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robbie_wy

Weird Adrenalin Rushes

Robbie_WY
18 years ago

I'm brand new to this wonderful forum, and wondering if anyone can address this problem -- or rather symptoms.

Am in menopause and last period was about 15 mos. ago. Have decided to do this "cold turkey," so I'm not on HRT. For about the last 6 months, I will often awaken in the middle of the night with an "adrenalin rush" kind of feeling -- sort of like the feeling one might get standing at the top of the Empire State Building and looking over the edge. These are not anxiety attacks -- I had those many years ago with mitral valve prolapse and no longer have the anxiety attacks. This is different, and they only happen at night.

Am wondering if these adrenalin rushes are a result of menopause? I've done some research, but haven't found any answers.


Thank you !!

Robbie

Comments (194)

  • Helen Blake
    7 years ago

    I also get these adrenaline rushes just as my hot flashes start. I have had them for 16 years now. When my hot flashes 1st started I referee to them as violent because I would have then about every 10 minutes or do. They have since reduced in number & severity. I am now 66 years old and it's not so bad now with just a few a day.

  • User
    7 years ago

    I really notice them in the palms of my hands, anyone else feel it in arms and hands? 64 and get them as soon as I awake from sleep no matter what time.

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  • Mkj Bar
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    I get a vibration through my body when waking, like I'm shaking on the inside. Occasionally at other times as well.

  • lisamarie63703
    7 years ago

    I take comfort reading about so many other women having this problem. I have noticed that stress has really seems to bring on more of these episodes. The worse one I had was a week before my daughter's wedding, and my mother was having back surgery, I thought it was a heart attack. I went in for an EKG and blood work but it showed nothing. I explained to my GP what happened and while he looked concerned he had no idea. It's hard to believe this many women are having these episodes yet no one can give us answers...welcome to life I guess. Thank you for posting it truly does help to know you are not alone!

  • Deb Schumacher
    6 years ago

    Hi Robbie,

    I just got on this forum looking for an answer to symptoms I have been dealing with for some years now. Your description sounds as close to my symptoms as I've found. I describe it as a sensation of going over a hill fast. That rush feeling. I get them at night also. I will wake up and wham, I get that creepy sensation, then bust out in a hot flash. Really hate this it's more than irritating and so disruptive to sleep. So by what I've been reading it sounds like it's correlated to the adrenal gland. Great...just more more thing to go haywire as I age!! I just turned 60 this year. I've been in menopause for probably 8 years. I'm as frustrated as everyone else. The one thing I desire and crave is a solid nights sleep, miss that so much.

  • Mkj Bar
    6 years ago

    Whilst I still was having the odd adrenaline rush whilst on the beta blockers come winter time ( I'm in Australia) they are back on a regular basis. The other thing that I have had showing in my blood tests is an elevated level of C reactive protein , this has been going on for a few years this is caused by high inflammation but from what I don't know. Eventually I'm sure we will all work this out and others after us will not have to suffer for as long as all of us here.


  • Sandra Fletcher
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I am so relieved to hear this dreadful feeling is menopause, I was advised to stop taking the pill as it's dangerous for women over 50. Hot flushes started immediately, so I started taking 5HTP and Melatonin supplements to assist with menopause symptoms and my sleep deprivation as I also have Narcolepsy and fibromyalgia. Soon after taking these supplements I started experiencing these dreadful episodes, I could never explain to the doctors how they felt. After reading this forum I would have to say "adrenalin rush" is another way to describe them. I would say a cross between pins and needles and numbness crawling up inside my legs to my pounding chest followed by a clammy feeling with a hot flush, a layer of sweat on my skin plus a red burning face and ears. These episodes were happening like clock work, they were always worse following rest. They were so bad at one point, I couldn't stay in my seat as it was so uncomfortable being in my own body.

