Scary symptoms of perimenopause and menopause Part 1: Panic attacks, Palpitations & Heavy Periods

[@Godisfirst21]

I made it to the other side ladies and I promised myself to come here and tell my sistas... Im 51 now and no period for 1 year and 2 month's. Perimenopause was hell. I thought my life was over. I wanted to die. YES, there is HOPE. Im a completely different person now. I had every symptom. They are ALL gone. My hot flashes were hundreds a day and all night. Gone now. My boobs were so sore...that I lived in a sports bra for month's. No pain anymore. No more panic attacks. I had them all the time. I didn't believe it would ever end. It ended. Im so happy. You are not crazy. Hormones make us crazy. I love you all. Keep the faith. How did I know when i made it to the other side? I stopped watching these videos. I was addicted to them. My rage stopped. I could feel the difference over night.

[@visam28]

Glad you are feeling better! How did you get it to stop? Thank you

[@jbell9179]

I'm 50 in a couple of months and I want that for my birthday !

[@Loveroyals]

That's awesome . How long did it take you to get to the other side of this hell 😅

[@Godisfirst21]

@Lawyersadvise1 age 47, 48, 49 and 50 were the worst for me. I was suicidal. I didn't think I would make it through.

[@Godisfirst21]

@jbell9179 50 was very hard for me. I remember that birthday too well. I had no idea why I was so very miserable that day. I had no periods for months. 2 days after my 50th, I got a period, and it was hell. I'll be 52 in 3 months. No periods in over a year is BLISS. You will get to the other side and feel better than ever.

[@caronnest4939]

Thank u so much I am pestered with panic attacks at the minute...just knowing other people have the same is so supportive

[@AvogelCoUk]

Glad to be of help Caron, hope this resolves quickly! Best Wishes Eileen

[@toyino7520]

I experience the heart palpitations and it's so bad. Three years ago, I thought my heart has issues. I had to see a cardiologist. I found out later on that it was perimenopause.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hope symptoms have eased off for you now! Best Wishes Eileen

[@juliethomas8919]

Yes heart palpitations was a major issue. Did every test possible by cardiologist....turns out it was attributed to low magnesium. First doctor to mention same!

[@visam28]

Went to the hospital last year for heart racing. I was also having panic attacks regularly never had anxiety issues. I didn't know I was in perimenopause and had no idea it was a thing until much later after watching videos like this.

[@Loveroyals]

Did they get better ?

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hope all is well now Visam Best Wishes Eileen

[@visam28]

@@AvogelCoUk Thank You! ☺️

[@visam28]

@@Loveroyals Yes thank you! I realized coffee was a contributing factor. I drank it my whole adult life pretty much loved it apparently its a common thing to not be able to drink it anymore during perimenopause. I also had low electrolytes when I went to the hospital.

[@katienorthenmore1892]

Thank you Eileen. I went through all of this at the time and didn't know what was going on. It was horrible. I went from one job to another and wasn't really coping. It started around my late 40s. I wish there was more help and understanding in society and the work place for women going through this. I felt quite lonely and sometimes mad as I thought I was just moaning a lot? Doctors offer antidepressants or birth control because of oestrogen. I think for me perimenopause was worse. Because I didn't know what was going? I do hope women in the future get more help.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Katie Yes, there is still a lot more needing done in the workplace, although I'm seeing more big companies and organisations improving. It is so difficult with perimenopause symptoms as these can be so random that it can be really difficult for doctors to make the connection; we definitely need more education as knowledge is power! Best Wishes Eileen

[@bilkisushehuminjibir9212]

Bleeding post menopousally is also very scary as you take up your mind from seeing any bleeding vaginally,then suddenly to see blood coming out from you again is very very scary.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Absolutely! Best Wishes Eileen

[@sc6878]

Hi Eileen, thank u so much, luv ur blogs, so informative and helpful for me over d years. If I hadn't had u I wud have thought I was dying!! My scary symptoms.. Electric shocks in my chest, horrible scary feelings, not happening as much now I'm 14months without period 🎉. Fingers so so painful in mornings, sore to move. My scariest one I'd d memory loss and complete brain fog, not feeling I'm 'me'. I'm getting thru it I think, and naturally.. Thank u x

[@AvogelCoUk]

You're welcome, glad to have been of help! Have you tried a fish oil supplement for the sore fingers, this can be really helpful once it kicks in. Fish oils are also good for brain function, heart health and skin! Best Wishes Eileen

[@cafe4cat2nap]

Scary (& embarrassing!): absolute, abject grief, weeping, sobbing heart break at the thought of a pet that died several years ago, with a commercial for the ASPCA, a touching moment in an episode of Foyle's War or Midsummer Murders, then I cannot stop the tears.

