questions about peri/menopause

[Awake and Unafraid]

I am 45 and have been having these symptoms for aabout a year, maybe longer.  Just before, during and after period and also at ovulation time I experience very unsettling anxiety, heart palps, and this other feeling (not sure what it is), feels like I can't breath, heart races, can't get a deep breath, feel hot in my face, etc.  It will last just a few seconds and then it happens again about 15-20 minutes later.  It can happen only once or 2,3 times spaced apart and then not happen again until this time next month.  I've been told this is a type of tachycardia (sp).  But it ONLY happens just before, during, just after menstrual cycle.  I also have night sweats, and sometimes cold chills.  Last night I kept waking up feeling anxious and when I got up this morning my hair was damp from sweating.  Mood swings are horrible.  Will all this go away once I am "officially" in menopause and not having anymore periods?  Or, does it continue through menopause as well?  Oh, and my hair is breaking off and thinning.  Is this part of perimenopause as well?  Thanks in advance for any replies.  I greatly appreciate them.  

[Elly 1]

Hi, I am now 53 and started with the exact symptoms you are experiencing when I was 41. I haven't had a period now for 4 years but ALL the symptoms you have I can relate to. Once I stopped having periods I thought it would all be better but I get hot flushes throughout the day and wake up every night dripping wet. The heart palps and feeling anxious which leads to the breathing prob and mood swings are all related to menopause. Oh to be a woman eh!!  I've probably not been much help but at least you know you are not alone with these debilitating feelings.
Take care
Elly

[Linda719]

Hi There,

    I am 51 and have been going through exactly what you describe.......And more......I am not even through menopause yet......You are not alone with the symptoms, but, they really stink!!!!....It hasn't gotten any better for me.......But, if I find out anything new or anything that helps, I will certainly let you know........My hair was thinning worse before, but now has settled down......So, hopefully yours will, too......It isn't easy going through all of this....my heart goes out to you......Good Luck.

   Linda

[br7475]

Couold be menopause but I also had the same symptoms with my hypothryoid. Maybe you should have thyroid function tested. BUT menopause does stink and the symptoms you describe are definitely what a lot of us feels. Good luck and hang in there

[MInute Maid]

Classic menopausal symptoms I am afraid and no they don't go away once your periods stop.  My sweating was so bad (every 15 minutes I was being drenched) that I had to go on HRT.  The sweating stopped immediately but I started developing breast cysts so had to come off it again after 18 months and guess what? Yes, the sweating returned, almost as bad as before!  Six months on and it seems to be receding now, thank God.  The racing heart and faintness seem to be going, too.  My period stopped at 51 and I am now 54 and am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel!