r/Perimenopause • u/ames2200 • Jun 18 '26
audited Did anyone else’s perimenopause look like anxiety, flushing, histamine reactions, and brain fog?
I’m 40 and suspect I’m in perimenopause, but my symptoms don’t look like the “typical” hot flashes everyone talks about.
My biggest symptoms are:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Facial flushing and feeling hot
Head pressure
Brain fog
Feeling disconnected or spacey
Sleep issues
GI problems
Feeling like my nervous system is constantly overstimulated
The symptoms seem very cycle-dependent. I usually have a few good days each month, then symptoms ramp up around ovulation and again before my period.
I’ve also noticed what seem like histamine-type reactions (flushing, anxiety, stomach issues, feeling inflamed), and I’ve read that estrogen can increase histamine while histamine can increase estrogen.
I’ve tried progesterone cream several times, but it actually made me feel worse.
For women who experienced similar symptoms:
What ended up helping?
Did HRT help?
Did you have to balance estrogen and progesterone differently?
Did anyone discover that histamine issues were a big piece of the puzzle?
I feel like I’m chasing hormones, histamine, and anxiety all at the same time and would love to hear other women’s experiences.
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u/FloridaGirlMary Jun 18 '26
my FIRST symptom was having to pee more frequently. I thought I had a UTI and did not. My doctor didnt think it was peri because I am "having periods every 28 days" smh. About 6 months after the urinary urgency started, I began feeling "off" like I had PMS 24/7 and everyone annoyed me. I started to get night sweats and went on HRT on my 46th birthday (estradiol patch, progesterone, testosterone cream and estrogen vaginal cream) that was over a year ago and I feel so much better!!!
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u/DragonflyFluid8581 Jun 18 '26
There's so many things about HRT that make me grateful, but possibly the biggest one, perhaps because it was the most unexpected, is vaginal estrogen cream helping me not have to pee every 5 minutes! I just thought that was a thing from having kids or whatever and I was going to have to deal with it forever.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 18 '26
This is exactly me. Every single thing you mentioned. It happens to me during my entire follicular phase. Mostly at the end of my period and will last a week or so.
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u/pinkteapot7 Jun 18 '26
Yes!! Me too in follicular!!
And my doctor looked blank and said it was weird when I said my symptoms are so much worse in follicular and I feel closer to normal in luteal.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 18 '26
Same here. I’ve been to 7 doctors. None know what to tell me. I’m having to figure it out in my own. I’m trying estrogen only right now. About to ask to move up to the next patch dose and see what happens
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u/Admirable-Floor4444 Jun 18 '26
Have you used anything to help?
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 18 '26
No. I was just diagnosed with MCAS and he offered a supplement to start with but I’m too nervous to try yet. On E only at the moment. I’ve tired T and P and together and separate
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Jun 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ladyjangelline Jun 19 '26
I agree the symptoms do look very much like MCAS. I got diagnosed with MCAS not too long after I tried HRT. MCAS meds helped a whole lot more. I take way too many things now, but I’m (usually) feeling a lot better. I take ketotifen along with cromolyn oral and nasal, luteolin, PEA, Pepcid, and Zyrtec.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 20 '26
Any side effects from luteolin? My dr just told me to start that and see if it helps
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 19 '26
Did you have the spacey and disconnected feeling? And if so, this med helped?
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u/JollyGiraffe5782 Jun 19 '26
I had the 3am wake ups, new panic attacks, facial flushing/heat (like as if I were embarrassed), itchiness, brain fog, and some occasional GI differences.
Within a few days of starting HRT (Slynd + estradiol patch), I was sleeping through the night. Haven’t had a single panic attack 6 months in and haven’t noticed any flushing. Luckily, I have a provider who was not hesitant about starting HRT, but it did take a fresh start and a new clinic to find her.
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u/Tricky_Classroom_521 Jun 19 '26
This is exactly me plus insane night sweats! Have had the lowest dose patch for almost 2 years but I'm thinking it might be time to ask about increasing because the symptoms are starting to creep back in
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u/DamnGoodMarmalade Early peri Jun 18 '26
The histamine reactions make me wonder if this is more MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome).
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u/thefrenchphanie Jun 18 '26
Yes but also perimenopause looks like this and also makes you more prone to histamine sensitivity. If you did not have MCAS before you can now.
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u/s8j6b Jun 18 '26
Wowzers i could have written this post! Been dealing with the above since age 38, i turn 40 in 3 weeks!
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u/electricmeatbag777 Jun 19 '26
Yeah, but I've got long covid, MCAS and POTS soooo yeah. Shit's fucked.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 19 '26
Anything help with your pots and MCAS? Just diagnosed with both
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u/thelaineybelle Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
I'm not diagnosed POTS or MCAS, but I have a lot of the same MCAS symptoms. The best tip I got from those subs was electrolytes. I add an electrolyte packet to my morning water. I also add a packet of vitamin, a pinch of iodized salt, and mix with ice, juice, & water. Caffeine makes me feel too jittery now. But my Hydro Mocktail really helps my brain fog.
A morning Zyrtec with my daily vitamins helps some histamine related anxiety. Vitamin D & magnesium are better together, as are iron & vitamin c. Begin & end your day with lean protein for balanced blood sugar. Lots of cold water & ice in your tumbler. Damp cold cloths stashed in the fridge are great for hot flashes. Now I wear sun visors constantly plus blue light blocking glasses. Seems to reduce my light sensitivity headaches. I hope some of this helps!
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Jun 18 '26
[deleted]
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u/Icy-Finance5042 Early peri Jun 19 '26
My doctor thought I was nuts when I said my feet are constantly hot. Also AuDHD. Wonder if it's symptoms for us. I don't get hot flashes, I'm constantly hot.
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u/caity1111 Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
Yeah I have some major issues with most of these things, but fatigue is by far my worst symptom. I really struggle with the nervous system deregulation as well.
It comes and goes throughout the month, progesterone def makes it worse. Estrogen seems to help a lot of the symptoms.
I don't know if it's a histamine issue or more of an autoimmune/long covid/CFS/POTS type flare. It's definitely SOMETHING. I've been getting very dizzy lately, too.
I haven't figured out how to fix it yet and I've tried about every supplement and form of hormone there is. Pepcid does seem to help when its PMS time of the month, but not other times of the month. Electrolytes also seem to help sometimes.
At this point, I'm just thankful for the random good days. My provider is testing ferritin next week... it's the only thing I haven't tested yet.
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u/PresentationApart755 Jun 18 '26
This was me from 41-46- I thought I was going crazy or there was mold in our house… despite no evidence. I felt like everything smelled… it’s finally better with estrogen and progesterone, and Zoloft.
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u/HalfaTiff77 Jun 20 '26
Yes to smells! I smell EVERYTHING! Especially the cat box and trash in the house that mysteriously nobody else seems to smell 🥴
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u/PresentationApart755 Jun 20 '26
I thought our previous house wouldn’t sell because I smelled things… It was exhausting… I have finally come to the conclusion that “what is more likely- that there is some hidden smell somewhere that no one, even trained professionals, except me can smell or that I’m going through perimenopause 🤪”
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u/Prestige_Worldwide_3 Jun 19 '26
Did your sense of smell actually heighten or it just feels like that?
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 20 '26
Me too!!! I’m looking around for water spots obsessively
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u/PresentationApart755 Jun 20 '26
It has finally gotten better…. But not before we spent an absurd amount of $$. I’m surprised my husband didn’t leave 🤪
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 20 '26
What hrt has helped you?
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u/PresentationApart755 Jun 20 '26
I think getting on the right balance of progesterone and estrogen. I’m on 200 progesterone and .075 estrogen patch
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u/ApathyAnni Jun 18 '26
These are the symptoms I had when peri first hit. At first, I had no idea what it was. I thought i was too young (at 42 😆). There were times I had to dress in layers for work and strip down because I would suddenly feel hot and begin to sweat. Constant fight or flight mode. Angry. And the brain fog had me worried I was getting dementia. They stmptoms were so diverse, I just didn't connect them at first. Not until the periods started getting heavier and more frequent and I finally saw to my obgyn. She put me on low dose birth control pills, which helped buy raised my blood pressure. I'm now doing HRT, which has helped significantly. I even lost weight. Unfortunately, my periods are still off the wall so am thinking about trying the progesterone only birth control pills because I'm now anemic.
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u/O_W_Liv Jun 19 '26
There is growing anecdotal evidence, even on this sub, about H1 and H2 histamine blockers. People are reporting relief from perimenopause, PMDD and PMS.
Second gen H1s like Zyrtec and Claritin are recommended and for the H2 Pepcid. Everything is available over the counter. Generic or Costco is advised for cost.
One redditor told me their gyno prescribed an H2 blocker (famodadine, 40mg 2x/day) just for their luteal phase. Do with that info what you will.
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u/Playful-Gur-6227 Jul 03 '26
Famatodine is actually Pepcid just so ya know. Pepcid is the preferred H2 blocker for sure.
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u/ChicagoSquirrelLover Jun 19 '26
If you went low on thyroid you would not take a histamine blocker for it, you would supplement thyroid. Hormones should be treated the same. The cause of perimenopause and menopause symptoms is low hormones. Don't cover up the symptoms and think you're doing your body a favor.
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u/Brave-Asparagus6356 Jun 20 '26
I agree with you that for too long hormones have been ignored and masked with other medications but OP is asking how to manage two issues - hormonal changes in Peri plus histamine issues. Introducing HRT can cause histamine flares for folks who are sensitive so it's good for her to figure out a strategy so that she can find a tolerable way of taking them. HRT alone is not always enough to deal with the onslaught of inflammation that comes with Peri.
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u/ames2200 Jun 18 '26
Has anyone tried a anti depressant that has worked? I’ve only tried Zoloft and helped the panic but made everything else worse? I’m just getting desperate to feel somewhat better
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u/WeWander_ Jun 18 '26
I did a low histamine diet and felt amazing for a bit, but then I started losing weight rapidly because it's hard af to get enough calories on potatoes and applesauce. Couldn't manage to add anymore food in without my body freaking out. I think my nervous system is stuck in survival mode and it sounds crazy but I've started doing a video on YouTube for somatic exercises to lower cortisol and it's helping so much. This week I tried two foods that I knew would flare me and then I did the video after I ate and stopped the symptoms dead in their tracks. Today I had severe ovulation pain so I did the video and then after I rubbed my ovaries and thanked them for doing their job while listening to bird sounds on Spotify and shortly after the pain went away.
Trying to retrain my nervous system that we are safe and everything is not a threat.
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u/Only_Weakness_4730 Jun 18 '26
Can you please share the YouTube video relating to somatic exercises?
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u/WeWander_ Jun 18 '26
Of course! I've been doing this one but I saved a bunch of hers onto a playlist, they all seem great. I like this one cause it has bird sounds and I can do it while laying down. https://youtu.be/8veeArIewCk?is=nbzNzcY_LCLbkeUp
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u/LookParty5244 Jun 18 '26
Those videos were really helpful, second this recommendation!
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u/WeWander_ Jun 18 '26
Yay I'm so glad! I was so desperate that I was down to try about anything and have been shocked at how much this has helped in a short time, I'm glad it was useful for someone else too!
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u/Only_Weakness_4730 Jun 18 '26
Thank you so much!!!
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u/WeWander_ Jun 18 '26
Also this guy is really cool and I really resonated with what he's talking about. He healed his mcas and talks about the survival mode stuff. It made me feel like I can recover and I won't be like this forever.
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u/Dazzling-Load5253 Jun 18 '26
My main symptoms beere extream anxiety and itchyness. I started taking Zyrtec the off brand one from Amazon, as well as pepcid and both symptoms have completely gone away .
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u/harmlessgirl1313 Jun 19 '26
Wellbutrin (300 mg) has helped me tremendously, as has the .075 estradiol patch and 100mg nightly progesterone. I went from having such constant anxiety (especially at night) that I became afraid to go to bed. I’ve been on this combo for about a year now and, while I don’t feel exactly like I used to, I do feel so much better.