    A specialist doctor prescribed anti depressants to me for an unknown illness, I researched the medication on google and discovered information about an illness called Serotonin syndrome which matched my symptoms. I stopped taking the supplements immediately and the episodes subsided to a much more tolerable state. I then went off the stimulants I take for Narcolepsy for reasons too hard to explain, I noticed the episodes subsided even more so. I'm still having the episodes day and night, however they are more tolerable now apart from waking me through the night. What I can't understand is how specialist doctors can look at us as though we are imagining these symptoms and dismiss us as fools followed by an enormous bill to pay for no diagnosis and a prescription for anti depressants.

    Now I just have to find out why at 56 my joints stiffen up and hurt like hell, many years ago this problem started in my hands, now every one of my joints are effected.

    If I sit for ten minutes, I'm getting up like a 90 year old woman. At times I have trouble using a knife and fork as my hands are so sore and when I wake up every morning all my fingers on both hands are stiff and cramped. I need stimulants and a very long hot shower to get moving again.

    Shoulders, elbows, hands, fingers, knees and feet are constantly sore, much worse following rest and everything in between has a turn at adding to my pain from one day to the next.

    So frustrated!!!!!

  • lisamarie63703
    6 years ago

    I have the severe joint pain too! I thought it was arthritis but when i ask my primary physician he took xrays and said the arthritis wasn't that bad. Ihave been using black cohosh which is helping the sweats. And also vitamin b complex for the adreneline surges panic attack. It seems to help except when I am really stressed.

  • Deb Schumacher
    6 years ago

    Sandra Fletcher, I know what you are saying about the joint stiffness and overall stiffness, I think everyone ends up with Arthritis. I went through a period of time my joints hurt. Then I developed some psoriasis on my hand :( I think our immune systems start failing and we start getting all these different issues. Just growing old.

  • Mkj Bar
    6 years ago

    Add this to the list of post menopausal complaints, I get up and hobble to the bathroom each morning with terrible pain in my feet I also get an aching thumb weird. Ct scan shows arthritis in feet but not that bad to cause so much pain .

  • casey1231
    6 years ago

    OK ladies, every thing reported here is exactly how I feel...50 years old, every few weeks having these horrible adrenaline surges with burning skin and anxiety, I also tend to get a migraine in those times. I've been on an antidepressant for 20 years but it doesn't do crap to help during those times!! I'm considering HRT because I'm desperate but my mom has had breast cancer twice and I'm afraid. I'm sorry everyone is struggling but I'm glad I found this forum!!!

  • nam_aste1
    6 years ago

    omg I can't believe I finally found others that are describing/feeling exactly what I experience. These 'surges' happen the minute I lay down for bed and occur ALL NIGHT LONG! I can be sitting up in bed watching a program or reading, get very sleepy so lights out then BAM, massive 'butterflies' in my chest area. I've had tests for various heart issues...nothing. Wore a heart monitor for 24 hours...nothing. I am a fit 52 year in perimenopause. I eat very well, reduced coffee to one cup a day and workout 30'ish minutes 4-6 times a week.

    I am so frustrated at night that I want to cry. I do suffer with anxiety...so I have just attributed the surges to that. I'm going to book in with a naturopathic Doctor as I'd like to avoid conventional HRT but you know at this point I'm getting desperate for sleep. The lack there of is destroying me!

    thank you to the first person who posted the original question as without it I would never have found this thread.

  • Mkj Bar
    6 years ago

    Two years later and I can say that I rarely have them now, so there is hope. Beta blockers initially helped but now I am off them completely and no surges. I had to cut out caffeine completely , only drink decaf tea and coffee now and no chocolate. I also don’t eat anything sweet after 4pm as I found that I believe that there may be a link to fluctuations in blood sugar. Also try magnesium like a few others here it might help. Hang in there it does get better

  • annedodrill
    6 years ago

    I went looking for a forum like this because I just had one of my usual “spells”, and felt terrified. I describe my “surges” as an oncoming wave of illness and doom, followed by nausea that peaks and ebbs within a minute. But I’m way beyond menopause (age70 and fit), so I can’t blame that any more! All blood, heart, etc. tests are normal. But something has to be wrong, because these episodes are far from normal! Next thing is a gall bladder workup simply because it’s the only thing that hasn’t been investigated. Anxiety is certainly a possibility since I’m Type A. But if that’s the case, I’m going to have to change Types because I can’t stand feeling like this. Thanks to all of you for posting - it makes me feel less alone. And if there is anyone out there well beyond menopause and still experiencing these symptoms, I’d like to hear from you too, so I know I’m not the only one in this category!


