Question for women

[crysopac]

Do you see an increase of anxiety attacks during your monthly cycle? If so why is this? If not then should I get myself rechecked by a doctor? Thanks.

crystal

[houghchrst]

Oh honey you have no idea. I just got through one of the worst PMS (PMD) cycles that I have had in a long time. Anxiety, depression, crying, pain, sweating, rapid mood swings, the works!! Yes it is definitely possible. I have Xanax or Klonopin for these times of the month. Some are worse than others. Some get worse with age and some women just breeze through them. I envy them LOL. It has to do with the hormone fluctuations that your body goes through during that time of the month. If you have a pdoc then you may be able to get something to help. Also just knowing that it is because of your menses helps getting through it because you know there is an end in sight LOL. Some try meditation, journaling, soothing hot soaks, depending on what you use for protection if you know what I mean, hot cup of tea and some quiet time (I envy them too LOL). Just so you know you are not alone, there are millions of us in the world. Good luck!!!

[tic chick]

hey crystal!

my mom is 79 and WELL into menopause...lol...and she still has panic attacks. there is no hormonal fluctuation in her body, so i don't think that the panic attacks are affected for that reason.

i have been free of panic attacks since about age 32...about 20 years now. i don't think my panic attacks were influenced by my cycle either, i just seemed to get them when i had something on my mind that was bothering me.

so, i would say that some women DO have panic attacks more at certain times of their cycle. hormones influence your other brain chemicals, so it's almost a given that some women will be affected by their cycles.

so, i would maybe keep a journal for a couple of months and see when your worst anxiety is.

hope that helps,
jeannie

[houghchrst]

Hi Crystal here are some quotes from some sites and I will give you the links if you would like to check them out.

Panic is a sudden and intense response to a normal thought or sensation. It is often accompanied with a feeling of impending doom and multiple physical sensations such as: Rapid heart beat, pounding heart or palpitations Sweating Shaking visibly or inside Choking sensations Smothering sensations or shortness of breath Chest pain or discomfort Nausea or abdominal discomfort Dizziness or unsteadiness Feeling light-headed Derealisation (feeling unreal) Depersonalisation (Feeling detached from oneself) Fear of losing control or going crazy Paraesthesia (numbness or tingling sensations) Chills or hot flushes.

Anxiety is described as a more psychological condition, prolonged by thought processes which perpetuate the condition. Anxiety can cause phobias such as agoraphobia which is a condition which develops from a "logical" development of self preservation avoidance. By avoiding certain situations the sufferer limits their activities, this forms the start of obsessive behaviour and when left untreated can cause debilitating social phobias. This process can be reversed.http://www.npadnews.com/faqs.asp#q1



Anxiety and even panic attacks may be symptoms of a number of hormonal changes or problems in women, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perimenopause, and menopause. Hormonal changes may cause the anxiety or make it worse. If you are a woman, you may want to explore these other conditions because treating them may treat the anxiety itself.http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/womenshormones/PMS_PMDD_Menopause_and_Anxiety_Disorders.htm

I hope you manage to find a solution.

[crysopac]

What a relief! I thought I was really losing it now. I just recently got dxed with anxiety attacks and didnt want this to be just something else to have to deal with. Thank you all for your wonderful advice. Dh is home for the next two days so I think I am going to try making them as stress free days as possible. ;)

I do keep a journal for my periods but never thought adding my anxiety attacks into the journal. Thanks for the advice. I will add them to it and see if they increase during this time or if it just that they happen to coincide this month.

I do feel better not being alone.

Now where did I put that chocolate bar!!!! Have a wonderful day.

Crystal

[houghchrst]

Crystal, hey can I have some of that? LOL. There is a possibility that you may suffer from anxiety in general but yeah your periods can really mess you up. Mine keep getting worse as I get older so I have Xanax for really bad days. Keeping track will definitely help. I use MoodTracker.com but I have other wonderful issues too lol.

Here is hoping it ends soon!!!

[crysopac]

Didnt you mother tell you to not ask for chocolate from a pmsing woman or a pregnant lady???;) :p :D

Your lucky. I love to share *passes over chocolate*

Have a wonderful day
crystalina

[houghchrst]

Crystalina, what a lovely unique name, just wondered how you were today. Please excuse my manners, no my hand doesn't hurt too badly from that slap I received when I reached for the chocolates :D. You are lucky to have someone who is understanding and will let you chill when you are having your "ladies days". Mine has learned to leave me be and is very patient. I often lay in bed with the remote and candles lit all over the room, love candles, or close the door and read a good book. I have a six yr old so I am constantly being interrupted for a hug, a tickle or a question but it is not too bad.

Have a great and peaceful day.

[crysopac]

aniety still there but handling it ok so far. I have four children so sitting back and chilling is something I rarely get to do. So I take advangtage of it when it happens. Thank you for the compliment to my name. According to my husband it fits me. Pretty and unique in a weird funny sort of way. Loving isnt he. LOL

crystalina

[houghchrst]

weird funny sort of way?!!? LOL I dare him to say it while standing within reach on one of your worst days LOL. 4 kids, wow, that can create anxiety right there. I have two and have days where I want to tear out my hair, or theirs LOL. Do you have any kind of meds for your anxiety or is it manageable for you? Otherwise you may want to bring it up to your doc next time you go. Lots of rest is good but I know with kids it is hard. I have even tried hiding in the bathroom with a book on the pretense of ..... well you know, but that usually doesn't work for long because it always seems that someone has to go.