[@reachhonduras8955]

Depression was one of the scariest symptoms for me. A deep depression I couldn’t get out of. I had never experienced such depression before. I had to get on medication. I had no other choice.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hope you're feeling so much better now! Best Wishes Eileen

[@35delois]

Dizziness is another scary symptom I have it constantly

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Dizziness can be caused by a number of factors, I've posted a vlog on this and what you can do to help yourself so please do take a look. www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/can-menopause-cause-dizziness-light-headedness/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@helenmorris8089]

I'm 42 and i have a lot of sympto.s of perimenopause. My mom was 42 when she went post menopause and my sister 44. Im really struggling with a return of OCD (intrusive thoughts and rumination) with crippling anxiety and panic. Heart palpitations are very bad daily. I'm struggling living my daily life and i have 2 small children. I mentioned peri to my Doctor and all she said was 'palpitations are not a menopause symptom'. Feel like giving up.

[@Godisfirst21]

@helenmorris8089 I'm almost 52. It was hell for me also. I'm on the other side now...made it through. I thought it would kill me. It didn't. Your symptoms will end. Nobody can tell you when. It feels like forever when you are in hell.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Helen Sorry to hear that you didn't get good support from your doctor. It may be an idea to ask for different doctor, if you can, or see if there is a local menopause clinic you could be referred to. Interestingly, we find palpitations to be a very common peri and menopause symptom! Best Wishes Eileen

[@AvogelCoUk]

Great to hear that you've made it and hope that you feel so much better now! Best Wishes Eileen

[@sandraelenazapata]

That is for peri and Menopause I had all, I went to ER because of those Nasty symptoms and I’m having the menopause and I’m feeling terrible

[@Godisfirst21]

@sandraelenazapata how long are you without a period? I'm one year and 2 months.

[@reachhonduras8955]

One other really scary symptom for me has been difficulty swallowing! I am scared I may choke on my food sometimes. Small bites are my new normal.

[@AvogelCoUk]

This is quite a common symptom! I've posted a vlog on this so please do take a look www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/throat-problems-during-perimenopause-and-menopause/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@safyneanais6235]

I love your hair and earrings. :) All three were the worst for me. The panic attacks were debilitating. I am so happy those are easing up. Flooding was terrifying. I have always been so regular, clockwork and never any issues. Palpitations were also terrifying. I know this is funny but I remember Oprah talked about her palpitations when she started peri. When it happened to me I knew I was in Peri because of Oprah. The worst one was I had trouble breathing. I have asthma. This was different. I ended up in ER. The doctor thought I had a pulmonary embolism. Everything was fine, healthy lungs. It was a peri symptom. Who knew! It was a terrifying one. It took several days before I could breathe easy again, then it went away never to come back.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Thank you for your lovely comment Safyne! Hopefully, these have all eased for you now? Best Wishes Eileen

[@sylviesas2992]

The scariest symptom for me is my mind going to worst scenario whenever there is a symptom that lingers. I've been waking up at 3-4 almost every night and sometimes for no reason at all or sometimes due to hip being sore, or feeling cramps. I get up and go do a meditation (Joe Dispenza) or any other that helps me feel in control again... and doing this consistently (instead of staying in bed frustrated and letting my mind race) has helped me regain calm, perspective and be able to go through the day feeling much better.

[@AvogelCoUk]

That's a great strategy, Sylvie, thank you! Best Wishes Eileen

[@lozb1631]

I've had palpitations and ectopic ones that my Dr checked out. He said it was the oestrogen levels changing that can cause it. Also the adrenaline rushes. Those really affected me as you feel so unstable in yourself. I even changed my work as I was having unpredictable heavy periods. My other annoying symptom is severe dry eyes. I'm having periods of 3 weeks at the moment. Some days light and some heavier. I'm 52 so hoping the end of periods is very near as I've been peri since being 46!

[@katienorthenmore1892]

I had my ovaries taken out in the end as I had cyst with heavy bleeding. Around 50. So glad. Hope you feel better soon.x

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi If you're getting a lot of heavy bleeding it may be wise to check for anaemia. This, in turn, can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, low mood/anxiety, poor sleep etc., which are often mistaken for menopause ones! A supplement called Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules can be really effective for dry eyes so worth trying for a few months Best Wishes Eileen

[@etomazot5748]

Great tips thanks for sharing

[@AvogelCoUk]

Thanks for watching! Best Wishes Eileen

[@eleanorandrews6048]

Hi Eileen I'm 53 and suffer from severe anxiety and also have panic attacks, I even had one on Saturday Another symptom was extreme bleeding due to polyps ,it was diagnosed in 2022 and had a bloodtranfusion (2 units) due to severe anemia .Iam currently taking a supplement to combat the hot flushes and fatigue 😩