  • kedenlicsw
    6 years ago

    Not alone. I’ve had them for years post menopause. Don’t think anyone has found an answer. But they won’t kill you so best not to let them set off an anxiety attack. Just breathe through them and they pass

  • annedodrill
    6 years ago

    Thank you for your response and support kedenlicsw! I’ll take that advice!

  • superhappyfunday
    6 years ago

    Hello ladies. I have the same exact symptoms. Starts with an overwhelming feeling of dread followed by tightness in my chest then surge feeling running down my arms and legs. Then the hot flash. Have not had a good nights sleep in 5 years. I have a foggy brain and irritability. I run 20 miles a week and I meditate. I've tried HRT (worked but got nervous about continuing), antidepressants (made sleep worse), Melatonin (super irritability), Estroven (kind of helpful) and Ambient (yikes no thanks). Read that there is evidence that a low dose of the antidepressant Effexor works as well as HRT so went to the doc to give that a try. She also prescribed Trazadone for sleep. That was a month ago and my life has changed for the better. I'm taking 37.5 mg Effexor (super low dose) in the am (it alerts the system) and Trazadone 50 mg (low dose) before bed. Did more research on Trazadone and learned that at low doses, it acts to block, guess what.....adrenaline. May not work for everyone and yes there are risks. In my case, the benefits outweigh the risks. It also does not alleviate all of the symptoms but no more dread, a good night's sleep, I can think again and i'm not so irritable. Here is a link with more info. on what Trazadone does- http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.605.7477&rep=rep1&type=pdf

  • Deb Schumacher
    6 years ago

    I was prescribed Trazadone also, I tried a whole one at 50mg, could hardly wake up the next morning and my mouth was soooo dry, I'm sure I slept with my mouth open all night, I mean literally had to take a mouth full of water and hold it for a while to rehydrate my tongue! I looked up what Trazadone was(should of done that 1st) and it's an antihistamine! I've always been sensitive to them. I still have the weird adrenalin rushes, but not as bad as I once had them. Not sure what's changed? I have an issue with restless legs also. I found that 65mg of iron has really helped me. I wish you luck it looks like you have hit upon some helpful things.

  • kedenlicsw
    6 years ago

    Trazodone is an antidepressant not antihisimine. Interesting about the iron.

  • superhappyfunday
    6 years ago

    Yes it is categorized as an anti depressant as well as an anti-anxiety. I'm referring to the specific pharmacologic actions. See my link-"Trazadone is a multifunctional drug with dose dependent pharmacologic actions. It has hypnotic actions at low doses due to blockage of H1 histamine (antihistamine) receptors and a1 adrenergic (adrenaline) receptors.


  • kedenlicsw
    6 years ago

    Tell us more about the iron decision.

  • Deb Schumacher
    6 years ago

    Hi all, Well due to frustration and a lot of googling, I came across this info about iron helping with RLS. I tried some and low and behold, my RLS symptoms subsided. I feel this is conclusive because I tried to go back to not taking it, and the symptoms returned. Took it again and they went away. So this seems to help me. I don't think theres any harm it 65mg of iron. It seems to be a low dose. I guess if anyone has any concerns about it, talk to your physician 1st. I just know it has made a difference for me. And weirdly enough I haven't had the adrenalin rushes so bad either. Coincidence? IDK ?

  • kedenlicsw
    6 years ago

    Iron can increase heart disease risk in elderly people so I agree that your MD should be agreeable on that one.

  • superhappyfunday
    6 years ago

    So interesting! I'm glad you found a solution that helped you.

