Anxious feeling prior to Period

Hello Julzie,

Welcome to HealingWell and I am waste past PMS but I sure do remember it.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that may occur a week or two before the start of a woman's menstrual period and disappear after the menstrual period begins. The repeated occurrence (cyclic) nature of PMS is the only way to separate PMS from other disorders. Ninety percent of all women report experiencing PMS symptoms at some time in their lives. For some women the symptoms are so severe that work and social relationships are seriously disrupted.
Though not completely understood, many theories exist for the cause of premenstrual syndrome. Although hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle clearly influence PMS (especially those triggered by ovulation), an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels has not been consistently found. Some studies have reported a deficiency of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain) in women with PMS, which might explain a connection with behavior.

While stress does not cause premenstrual syndrome, it may intensify the symptoms. Relaxation techniques and exercise may help to relieve anxiety and tension.

We have some great links to stress releaving techniques in our Anxiety-Panic Resources thread at the top of this page. Here is the link to that thread:
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206
Check out the third topic down. I know you will be hearing from other members as this is a topic that is often and issue for other members.
Keep posting here with us.
Kindly,
Kitt

Hi Kitt and Hibee,

Thanks for your help, it is lovely to know there is a bit of help on the internet for our troubles. I am also a bit of a hypercondriac so I don't think that helps matters with the Anxiety. I went to the doctor to get a blood test to check my hormone levels, but I am so scared of blood tests I didn't get it done. The funny thing is I can have injections no problem but as soon as I walk into QML I get terrible anxiety, so it is a real catch 22. My fear of blood tests is due to my veins being well hidden and they have a lot of trouble finding them, making them prod me a lot of times before finding one they use. I have had so many unpleasant experiences there that I have a phobia with the place.

I hope you both have a good day.

Best wishes

Julie

Hi Tinlou, I am guessing I may be beginning peri-menopuse as I am 36, but I don't know for sure. I am just hoping that is all it is. Do you find you can be feeling ok, then just out of the blue you suddenly feel that unsettle, nervous and upset and it can last for a short amount of time and then go away, but come back again later on?

Wow, someone who knows what I am talking about. I tried telling my husband and he said well if you know it is just a hormonal thing can you just not worry about it. He doesn't quite get how horrible I feel when this happens. Yes I do tell myself it is nothing, but that still doesn't stop the next wave of anxiety from coming. I must say it makes feel better to know I am not the only one who has this. I have told the doctor about it before but she didn't do much about it all. I need to toughen up and get a blood test done so I have some definate answers but it just freaks me out the thought of the test :( Maybe in the new year I will just bite the bullet and get it done so I know 100% that that is what is going on. Thank you Tinlou for your experiences, you have brightened me up. :)