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Eleanor Hope you're feeling better now. I have posted a vlog on panic attacks and what you can do to help yourself so please do take a look. www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/panic-attacks-during-menopause-how-to-deal-with-them/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@eleanorandrews6048]

@@AvogelCoUk Thank you Eileen will do

[@rebeccaullbricht7452]

Hi Eileen, thank you for your videos and tips, they are always so insightful and informative. The panic attacks and anxiety are truly worrying, especially because they can onset at any time, mostly without warning !! Horrible really!! Wish i could have ordered me the 7 day sample, but, I am all the way over in South Africa 😊 ❤

[@AvogelCoUk]

Glad to be of help Rebecca! You may find the A Vogel SA Menopause Formula helpful or you could find a fermented soya supplement at your local health shop and add in 200mg of magnesium for similar results to the Menopause Support Best Wishes Eileen

[@Julie-netball]

I had heavy periods in my 40's and it got worse and worse. I had a fibroid removed, and then suddenly a few months later bled even heavier. On the scan it just wasnt healing. I had to have a hysterectomy in the end. Dont let doctors fob you off. They to always say itll stop but it doesnt always stop, and you can suffer for years believing them. Xxx

[@AvogelCoUk]

That's important advice Julie, thank you! Hope you're feeling much better now? Best Wishes Eileen

[@Julie-netball]

@@AvogelCoUk it's all alot better thank you. The constant uncertainty of bleeding contributed to anxiety no end. Thank goodness its over. Xxx

[@yocelin1087]

Hi, A Vogel! Please make your products available in the U.S.

[@AvogelCoUk]

We would love to! However, you can often get products that may have similar benefits, depending on what you are looking for. Best Wishes Eileen

[@aideenugent7543]

Thank you Eileen! I have heart palpitations. They come just all of a sudden but I have noticed they come when I’m in my periods and I feel weird all the time during these days. My periods last only three days now and first day they are heavy but I know the hormones are crazy. I can’t wait to leave the perimenopause stage it has been awful awful awful experience so far. I’m 46 years old. Thank The Lord he still has me standing strong each day as I go through this.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Aidee Yes, palpitations can be so horrible! I have posted a vlog on this and what you can do to help yourself so please do take a look. www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/5-ways-to-stop-heart-palpitations-during-menopause/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@aideenugent7543]

@@AvogelCoUk thank you. ❤️

[@Sunshine123x]

Heavy periods ,still getting at 53 .fed up with them .

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Karen Heavy periods can quickly cause anaemia which in turn can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety/low mood, brain fog, joint pains so this could be contributing to all the symptoms you mentioned! Your doctor can test your iron levels to see if you need an iron supplement, if so, then this can often help to resolve symptoms quickly! Best Wishes Eileen

[@telesterzindoga2682]

Sorry l really understand you ...l suffered but guess what it will end

[@Sunshine123x]

@@telesterzindoga2682 just the Pitts isn't it 🫂pain too .

[@jeloreyes5883]

This is i feel.heart palpitation then panic attack feeling died i always go to ER but ecg always normal

[@teresashomeschoolchannel227]

I had to change my diet to no inflammatory foods, I canteat chocolate or sugar any more I actually thought I might have ms, left side weakness, drab my foot was waking up at 330 am w tremors and sweating . The heart palpation I have , I have to breath deep and get it to calm down. I've had tons of tests done and bloodwork, I can't rush no more either and I gotta eat or it sets it off and I gotta get sleep

[@Karikk72]

Thinking of yu. I have scary stuff like that too and all tests say I am fine but I don’t feel fine

[@AvogelCoUk]

Maybe check out acupuncture as this can often help with mysterious symptoms! Best Wishes Eileen

[@Sunshine123x]

Emotional , head fog ,trying too do online courses.questions come and have no idea .carnt take info in .panic attacks are worse then ever the anxiety is awful .perimenapause stage .heavy periods ,immensely painful .sleep ,what's that .😮

[@AvogelCoUk]

Have you spoken to your doctor about all this Karen? Hope you get some good support. Best Wishes Eileen

[@Sunshine123x]

@@AvogelCoUk yes I have ,stuck me on a combined hrt patches not doing anything.just plodding along vitamins . Thankyou for helping us ladies it means a lot 🫂

[@Karikk72]

Eyes ! Some days feel like can’t see out of glasses but doctor says ok

[@Loveroyals]

Me too 😢

[@AvogelCoUk]

A supplement called Sea Buckthorn can often be helpful, especially if you get dry eyes as well Best Wishes Eileen

[@jbell9179]

Ive had flooding for at least a few years and have already been anemic since age 14( (im 49 now)..yesterday I went through ny clothes five times. I asked for a hysterectomy after my son was born, and they said I was too young at 27. Its been a brush off ever since and my quality of life is terrible. My periods control everything and keep me exhausted all month long. I cant wait to be done with this garbage.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi I'm astounded that you've not been helped with this, especially after so long! Please do get back to your doctor and ask for a referral to see a gynaecologist; at least, you may be severely anaemic after all this bleeding so you should be getting some kind of support! Best Wishes Eileen

[@AvogelCoUk]

Very helpful, thanks Belhel! Best Wishes Eileen

[@jennylynwilliams7888]

Sometimes I will not be able to walk for a while and then it would correct itself. Sometimes after an hour sometimes after a couple of days.