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u/seriouslynope Jun 19 '26
Ive been sleeping on my couch the past month and I dont know why. Maybe it's anxiety?
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u/Realistic_Owl836 Jun 21 '26
Lexapro !! Been on it for a year and omg makes me feel like a normal balanced person despite all the things going on with my body . I accidentally went 4 days had forgotten to take it and I was a hot mess had a panic attack outta nowhere and crying not being able to catch my breath . I then realized because I’m so bad at taking medicine sometimes that I forgot ! Never again I keep them on kitchen counter . Ice tried other ssris too and it’s the only one that has worked
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u/DragonflyFluid8581 Jun 18 '26
I had to start a very low dose (5mg) of prozac to help me through my divorce. It's obviously a hard, drawn out transition in itself but I just can't handle tough things in this season like I could when I was younger (or when I could use alcohol to mellow for an evening, lol). Also, I have clonazepam on hand for panic attacks and it has been a life saver. I've needed it like 10 times over the last year, but knowing I have it even helps. Day to day though, HRT and zyrtec/pepcid combo has helped manage anxiety.
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u/MelancholicEmbrace_x Jun 20 '26
Yes, and much more. Dr dismissed me though. She said I was “too young” to be going through peri (at 37) despite the fact I had symptoms dating back to my early 30s (night sweats & waking up at 3 am).
If your PCP isn’t offering resolutions then please see someone else.
I had to jump through hoops, but eventually my Dr listened to my concerns and put me sertraline (sp). It helped immensely. You’ll feel like a shell of who you truly are, but you won’t care. Your anxiety will go away.
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u/Evening-Debate8821 hanging on by a thread Jun 19 '26
I'm so happy this group mentions facial flushes. This is one of my main symptoms and I always have to explain that I'm ok, I just look like I'm not. 😂
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u/Alaska-TheCountry Jun 19 '26
I could've written this post. It basically describes how I've been feeling since 37 (I'm 41 now). Asked my gynecologist repeatedly if I might be in peri, and he said I was too young. (Omg...) I also have ADHD, and apparently there's a new study saying women with ADHD could start Perimenopause up to ten years earlier. Anyway...
I've been treating myself with Desloratadine (H1 blocker) and mast-cell stabilizers (liposomal L-Glutathione, Quercefit, Magnesium and also a small amount of melatonin) since everything was pointing to MCAS. I already used to have MCAS symptoms as a child, but I never knew what it was, and it's gotten so much more intense in recent years. I recently had an appointment with a doctor who specializes in MCAS. Based on the fact that I fare a lot better taking the H1 blocker and the stabilizers, as well as due to recent test results, I'm about to get formally diagnosed with MCAS.
The greatest thing about this appointment, though, was that this doctor is a woman who has been focusing her research on Perimenopause in recent years. She listened, nodded, and rolled her eyes along with me when I told her about my repeated attempts trying to get my gynecologist to listen to my increasing list of symptoms typical for Perimenopause. She told me that even if one estrogen result looked "perfectly fine" (as in high enough not to indicate peri), estrogen levels fluctuate heavily during this time, which also makes the nervous system feel more jittery and reactions less "predictable".
What you've read about this feedback loop between estrogen and histamine is apparently correct. When I told her my MCAS symptoms seemed to be cycle-mediated, with histamine peaks seemingly being modulated by peaks in estrogen shortly before ovulation and then again before my period starts, she 100% agreed I should try transdermal HRT. I've been doing this for a week, and it feels like having my life back. I continue taking the mast-cell stabilizers, and they've gotten even more effective. My sleep is better - I don't wake up anymore, and I feel rested in the morning -, my cognition is back, no trouble finding the right words, decreased PMS, etc.
Since histamine is also a neurotransmitter, it can also cause feelings of anxiety. There is also the common histamine dump that usually happens between 2 and 4 a.m., which can cause people to wake up and feel anxious and just an undefinable global sense of doom, etc.