  • Deb Schumacher
    6 years ago

    Thank you , I will look into seeing if this amount of iron is bad. Minimal amount would be the best :)

  • harrell_ta
    5 years ago

    THANK YOU LADIES!!! It's so wonderful to know I'm not alone in this experience! I am so happy to have found this forum! I googled hormone rush and hot flashes and adrenaline rush and hot flashes came up and this forum was on the list. I have been experiencing a feeling of overwhelming doom and anxiety, followed immediately (within seconds) by the "hot liquid in my veins" feeling from head to toe for over a year. I practice mindfulness & meditation and yoga. I truly believe my symptoms are tolerable due to my practice. I do not take HRT. Deep breathing, concentrating on the breath (concentrating on my breath coming into my tummy, then moving out), acknowledging my discomfort, and self-compassion have been my best friends as I champion myself through this natural process. Much love and light to each of you for being so courageous in sharing your own experiences. Please keep sharing...it's helping so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you..

  • T Smith
    5 years ago

    I take coconut water an use coconut oil in cooking plus yoga plus deep breathing plus menorhythm tablets plus close to nature at least once a day without people around me. And I'm surviving well! Thank so much all of you for sharing your thoughts.

  • superhappyfunday
    5 years ago

    I look at my hot flashes as an opportunity to practice mindfulness, LOL. Feel it coming on, accept it, don't identify with it, don't try to make it go away, don't freak out, don't catastrophise, get curious about it, and watch as it passes. There is an approach to therapy called acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) that is all about mindfulness. On the bright side, I wonder if all this dilation and constriction might be good exercise for my veins :) Who knows!

  • cindyluyu
    5 years ago

    Thank you all for this!! I have been going through this for about a year now and truly thought I must be dying! I'm 45 and still have normal-ish cycles. Everyone looks at me like I have 3 heads when I describe my symptoms. They happen at night, Adrenaline rush, chills, heart palps, sometimes, when they are very strong it ends with my body shaking and teeth chattering as the adrenaline leaves! I have started progesterone with my Naturopath and it has helped the panic attacks go away, however, the nighttime jitters remain. For me it happens mostly when i'm just dozing off I will jerk awake in a jitter or when I roll over, my chest feels tight and full of anxiety all the way to my toes and I can't stop my mind and heart from racing. It happens almost every night to some degree. I have an appointment (another one) with my Dr. to talk about seeing a cardiologist to be sure my heart is ok. I really appreciate knowing i'm not alone!

  • HU-785594874
    5 years ago

    Hi everyone I have felt so alone ontill I came across this site. I wake up early most mornings with my heart racing and then feeling shaky and hot .this started when I was 41 now I am 44 it is not as bad as it used to be .it makes my anxiety kick in a lot and I feel that there is something wrong with my heart doctors tell me that my heart is fine but I keep thinking they're wrong. It would nice to hear from someone who is feeling the same .thinking of you all as we go through this perimenopause .Shaz

  • cindyluyu
    5 years ago

    You are not alone! I went to the ER 5 times in the past 14 months due to this and thinking something was wrong with my heart. My Naturopath has put me on Progesterone and it has eliminated 90% of these symptoms and I am so grateful to have my life back! There is a very supportive facebook page called Peri-Menopause support that has helped me as well, to connect with others about the 'weird' symptoms and keep me calmer knowing they are normal. I just wish people talked about these things more in our communities and families so it wouldn't be so scary and lonely for so many!

  • lauwah
    5 years ago

    Wow! I had no idea this thread was still going! I used to wake up with terrible anxiety (not panic attacks) and in the morning when I tried to talk, I would gag, but not be able to actually throw up. This stopped happening to me because I'm pretty sure it was forgetting to take my medicine at night...(Either paxil or baclofen (muscle relaxants). If it wasn't this...Then maybe taking zantac 2 times a day for my acid reflux is what helped. I really think it was missing my meds. Hope this helps!

