing.
*Big hug*
Thank you. I am in for a bumpy ride, but it's good - Kiki
[ In Reply To ..]to know there is an end to it and that its a natural thing. Next time I start getting really anxious I will get in a hot tub and try to relax instead of considering heading to the ER. :)
I feel for all women going through this time of life...it's not fair men don't have to....but hey, at least we live longer on average.
Possibly BPPV - mam
[ In Reply To ..]You can look it up on Wikipedia. Its funny I read this just now cause I had to get up out of bed to do my unemployment form. I started getting really dizzy when I was looking for my remote earlier today. I get BPPV once or twice a year. It's annoying. I am post menopausal and started bleeding for 3 weeks. Needless to say, I have a polyp which doc is removing next week.
But here is a little insight from Wikipedia.
Symptoms
Vertigo: Spinning dizziness, which must have a rotational component.
Short duration (paroxysmal): Lasts only seconds to minutes
Positional in onset: Can only be induced by a change in position.
Nausea is often associated
Visual disturbance: It may be difficult to read or see during an attack due to associated nystagmus.
Pre-syncope (feeling faint) or syncope (fainting) is unusual.
Emesis (vomiting) is uncommon but possible.
Signs
Rotatory (torsional) nystagmus, where the top of the eye rotates towards the affected ear in a beating or twitching fashion, which has a latency and can be fatigued (the vertigo should lessen with deliberate repetition of the provoking maneuver).
Nystagmus should only last for 30 seconds to one minute.
Patients do not experience other neurological deficits such as numbness or weakness, and if these symptoms are present, a more serious etiology such as posterior circulation stroke or ischemia, must be considered.
The spinning sensation experienced from BPPV is usually triggered by movement of the head, will have a sudden onset, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. The most common movements patients report triggering a spinning sensation are tilting their head upwards in order to look at something, and rolling over in bed.[2]
Cause
Within the labyrinth of the inner ear lie collections of calcium crystals known as otoconia or otoliths. In patients with BPPV, the otoconia are dislodged from their usual position within the utricle and migrate over time into one of the semicircular canals (the posterior canal is most commonly affected due to its anatomical position). When the head is reoriented relative to gravity, the gravity-dependent movement of the heavier otoconial debris (colloquially "ear rocks") within the affected semicircular canal causes abnormal (pathological) fluid endolymph displacement and a resultant sensation of vertigo. This more common condition is known as canalithiasis.
In rare cases, the crystals themselves can adhere to a semicircular canal cupula rendering it heavier than the surrounding endolymph. Upon reorientation of the head relative to gravity, the cupula is weighted down by the dense particles thereby inducing an immediate and maintained excitation of semicircular canal afferent nerves. This condition is termed cupulolithiasis.
There is evidence in the dental literature that malleting of an osteotome during closed sinus floor elevation, otherwise known as osteotome sinus elevation or lift, transmits enough percussive and vibratory forces capable of detaching otoliths from their normal location and leading to the symptoms of BPPV.[4][5]
It can be triggered by any action which stimulates the posterior semi-circular canal which may be:
Tilting the head
Rolling over in bed
Looking up or under
Sudden head motion
Post head injury
BPPV may be made worse by any number of modifiers which may vary between individuals:
Changes in barometric pressure - patients often feel symptoms approximately two days before rain or snow
Lack of sleep (required amount of sleep may vary widely)
Stress
BPPV is one of the most common vestibular disorders in patients presenting with dizziness and migraine is implicated in idiopathic cases. Proposed mechanisms linking the two are genetic factors and vascular damage to the labyrinth.[6]
Although BPPV can occur at any age, it is most often seen in people over the age of 60.[7] Besides aging, there are no major risk factors known for developing BPPV, although previous episodes of trauma to the head or inner ear infections known as labyrinthitis, may predispose individuals to future development of BPPV.[2]
Kick panic attacks in the pants - Been there, done that
[ In Reply To ..]It's panic attacks, I'm almost sure. I had the same thing. I literally wanted to crawl underneath the nearest bed when I'd get one! They would hit at the most inopportune moments: While at the cash register paying for groceries, when there was nowhere to turn and run. While singing in the praise band at church, which I've done all my life. While sitting in a movie surrounded by people on all sides of me. What helped me was seeing a wonderful counselor every other week, reading encouraging books about menopause, hormones and emotions, taking deep cleansing breaths that nobody would notice, while at the same time saying silently to myself "You're fine. It's just your pesky friend anxiety. Ignore it."
Like another poster said, be compassionate with yourself, just as you would for someone else who was suffering. I got into the habit of gently tapping on my leg when a panic attack would rear its ugly head. The act of tapping would ground me and remind me that it was just a temporary moment of yuckiness that would quickly pass. Tapping, deep cleansing breaths, and positive, reassuring self-talk. You WILL get through this. If you need to, ask your doctor for a mild anti-anxiety such as low dose Xanax to take occasionally.
perimenopause - same boat
[ In Reply To ..]Mine started about a year ago. I am 48 years old. My periods started to become irregular in longer intervals. I haven't had my period since December of 2012.