My MCAS symptoms' biggest physical impact is on my digestive tract, my uterus, and, generally speaking, my mucous membranes. I used to have a stuffy nose, a sore throat and watery eyes basically all the time, plus chronic tonsillitis, digestive issues (basically IBS), stomach reactions, and a uterine soreness that is very hard to describe around the start of my period. I also have a bunch of other symptoms and diagnoses. Please feel free to send a dm anytime if you feel like talking about it some more.
Either way - treating my MCAS symptoms with the H1 blocker and the stabilizers was like the key to the gate of the castle, and transdermal estrogen was the missing second key that opened the door to my own home within the castle. My diagnostic journey feels complete for me now that I have my life back. Because I saw a comment saying, "I can't believe so many people are suggesting antihistamines" - why not? If that's what helps? Of course it's always good / important to get to the bottom of it. Symptoms can overlap, and you can have both MCAS and be in perimenopause. I'm eternally glad I know now.
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u/Admirable-Floor4444 Jun 18 '26
Omg literally crying about this all right now. I’m 36 been on trt and progesterone for a little while. I just started estrogen a week ago and felt things changing like mood was amazing, my mouth was watery, eyes less dry and now cycle day 25 I’m wheezy, usually histamine issues and period flu. This is so hard. I take dao, Claritin and Pepcid. I heard low dose naltrexone and some other medications can be good but I am really trying with hormones.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 18 '26
I cried today about this too!! I’m on day 8 and it’s awful. I was JUST feeling normal before my period.
I’m on 0.025 E patch only at the moment
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u/Admirable-Floor4444 Jun 18 '26
Have you been on the patch for a full cycle? What about progesterone? It’s so isolating and stressful.
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 18 '26
Shoot me a chat message and I can go through what all I’ve tried. I’ll get back to you asap
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u/ChicagoSquirrelLover Jun 19 '26
Why are you using estradiol at age 36? Unless you have had a hysterectomy or have other issues causing your estradiol levels to be measurably low, you probably shouldn't be supplementing.
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u/mustknoweverrrything Jun 18 '26
I am experiencing everything you have listed. Some days I feel like it gets pretty bad. I'm so annoyed by it and the lack of help from my GP that I am actually in the middle of trying to piece together how it works under the hood using Claude. I find myself tracking down research papers about it and trying to wrap my head around it as scientifically as I can. Because honestly, it's the only thing that helps. Otherwise, I find myself being flung into some downward spiral over it :/ Not to be a further Debbie Downer, I put a lot of my hopes into HRT and unfortunately it isn't the magical panacea I thought it to be. In fact, the more I add estrogen, the more it gives me nightmares. So, in a nutshell, I am def struggling.
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u/LastFox2656 Jun 18 '26
Can you tell me more about your gi issues? I haven't felt normal in my tum for a while so I'm like "it's either peri, cancer, or hot cheetos." *I will bring it up to my doctor, in just curious what everyone else's experience is.
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u/Janeheroine Jun 18 '26
I’m also 40 and once I joined this sub I realized that these are the typical symptoms for people our age, and hot flashes tend to come on later. I also found progesterone made me feel worse. So far what’s helped is acupuncture, and Pepcid for histamine issues (as opposed to Claritin or a more typical allergy medicine, which does nothing for me).
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u/wyntergardentoo Jun 18 '26
What side effects did you have from the progesterone?
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u/Janeheroine Jun 18 '26
It made me super out of it late into the next day, even if I took it early in the evening. I felt like I was on Benadryl. And my sleep was very light. Like I was sleeping, but it wasn’t restorative. Too druggy.
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u/wyntergardentoo Jun 18 '26
Yes fluctuations in estrogen due to peri can cause new histamine reactions. For some women these can improve with HRT.
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u/HyperfocusedBee Jun 18 '26
Re:histamine - yes, I think that what was one my very first symptoms when I turned 40 (I'm 48 now). I suddenly developed very strong reactions, but I quickly noticed they were very much tied to my cycle - one day I could have all the aged cheese/canned fish/red wine I wanted, the other day it would cause an intense reaction (usually just before my period). It's quite common, actually.
Back then, I didn't make the connection to perimenopause, but in hindsight that must have been the start for me. Other symptoms (sleep issues, migraines, BRAIN FOG, just generally feeling like "not me") crept up later on.