  • Sue Bec
    5 years ago

    Just started reading this thread from back in 2008 and thought I'd fast-forward and add to it. I've been having these weird adrenaline rushes in my chest for the past 4 years. I'm 49 and it's been 3 years since my last period. Initially these 'rushes' happened only at night, whenever I turned over in bed, or when I moved to get up in the morning. However, for the past few months I have them 24/7 but to a lesser degree. I don't get palpitations with it, just the surge of adrenalin (as if I've just gone over the top of a big peak on a roller-coaster). I'm a chilled person and they don't make me feel panicked (I had always put it down to menopause) but lately I have wondered whether it's something more going on, hence why I've ended up on here! I do take magnesium every night (for leg cramp) and have done for many years, so I will give a few of the other recommendations above a try. Can't have HRT because of past history of breast cancer...I will mention to my breast consultant about the surges. Thanks and I hope the rest of you get some relief from this issue.

  • Laura Coppens
    5 years ago

    So I'm not alone! I'm 58 and have had the "weird" surges mostly waking me at night, but continue off and on for about 24 hours. I get the roller coaster feeling in my stomach, I have the urge to urinate and have a bowel movement and I go frequently! I get the feeling I can only describe as "day dreaming" during the day, really weird dream like feeling. My symptoms only last about a day, then are gone for a month. I'm wondering if it's like my body is still gearing up for my monthly cycle.

  • superhappyfunday
    5 years ago

    Check this out-not just because it's an interesting new product but because of the explanation given regarding why we have these menopause symptoms. I had not heard this before regarding the autonomic nervous system being imbalenced. The balance between the calming branch (parasympathetic) and the ‘fight or flight’ branch (sympathetic) of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is off. So frequent fight or flight/adrenaline etc. This makes so much sense. So anyway, I'm about to try this product-fingers crossed! https://www.ladycare-plus.com

  • Mkj Bar
    5 years ago

    Hi Laura

    You are not alone, you are lucky if it is only one day for most of us it is everyday, I am 6 years post. If u are interested there are quite a few of us on Facebook on the Power-surge, for women going through perimenopause and menopause page

  • Joy Nguyen
    5 years ago

    I found this forum a year ago, when I was really worried about what was happening with my health. I was about to turn 50 and was having many of the symptoms described by various people: adrenaline rushes, especially upon waking in the morning, my legs woke me one night shaking for no reason, heart palpitations, panic attacks, hot flashes....I felt completely out of control. I went to see my naturopath, and a few things have changed since then. First, I focused on what I believed was anemia causing some of the problems. She found that I had very low ferritin stores, even though my hemoglobin was fine. So I have been taking iron supplements for a year, and it has helped a lot. Second, I started taking vitex berry, 1000 mg/day, and that seems to help too with regulating my cycles and my mood. Third, I use progesterone cream once a day, which is about half the recommended dose. But it seems to be enough to help regulate the very heavy periods I was having, which I believe was contributing to the anemia. In addition to these things, I take hawthorn once or twice a day to help with blood pressure, 2000 IU vitamin D, and 400 mg magnesium (divided into two doses). I feel pretty much back to normal at this point. My blood pressure still goes a little wacky around the time of my period, but the other symptoms are basically gone. I also read up on histamines. Some foods and wines contain a lot of histamines, which causes a reaction that can feel like allergies. I figured out that red wine was causing me to have palpitations, and switching to white wine has made a huge difference. If I feel like I'm having a reaction, taking an NSAID will help. I think someone here mentioned that taking aspirin or ibuprofen sometimes helped them sleep, and maybe this is why. Finally, I started taking Betaine HCl when I eat a meal to help with the digestive issues. I didn't know that we produce less stomach acid as we age. Why didn't my doctor tell me this 10 years ago when I went in complaining of acid reflux. Sometimes we need more acid to help get the food out of our stomachs. So, thank you to everyone who has shared their experience here. It definitely helped me to get through some scary times and know that I needed to keep looking for answers. Best wishes!

  • D Lee
    5 years ago

    I wish I’d found this thread a few years ago! I’ve been battling this crap for years now and figured many things out on my own but it’s always (sadly) comforting to know you aren’t the only one.