Sometimes I do have the feeling I want to crawl out of my skin, but it doesn't last long. My mood has been ok. It has been worse years prior when I was more "emotional." I don't have hot flashes, but I have the feeling my temperature went up, and I prefer colder rooms.
I do have a lot of headaches and migraines, 3-4 days out of 7, or just this weird feeling in my head. Other than that I feel pretty good.
It is still weird thinking that I will be in menopause soon because it'll make me feel old even though I feel great, but the feeling not being able to have kids anymore is weird.
Went thru menopause - and
[ In Reply To ..]and developed severe hypertension which I did not have prior to that; 210/120... make sure your BP is okay. That could explain some of those symptoms.
Similar Messages:
Good Lord! Insanity Plea Will Go Far With This Guy!Mar 29, 2010
He threatened many. He's absolutely stoned or nuts, but I hope they can put this guy in jail for the rest of his life. There are many, many more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEpMzTrKY4M&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYF3hU4hF4o&feature=related ...
Good Lord, The Man Is At It Again With His Phony Scandals.Aug 06, 2013
...
Perimenopause Questions - Looking For NaturalNov 01, 2014
Been visiting many different sites regarding perimenopause. That is what I have. While I don't have all the systems I do have 95% of them (luckily no hot flashes or night sweats though). What really is getting to me is urinary incontinence. It doesn't matter how much I try and hold it until I can make it to the bathroom, it doesn't work. Been looking up what vitamins I should be taking to help control some of the symptoms (not going to go on rx meds) ...
If I Don't Go Insane This Next Week I Just Don't KnowFeb 12, 2012
Last week we got one of the female kittens fixed. All went well and by the next day all her siblings were back to normal with her. She is more affectionate and loveable now. Three sisters left to go. Today one of the sisters went into heat. Actually I think yesterday she went into heat. Then today another one of her sisters went into heat. HOWEVER...We found her mounting the other in heat. Was looking up if female cats in heat mount other female ca ...
This Administration Is Insane. (msg)Jun 02, 2012
Head of labor dept says people should use their unemployment checks to start businesses. OMG ...
Am I Completely Insane Or Does Anyone Else FeelOct 15, 2014
as if I had a chance! I'm trying to be "happy, optimistic" for the new, best couple in the world, but a large part of me just shrinks when I see the recurrent promise of wedding pictures, of which there seem to be none really, each time you do the 'click on'... it's not like I'm wishing ill will, but more just like...well, I guess a defeated resolve sweeps over me as another one gets away...preceded by Matt, Denzel, Brad, etc. (order not chronological). ...
This Is Insane--The Mosque Where The PeopleMay 30, 2015
came from (or attended) may need to be watched for terrorist activity or producing terrorists, perhaps, but this activity is counterproductive. ...
It Is Insane That We Are Paying For Trump'sApr 14, 2017
If Trump truly cared about us, they would be paying for their own security since adult chidren do not have to be covered by Secret Service. I'm sorry if supporters don't see this as a problem but you should. It is not right that taxpayers are paying so they can advance their business. Before you start slamming Obama, I would be equally upset if his adult children or he were doing company business on our dime. Trump and his family are costing us a lot of unnecessary costs ...
This Makes Me Insane! Just Learned An Acquaintance Of Ours Aug 29, 2010
was recently approved for SSI after a 3 year wait - it was her lucky day because she got her benefits RETROACTIVELY and cleared over $20,000! she promptly bought each of her 3 daughters used cars and spent the rest on a 2 week family trip to Disney World (that cost $10,000 she proudly told us). I am STUNNED! Plus, she got word that she finally got into a public housing apartment that costs her $180 a month! Wait - this includes all utilities including garbage and sewer....I and so many of my cow ...
Totally Insane - Courtesy Of MSNBC - Where Else? (sm)Sep 02, 2012
MSNBC panel - "although he hates it and never does it, O should start playing the race card." ...
It's The Democrats, Not President Trump Who Are Insane. Feb 14, 2017
presidency, and the left is already questioning President Donald Trump’s mental health. Of course, it’s an effort to delegitimize the new president, and, quite frankly, isn’t very original. Hillary Clinton made her entire campaign about Mr. Trump’s temperament and fitness for office. Politico ran a story in October titled: “Could America elect a mentally ill president?” And Mr. Trump still won. Nevertheless, Democrats are at it again, desperately trying to convince the people ...
In An Insane World, The Sane Person Looks Mad, Feb 14, 2017
of course. ...
Our LordMar 29, 2013
I pray everyone has a wonderful and Blessed Resurrection Day! We have so many things to be grateful for, but the highest and greatest wonder and Gift is our Lord and Saviour's sacrifice; His redemption. Love to All. ...
Florida Just Executed An Insane Man Incapable Of KnowingAug 06, 2013
As someone with a second home down there, I'm so disgusted with us. We are barbarians. ...