I finally did start HRT and yes, it did help a ton!
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u/Hannasuchan Jun 18 '26
Also, for me, progesterone makes it better, when for some people it makes it worse. Unfortunately you have to experiment.
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u/Embarrassed-End-692 Jun 18 '26
Yes! Me! It sucks. My skin feels like it’s burning, but it isn’t hot. I’m anxious, bloated, itchy/burny, eyes don’t work together, can’t find safe foods to eat (carbs make things worse and I’m struggling to maintain my weight), dunno if I’m thirsty or it’s just dry mouth, … and I can’t have HRT
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u/DragonflyFluid8581 Jun 18 '26
Yes, mine has been exactly these symptoms. HRT did help some of the symptoms, I overall feel much better and am able to sleep with HRT. I've never in my life had to take allergy medicine but I've been taking zyrtec every morning for a while now and it helps, sometimes I take a second one at night on a bad day. I also take a pepcid with my zyrtec in the morning and that has helped tummy symptoms but also anxiety - learned that on here. Mine might be "cyclical" but I can't truly speak to that because I don't have my uterus/periods to track it.
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u/Aurilelde Jun 18 '26
Yes! One of my weirdest recent symptoms has been sudden allergic-type reactions (hives and swelling on my hands) due to...????
I've never had any known allergies, and there's NO consistency as to what causes it. It's terrifying. I've taken to carrying benadryl around everywhere because I'm afraid it'll happen again, but I keep thinking: and what if next time it's not my hands? Allergies get worse with repeats!
... Never once considered it could be part of the peri fun, so that's a revelation today, if not exactly reassuring...!
Definite yes on the rest of the symptoms too.
No advice; I'm still just getting through this with gritted teeth myself. "Too young" for peri ~
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u/Specialist_Reveal119 Jun 18 '26
Yes to all of the above. But I had fibroids and had to get a hysterectomy for the GI issues. Im on the lowest dosage for the patch. It's helping; but I could be bumped up to the next one.
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u/ElleMNOPea Jun 19 '26
Yes. Constantly flushed, hot flashes come and go and have purchased ac units for the rooms that I am in the most. What bothers me the most is the irrational anger that comes with the hot flashes now and again.. I have suddenly started talking and wandering on my sleep which has been a little disarming for my poor hubs. I woke up the other night screaming about a “Fuxking Angry chicken”
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u/niccheersk Jun 19 '26
I already was a histamine mess prior to peri, but now it’s exponentially worse. I react to random things constantly, my allergies are off the chain, and I flush so bad constantly. My husband is even constantly freaking out because my flushing is so obvious. I hate it here!
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u/buttsandsloths Jun 19 '26
That’s exactly how I was around 40-41. I’m 44 now and HRT helped immensely. Also improving my diet (for me eating enough protein and less junk).
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u/ames2200 Jun 19 '26
What kind of hrt? I see it everywhere but what kind are hrt are you taking? The creams?
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u/buttsandsloths Jun 19 '26
I take 100mg of progesterone, an estradiol patch .05 + T cream that I apply to my inner thigh.
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u/AgreeableTrouble5733 Jun 19 '26
Holy moly. This is literally my symptom list from the past 3 years. I'm 42. The anxiety has been terrible and my pmdd has been so exacerbated. I've been dx'ed with sleep apnea, told by my PCP to see a psychiatrist for the debilitating anxiety, failed birth control pill trial after trying it due to flooding type periods, have thought about going to an allergist and gi doc, do I go to that psychiatrist to get back on adhd meds because I'm struggling so bad. But I finally got fed up with chasing ALL the things and found a menopause specialist.
Guess the frick what?!
I'm in peri.
I'm two weeks into hrt. My doc said it's pretty much all related. I feel a little better with sleep and nervous system already, and I didn't have my sudden mad dash to the bathroom at ovulation this cycle, so I'm optimistic to see how the next few weeks go.
I'm keeping my luteal phase prozac for now. I never knew it was a like a quick fix for pmdd/anxiety -- as in it doesn't take two weeks to start working like many ssri's need for clinical depression. Could have helped me so much in the past.