    It used to terrify me because my mom died of a stroke at 57 and I thought that was what was going on. Through my research I also found the histamine connection with adrenaline and hot flashes. Not that I’ve whipped them by any means but there definitely is a connection. Allergy season always gets worse for me. So you might check into the Menopause/Histamine connection and take note of food sensitivities etc which definitely exacerbate these symptoms. It’s been a long journey to figure out not losing my mind with these adrenaline surges/flashes even though they try their best to ruin your life. Thank you all so much for sharing.

  • Michelle Tanner
    5 years ago

    So happy to find this group and I’m not “CRAZY”!!! I’m 51 and since July of 2016, I’ve had episodes that usually wake in sleep and last for a few seconds and come every 2-4 hours for 24-36 hours. Then they disappear and I feel back to my normal self. It takes me few days to feel back to myself after I have them. They come like clockwork, every 3-4 weeks every month!! My Dr. did bloodwork 2 years ago to check my hormone levels on the day I was having them but everything was normal, haven’t checked them since‍♀️. Anyway she prescribed me Prozac because she thinks it’s anxiety attacks but the thing is, I’m not really anxious! I can be having a normal day, then bam , they start!! They start with my brain having a million thoughts from time back and then I get what I’ve found out is called “Adrenaline Rush or Power Rush” like electricity and heat that starts in my head then flows all the way to my toes then back up to my brain. When it’s flowing through my mid section, it really heats up. I have to stop what I’m doing and hold my head down or lay down until it passes. When it’s done, I break out in sweat and get really pale. I have thrown up in my sleep when they wake me up as the feeling is traveling back up my body. I have passed out once and most of the time I have diarrhea after the episode. I have notice that they always come after I eat something sweet or a lot of carbs. I cut them both out back in December and they’re not nearly as powerful. When I first had them, I ended up in the ER because I wasn’t sure what was going on. The previous month, I had 2 steroid epidural shots in my neck for 2 bulging discs and I thought my problems was from the shots and it could have contributed to the hormone levels I feel like because I never had them until the shots ☹️! Anyway I had a heart ultrasound, wore heart monitor and had everything was good!!! Dr still seems to think that it’s anxiety because of losing my son who was 16 on April 19, 2008 and then my daughter got married that following August, then 8 yrs later, the same month I started with the “spells” she had beautiful granddaughter! If it weren’t for the chin hairs, brown spots, sore nipples a couple of times, a bad UTI twice, which I never had before, sleepless nights and a few nights waking up sweating, I’d believe her but I’ve said all along that I that it was hormones, never thinking it was menopause though. I guess I felt like and still feel like I’m too young to be going through the “change”! Thanks for letting me share this because no one seems to understand what I’m talking about!!! Thank the good Lord for a God fearing man that’s believes me and prays for me and has had to clean me up a time or two. . (BTW, I just found a forum where the ladies was describing the same symptoms and episodes that I have and a few suggested Ona’s Progesterone Cream and so I’ve order some to try until I go back to Dr in July and maybe she can do some further testing if it doesn’t help. Any other suggestions!!! Oh I just had bloodwork done to check for allergies because she thought the anxiety is from the food I eat and it turns out that I’m allergic to dairy and shrimp ‍♀️! So I am eating no sugar or dairy products to see if that will y’all my symptoms!!! Oh I had a partial hysterectomy back 2007!!

  • Niki Floros
    4 years ago

    Oh thank God I found this site. I too have just started experiencing Adrenalin rushes every single night. I'm diabolical. What I know and have found plenty information on, is that if the adrenals, which play a vital role in this transition, are depleted (stressed? trauma? alpha female? overworked?etc), then the symptoms are much much worse. I'm seeing a naturopath this week and my goal is to get her to deal and heal my adrenals. I've suffered from adrenal fatigue so I'm no surprised but I'm very upset about it. And I know I can't live like this. Healing the adrenals are a huge part of this problem and I'm disappointed that Dr's are not suggesting this. At the same time I need immeditate relief so HRT short term, might do the trick. Or progeterone cream sounds good too. I'll write back as I see how I go.