Need To Trust The LordJan 04, 2010
Hello, I just need prayer to increase my faith as I continue to job search in 2010. I finished my program in early October and have been job searching since that time. As each month comes and we fall further behind in our bills I am continuing on trying to focus on God and his faithfulness to every situation. Thank you. ...
Class Act - Right To The End - Lord. Oct 22, 2012
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michelle-vote-early-because-your-toilet-may-be-overflowing-election-day ...
Depression And The LordJan 10, 2015
I have a question. A deeply religious person told me once that people who have depression, have it because they haven't found the Lord. Explain, please. Does that mean (in their belief )that people with depression are being punished?? Also, I know some very deeply religious Christians who have found the Lord and still suffer terribly from depression. In other words, they found the Lord, but still have depression. So, that doesn't make sense to me. No Bible quotes, please. ...
Oh, Lord, He's Going Campaigning Again, This TimeMar 28, 2013
nm ...
California: Largest Insane Asylum In The World & Windfall Tax On Retirement IncomeOct 31, 2016
Subject: LARGEST INSANE ASYLUM IN THE WORLD - California Interesting that the LA Times did this. Lou Dobbs reported this on CNN and it cost him his job. The only network we would see this on would be FOX. All the others are staying away from it. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this should be of great interest to you! 1. 40% of all workers in LA County (10.2 million people) are working for cash; and not paying taxes. This is becaus ...
Harry Reid Stars In Lord Of The RingsFeb 05, 2010
The transcripts for the Ed Show aren't up yet or I'd be able to credit this to the comedienne who came up with it. Apologies for that, but it was too funny not to share: If Harry Reid was the protagonist in Lord of the Rings, it would not be 3 books long. It would be a pamphlet: Strider: Here come the orcs. Reid: Oh. Give them the ring. -------- Pelosi has it all over Reid. Her courage puts Reid to shame. The good news is that Obama told the dems he'll give bipartisanshi ...
WE NEED A MIRACLE DEAR LORD IN MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION. May 02, 2016
Dear God: I join all the medical transcribers throughout the united states of america referable to our career as a medical transcriptionist. We come to you, not goverment official, welfare, or any other wordly agency. We come to you through the blood of the lamb, JESUS CHRIST. You said anything we ask you in JESUS name, you would honor it. Please help us. We are being taken advantage of tremendously. Our job has also been given to others overseas. ...
How Long, Oh Lord? Previously Deported Illegal Kills FirefighterApr 06, 2016
Yes, another one of those "racist" (ridiculous charge!) posts. This time, a head-on crash with a previously deported ILLEGAL ALIEN (that IS the proper term) with no driver license and on those grounds we may presume no insurance either. A vote for Cruz is a vote for more of this. ...
How Long, Oh Lord? "Undocumented Immigrant" Rapes, ImpregnatesApr 02, 2016
This year, I'm a one-issue voter: National and border security. Without these, it's an exercise in comedy to address anything else. We either have a country or we do not, and as far as I'm concerned Trump cannot take office too soon. ...
Googling "lying For The Lord" Plus Mormon, LDS, Or RomneyOct 23, 2012
according to one article in a major periodical, Romney got permission from the church leadership when he was running for governor of Massachusetts to change his position (lie) on abortion from anti-legalization to pro-legalization. Apparently lying for the lord doesn't have to be for improving the LDS's image to outsiders, as it as mainly described. It can also be for other purposes. Like gaining political power for the church. ...
Here Comes Tea Party? Good Bye And Good RiddanceMay 29, 2013
I think she's facing some legal problems too... oh well. too bad for her. ...
If Your Credit Is Good Or Very Good, MightSep 03, 2013
This morning watching some news and a person being interviewed said now institutions you might want to borrow from, buy from, etc. are now asking for passwords and looking on FB to see who your friends are, thinking if you have people there you have friended that have bad credit, no paying folks, that you would be the same. I had heard before prospective employers were using FB to find out about your history but now this? I have excellent credit but am friends with my son's wife and ...
Oh! I Know This Is Going To Be Good!Apr 30, 2011
BREAKING: Anonymous Hits Chamber! http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/04/30/971631/-BREAKING:-Anonymous-Hits-Chamber ...
Oh, Here's A Good OneMay 13, 2011
Dr. God ...
Why Is It When You Get Something Good ...smAug 05, 2012
When you get something good, everybody wants a piece of it. My hubbie got a very good job. He drives an eighteen wheeler and has had some crappy jobs. He waited to get on with this company for months. He is making great money. Enough so that I could quit transcription and go back to college. (Thank you Lord) He makes the mistake of telling people how well paying it is and everybody wants a job. I said it's real simple if they have an opening ...
This Can't Be GoodMar 20, 2013
Bethlehem rioters set fire to pics of Obama. In preparation for US president's Mideast visit, protestors say he is not welcome in their city, throw shoes at US diplomatic vehicle. http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Bethlehem-rioters-set-fire-to-pictures-of-Obama-306831 ...