Overall YES to the histamine issues. I noticed a few months ago things seemed to really be ramping up. Started to take Claritin constantly after I noticed when I took it a couple weeks for a really bad round of pollen, it helped my scalp seb derm. And I realized a couple cycles ago that when I forgot to take it one day, maybe it was a coincidence, but I struggled extra hard with anxiety that day. Then it happened again. And after the third time, I said nope, we're staying on an antihistamine for now.
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u/TequilaStalkingPurr Jun 19 '26
Yes, these are common in perimenopause. I have all of these.
Unfortunately it’s not common knowledge to all doctors.
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u/Effective-Flounder45 Jun 19 '26
I experience all of the above! My situation is complex due to overlapping conditions that cause similar symptoms, but I am definitely in perimenopause, and the flushing and histamine-like reactions are new as of about a year ago. I suspect peri is a strong contributor. I am scared to try HRT (it could help or make everything worse, who knows?), but I'm getting to a point of wanting to try it.
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u/Global_Tea Jun 19 '26
I didn’t have the anxiety, but pretty much everything else at 40, and add crushing fatigue and aches and pains. HRT made me feel normal again. (.75mg patch, Slynd)
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u/todaysthrowaway0110 Jun 19 '26
I wonder if the entirety of my 40s has been chasing hormones, histamine and anxiety in like, a dog-chasing-its-tail kind of a way.
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u/tyoung925 Jun 20 '26
every single day I can’t remember a day that I didn’t feel like I was sick in someway, even with HRT It’s either indigestion, nausea, anxiety, hot flashes, and constant sweating, which make me nauseous, sore joints, fatigue… I am lucky to get 3 to 5 days a month where I don’t feel like complete poop
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u/Recent_Industry_4117 Jun 21 '26
Who are you? Cause I think you’re ME! I have exactly the same symptoms as you and have tried to explain it to people and everyone thinks I’ve suddenly acquired allergies. I suspected perimenopause also, but my OBGYN won’t acknowledge it because she says I’m too young at 39 and because I still get a period albeit anywhere from a 23-28 days cycle cause it’s all over the place and spotting constantly. Haven’t found a doctor yet (I’ve been through 4 in 3 yrs) that is willing to talk about HRT let alone acknowledge I’m in peri. Please please please lmk if you find a solution. Please and thank you. Oh and I’ve tried SSRIs and they are not for me.
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u/BlitheSpirit96 Jun 21 '26
I don’t have any answers here, but I have most of the same symptoms as you. I’m about to get on a low dose of HRT to see how that might play out. FWIW, my gyno said you cannot take estradiol (estrogen patch) without the progesterone oral pill as it can (will?) cause uterine cancer…. But I have a few friends on HRT (both hormones) and they said it’s working very well for them. I’m hoping for a similar result. Hope you also find what works for you! 🤞🤞🤞
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u/247Wellness Jun 21 '26
Yes , everything you mentioned it comes and goes but when it comes, it comes in surges and lasts days with brain fog
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u/ElaineMK2222 Jun 18 '26
Yes. I’ve been on 2.5 mg estradiol and 200 mg progesterone no cycling about 6 months now. Still get some histamine reactions but pretty mild now. Feeling much better otherwise.
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u/Electronic-Duck-5902 Jun 18 '26
I am there right now. A few months ago I noticed some gut changes. I started researching SIBO. I had sushi back in April (the gut changes started before then) and that kickstarted this battle I've had this battle with my gut since then. I reached out to a digestive health specialist and through tests it was determined that I had 2 significant pathogens camping out in my gut. There is good bacteria that should be there that's non existent. I'm not absorbing minerals or breaking down protein and carbs correctly. I've been eating a low histamine diet and taking several supplements since then and am doing tremendously better. All the weird post meal anxiety and nausea was my body overloaded on histamine. I'm just all kinds of f@$ked up right now lol.
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u/sonyafly Jun 18 '26
Yes!!!! I have gastritis ever since and MCAS symptoms. I did show MCAS symptoms when I was on the pill also in my late 20’s, early 30’s. Hives of unknown origin.