[@matildamaher111]

Peri-menopause journey is Scary. And wake up next day to go to work.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Absolutely, it can be a very difficult time! Best Wishes Eileen

[@thesageofvisonaryroots]

Qigong has been helping me balance out mentally. The bleeding Ican,get out of control

[@AvogelCoUk]

That's great Tessa, Qigong can be helpful in so many ways! Best Wishes Eileen

[@jennylynwilliams7888]

I would be fine one minute, walking or taking the stairs and moving around very well. Then maybe I might sit down for a little while and then get up or move and my knee would get stuck in a painful position. I would suddenly be unable to straighten my knee. I have had this checked out by an orthopaedic surgeon. X-rays done, DEXA scan done no problems found. I do have total knee replacements. They are quite old but still doing well. No problems found there. These episodes are intermittent and very scary. It started happening as I approached menopause. I know of one other person this has happened to there must be others. I don't know what it is.

[@kathbalme4227]

Becaususe your estrogen is getting low it causes loss of lubrication in your joints.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Yes, joints can get dehydrated and cause discomfort or pain. You may find a fish oil supplement can be helpful and don't forget to drink lots of plain water daily! Best Wishes Eileen

[@AvogelCoUk]

Definitely, Kath!

[@jennylynwilliams7888]

Thank you both for your kind advice. I need to get back on the fish oil, which I had stopped taking because it bothered my tummy, and I definitely need to drink more water and reduce/manage stress.

[@Emma-fn4yd]

I'm in a surgical menopause so no longer have the bleeding (though had flooding when I menstruated). I get very low blood sugar with a mixture of a hot flush and panicky feeling.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Emma I've posted a vlog on low blood sugar issues, please do take a look and hopefully may be of benefit for you www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/how-menopause-affects-blood-sugar-levels/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@caronnest4939]

I used to be able to fast ...but not anymore ...so took ur advise and don't do that feel so much better its is really hard to change especially when there is all this talk about intermittent fasting...made me feel such a failure not being able to do it

[@AvogelCoUk]

Yes, It can be disappointing when something has worked so well for years but good to hear that you feel better changing things. Best Wishes Eileen

[@Karikk72]

The paresthesia is scary. So many tests and nothing found but still terrifying

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Karikk Did you look into acupuncture at all? This can often be helpful for such symptoms. A high dose daily magnesium may also be beneficial, approx 200mg twice a day. Best Wishes Eileen

[@Karikk72]

@@AvogelCoUk thank you. I didn’t see relief from acupuncture. I currently take 200mg daily of magnesium

[@silvanabejto]

Did you have dizziness?

[@AvogelCoUk]

No, I was OK with that symptom but I do know how debilitating it can be from all the feedback I have received. I have posted a vlog on this specifically so please do take a look. www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/can-menopause-cause-dizziness-light-headedness/ Best Wishes Eileen

[@silvanabejto]

Thank you 🙏

[@Karikk72]

For me it’s just all the weird randoms stuff ! Like how can one person have so many issues ????

[@mairamaan9297]

I only have 1 period a year since last 3 years I’m 49 Every year I think This is it i’m done but baam! Surprise. Is this normal peri menopause? Doctor doesn’t seem very concerned

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hi Maira I have heard this from a few women over the years and good to hear that your doctor isn't concerned! Best Wishes Eileen

[@essemish]

🎉

[@Jacqueline_R]

Dizziness so bad, i could not drive for 9 months.

[@AvogelCoUk]

Hope this has eased for you now Jacqueline Best Wishes Eileen

[@BernerVRshow]

Hi I am 49. I am a week over my period and think I mabe will skip a period. This is my first symptom of perimenopause. I am very pms now and I feel I mabe will not get a period this time. I am thinking just not making a lot out of it and try to just cope with the pms. But if I dont get any period - when will the pms stop? And I am scared because my pms is always been a problem and now it is no relif from it. So for how long can pms symtoms with no period comming last?

[@AvogelCoUk]

Unfortunately, it's difficult to say how long symptoms may last as it is different for everyone, sorry. This can depend on your individual hormone levels, stress levels and diet as these can all be factors Best Wishes Eileen

[@BernerVRshow]

I got it today. This was first symptom. I have to bing watch and learn how to handle this because now it mabe will be like this every month. Thank you.