Struggling with menopause symptoms, mental health: looking to connect

@jennyesp hang in there Jenny. This is all temporary. Check with your doctor about hrt. It just might need to be adjusted. Rely heavily on your faith...you can get through this.

@nicscud22 thank you for your response, I am going to the Dr on the 15 they are thinking of putting the Mirena in to stop the constant bleeding, but I need to ger an ultrasound first, but my energy, mental health and insomnia is killing me.

@jennyesp I'm sorry for what you're going through. There are so many of us experiencing the same thing. Go on FB and join HerSpace perimenopause and Progesterone Withdrawal/Negative Effects Groups. Whole community of women with who provide support with their various situations. Praying for your strength. You're going to be okay.

Hi @jennyesp, and welcome. You'll notice I moved your comment to start a new conversation. I did this so that more members of our Menopause community who have dealt with similar issues will see it and may be able to provide some support.

What you’re going through can feel really overwhelming. But it's important to know you’re not alone in this! Perimenopause is sometimes referred to as a "window of vulnerability" because the wild hormonal fluctuations can increase the chances of anxiety and depression -- and it happens to a lot of women.

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with some darker thoughts too. Even if they’re less intense than before, they matter and you deserve support with that. If you can, it helps to talk to someone you trust -- a friend, therapist, or even a support line like 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness call line (1-800-950-6264). Please call them if you are feeling threatened by your feelings of self-harm.

I’m really glad you reached out here. You mentioned that you have an appointment on the 15th to talk to your doctor. Would it be possible to reach out to the doctor's office and ask for an emergency appointment to talk about your insomnia and mental health?

@jennyesp Before adding a device, the doctor should consider the type and dose of estrogen and progesterone. You don’t want to mask a problem that could be solved. First I’d worry about too high a HRT dose, second would be too much progesterone. Menopause can be disrupting, but this is way too much.

@triciaot I really don't feel like my Dr specializes in menopause, she is great, it's just the trail error and the time imbetween appointments. I used to be bubbly and cup half full person and now I feel it's a struggle. Also I'm not married with a disable son doing this alone. I was strong and independent now I'm weak struggling and afraid so much of the time. Thank you for listening to me...

@jennyesp Did your Dr. order bloodwork to determine your hormone levels estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. Hopefully, your ob/gyn specializes in menopause symptoms. You can check Dr. Kelly Casperson on FB or Dr. Marie Clare Haver who wrote book on “New Menopause”.

Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your experience, Jenny. I have a similar experience (49, in perimenopause since 2017). I have insomnia, waking up every night around 2AM, and I stay awake for about an hour before drifting back to sleep. I have generalized anxiety which affects me nearly every hour of every day. I get anxious about nearly everything, especially my personal relationships, and have learned to tell myself that "thoughts are not facts" - I cannot trust my own brain when trying to make the best decisions for myself and my family because my emotions are too strong and they try to take over in decision-making. It is difficult for me to separate my emotions from facts most times. I started asking for HRT in 2017. My first two OBGYNs prescribed wellbutrin (anxiety medication), which I discovered just made my insomnia worse and did not relieve my anxiety. I saw a menopause specialist at one of the top hospitals in the state. She tested my blood one time on one day and determined my estrogen levels were normal so I got no HRT. 8 years later I went to a different hospital system and talked to another menopause specialist who actually listened to me describe my symptoms and gave me estrogen patches and progesterone on the spot. He said to stop taking the wellbutrin. These changes have made a big difference in relieving some of my symptoms, but closer to my period they get worse for a week or two. I have not figured out how to completely balance the symptoms across all weeks, whether closer to my period or further from it. I am going on being in perimenopause for 9+ years. It is awful - I was never this kind of emotional person and I hate what perimenopause is doing to me, when I cannot control it. I have talked with a psychologist but I have to pay out of pocket since she is not covered by my insurance so I cannot afford to go too often. She seems largely unfamiliar with the affects of my symptoms when I describe them to her. I have been seeking a support group for perimenopausal and menopausal women in my area, without any luck however, ChatGPT did refer me to this forum through the Mayo Clinic and I connect with and appreciate reading the posts and comments here.
One other thought - whoever said "rely on your faith, Jenny" cannot possibly be experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Faith doesn't cut it here and while I respect those who are religious, perimenopause requires much more medical treatment and care - something which doctors seem largely uninformed about. Checking blood levels one time does not give an accurate reading to any hormone, specifically one that fluctuates routinely due to perimenopause. Blindly prescribing anxiety medication without listening to a patient describe their symptoms is useless and could do more harm than good. I appreciate the person who commented that perimenopause is "temporary" - I wish I could confirm that but after 9 years I am not getting my hopes up. This has gone on for me for a decade and has become the norm, and it makes me unhappy. I appreciate the support this group can provide.