  • Laura Jewell
    4 years ago

    Hi all glad to see this,I'm nearly 41 and adrenaline rushes are plaguing my life I'm due my period and this morning I saw a migraine aura and laid down,well then I got panic after panic waves with rushes from my bum to my head neck burning shaking really bad and feeling out of whack,need a no 2 3 times during this went to bathroom and couldnt stop shaking and face felt weird and left arm thought I was going to die,went back to bed had a biscuit couldnt even bloody chew it,laid down tried to sleep and here we go again could feel the adrenaline in my mouth strange numbing metallic taste,tried to sleep but e very time I would nearly drop off I'd get a rush in my chest or twitch in feet etc and strange heart beats this has been the worst has left me terrified no appetite either,I do get migraines but I know this was hormone madness as the aura went pretty quick used to last 30 mins .doctor said a few months ago its menopause as I was getting evening panics with fast heart rate and electric surges and feeling faint whilst lying down.ive realised these happen before and near the end of my period and before I ovulate.

  • Taz
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Thank you everyone...finally found women experiencing the same thing:-) 1 1/2 years ago had fainting episode after allergy shots...weeks later ears ringing...then 2 months later tingling and two months of no period followed by a four month long daily period. Had Head CT scan, head MRI, mammogram, pelvic ultrasound, endo biopsy, camera, heart monitor, 3 rounds of blood work, ekg, hormone tests, All came back normal. Meanwhile almost a whole year of these adrenaline surges ok near faint spells that seem to flare up worse before spotting or my period. Still irregular periods. I got seconds or minutes of a scary rush feeling, face feels weird, tingly hands, sometimes feet cramp up, sometimes hands and feet feel like throbbing, heart palpitation, chills, nausea, sometimes my vertigo feels worse a bit, BPV for seconds, feel near faint, vision flashes or looks narrow for seconds, and two times felt some breathing changes. I am 42-43 years old. I also had lots of stress going on. Some months symptoms are very often. It also went away for 3 months once. I usually get a ten day break from the rushes each month...

  • Laura Mcdougall
    4 years ago

    Hi taz awful isnt it, sorry ur suffering, luckily mine has stopped now i upped my magnesium intake through diet i eat alot of brown bread now and cut out sugar im alot better, my last period was fine no adrenaline rushes since i last posted so must of been magnesium low good luck see if it works for .p. s im hypoglcemic to and the brown bread has helped.

  • england1998
    4 years ago

    Can we conclude that this is a hormone imbalance of some sort? I have suffered from the symptoms mentioned above since the beginning of the year. Very frightening, I feel as though death is imminent. This all started after I returned from a trip to the states (I reside in the U.K.). Nothing has felt the same since, I am plagued by weird adrenaline surges, dizziness, inner ear fullness and pressure, extreme fatigue, brain zaps, vestibular migraines, chills, weakness, skin problems, and earlier this year, suicidal thoughts. The list is never ending, has anyone narrowed the culprit down?

    On a side note, has anyone noticed that consuming food worsens symptoms? Could be blood pressure related, however, I am very healthy and athletic. Doesn’t add up. My health anxiety has skyrocketed because of this, I feel very nauseous oftentimes too. I wish you all luck in tackling this beast - I hope we all find solace soon.

  • HU-236591794
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I’m new to this forum, and so glad I came across it. I’m extremely sad about not being able to control the menopause issues. Hot flashes with headaches, jittery, and it is through out the whole day:( any help or advice would be appreciated. I’m trying to stay away from HRT, as I heard that it’s too late for me to do it now. I’ve been having issues for around 3-4 years now, and this year they’re off the charts:(

    I had a hysterectomy, 9 years ago. I DO still have my ovaries. I’m 49. Ugh I’m in tears. It’s sad to see so many ladies struggling. I was hoping to find maybe a dr that specializes in treating this.


  • chamonix0522
    4 years ago

    I was put on the combi patch at 51 and it stopped my hot flashes and I felt a lot calmer. I couldnt take oral HRT to much depression and anxiety. The patch releases a much smaller amount on a regular basis. I get terrible adrenaline surges now almost every night and they begin before bed and last until 2am. I am afraid to go to sleep because I will be woken up in a with a rush of panic and then I feel like I cant breathe. I was diagnosed with POTS and hypothyroidism in the past 2 years as well. I go to a heart doctor, neurologist, gynocologist, endocrinologist and integrated medicine doctor at Cleveland Clinic and they are wonderful. I was normal before December 24, 2016 and now I have the most bizarre symptoms I never could imagine existed. But I have to say the adrenaline rushes are the worst. When they happen during the day they can last all day and it is very uncomfortable and makes me nauseated. If I do something that increases my heart rate I dont notice it as much, But who can do that all day long? Good luck to all!


  • HU-932189641
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Hello! I am SO grateful that I came upon this thread while google-ing “Adrenalin Rushes and PeriMenopause.” First and foremost (and as stated by many): it is such a relief to know I am not the only one out there! I have had these Adrenalin rushes for over a year now. First time I had them, I rushed to the hospital convinced I was having a heart attack. That started a period of health anxiety that consumed me. My normal doc put me on Lexapro for anxiety, but it had no effect and, if anything, made me more anxious. I am no longer taking it. I went to CBT, I tried bio-identical hormones and, most recently, I found a gynecologist who put me in BCPs (I’m 48). That gynecologist also told me this was part of peri menopause and PMS. She gave me a prescription for a benzo - but I am so paranoid about taking them that I only use it when absolutely necessary. Not sure if anyone else can relate, but I also get amazing levels of tension if my neck and shoulders - to the point that you can feel the muscle knots! Big Sigh. I have an appointment with a different gynecologist who specializes in menopause at the end of the month. What has worked for me is a prescription for Trazadone at night. I also only take a very low dose (25 mg) and it puts me to sleep despite the anxious feelings in my chest. No side effects in the morning. I have not been good about taking my CALM supplements and will turn that around starting tonight. I also started the KETO diet and have cut sugar and carbs - and I feel so much better for it!! Maybe it will help with the Adrenalin as well. Anyway - it’s a constant battle but I refuse to give up. I just want to feel normal again and have faith that there is a solution for me out there. If I find it, I will certainly let you know. Thanks to all for reading and sharing your own stories! K

  • HU-33695410988
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Hi

    I wonder if anyone else has been suffering with awful adrenaline surges that happen out of the blue and effects both arms. They go weak and feels like being squeezed. I can wake up at night and know it will happen. It generally starts from my stomach and then a rush comes

    over me and I then go hot and

    brings on a panic attack. I have ended up in A&E had numerous ECG and blood tests and all normal. Im

    so scared all the time of it happening and

    terrified it is my heart. I’ve just turned 50

    and periods are not regular any more. I suffer with anxiety especially health anxiety but wonder if it is a peri menopausal symptom. I also seem to be suffering with digestive issues too. Any advice would be welcome.

  • Laura Jewell
    4 years ago

    Hi all I’ve been off here fora while,sorry to hea4 so many suffering,it is hormones and I am a lot better for ignoring all the symptoms,plus I was anaemic to,I’m a lot better now even the hormones made me get low blood sugar an I’m not diabetic,so I’ve learned to lessen the hormone attacks what I do is I avoid caffeine only have 1 caffeine drink a day like tea in the evening decaf during the day as I found my hormones are worse in the mornings I get jittery hands so know hormones are bad then.i also cut out sugary stuff during the day and take a multivitamin with iron I seem normal now I get the odd weird day but that’s around period or ovulation but my energy’s back and i feel like me again,no hot flashes or adrenaline rushes ignoring it all and saying its just hormones seems to work,yes I know stupid but I tell myself I’m ok it will pass and now it doesn’t happen so much and if it does it’s mild .

  • Mkj Bar
    4 years ago

    It’s definitely hormonal , see my previous post re Facebook page you will find lots of woman with the same issues

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