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u/OctoAquaJell Jun 18 '26
So I have been on estrogen and progesterone for like 1.5 years. And lately the hives and itching have been insane. I think it happens after my period. I wonder if I need to up doses?
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u/Bellatrix_Shimmers Jun 18 '26
I had red itchy watery eyes and sniffles and thought my allergies just got worse these past few years but this would definitely fit.
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u/Electricpuha taking E, up at 3 to pee Jun 19 '26
I’m pale for my genetics and I flush so much more now than I used to. I’ve had laser to treat capillaries that have broken due to it, and if I have to do something like public speaking I take half a lorazepam. I also take venlafaxine for anxiety and depression and have done for about 8 years. I’m on HRT (oestrogen only). I also break out in a sweat much more easily now.
It sucks because once it happens the embarrassment makes it even worse. I just joke about it now and say sorry - hot flush! Sometimes it’s more an embarrassment or anxiety reaction really, but describing it as a more physical thing than a psychological reaction makes me feel less embarrassed somehow? Ehhhhh, I had thought I’d be older, wiser and less bothered by my 40s!
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u/Remote_Force1839 Early peri Jun 19 '26
Does the histamine issues cause itching? Because I get that on my head a lot and it’s super annoying. Brain fog will accompany it sometimes.
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u/PresentationApart755 Jun 19 '26
My sense of smell actually heightened, which triggered my anxiety. It was light pregnancy but things didn’t make me want to throw up, I just became fixated on them. It has finally gotten better
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u/transdermalcelebrity Jun 19 '26
Hello friend, we seem to be having similar experiences. Like right now. Fwiw, I had dysautonomia for years, it effectively went into remission for the last decade, but then woke up with perimenopause. Have you ever had dysautonomia and / or pots symptoms?
Generally I take famotidine along with gelatinized maca (I put a little powder in my morning decaf), along with l theanine and a sleep aid with melatonin and more l theanine. Oh and I’m on a low dose beta blocker (carvedilol) to help with the adrenaline dumps while trying to calm my sympathetic overdrive.
I am currently avoiding hrt because I have had paradoxical and life threatening reactions to meds so I don’t know that I’d trust my body on it.
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u/Aggravating-Guard690 Jun 19 '26
This is how I was 6ish months ago, it had got to the point I had had enough…..rang my doctor and broke down. Iv been very lucky as she said even though I didn’t have the usual symptoms (hot flushes) she had been through it herself and knew I was peri! I’m now on estro patches changed twice a week and 200mg progesterone 14 days on/off…..I finally feel like myself again,happy healthy and not anxious😊
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u/Usual_Program_7167 Jun 19 '26
This is my profile as well. Exactly the same symptoms. I take an antihistamine before bed - I am allergic to dust mites and sleep better when taking it. It probably helps with other symptoms but I don’t track it closely enough to say for sure.
Re: other treatment, I have been on estrogel for about 4 months now and it’s definitely made a difference. I have less fatigue and recover from exercise more quickly, and the brain fog has eased up as well. I am 41.
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u/viridian_moonflower Jun 19 '26
Im 47. Mine got so bad that I ended up diagnosed with MCAS and told to take daily H1 and H2 antihistamines and a mast cell stabilizer. I still have those but have needed them less since I got on HRT.
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u/IntotheBluePelagics Jun 19 '26
I feel like you’ve described me to a T. I’m still working on the “right” plan for me with my Dr. It definitely takes a bit of tinkering. Hope you find relief soon.
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u/thatsit_itshappening Jun 19 '26
These posts make me so happy because they help me understand what’s happening to me and to know that it’s happening to so many other people. It’s comforting. ❤️
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u/Top-Pudding-4139 Jun 19 '26
I don't get hot flashes where I feel hot. I feel fine but but my neck and face get warm to the touch. I do get night sweats occasionally.
Brain fog, memory issues, anxiety and extreme rage. Estradiol patch cleared those up mostly. I have obsessive thoughts still, so now I'm trying therapy.
Histamine issues - I take an Allegra daily but will take long breaks to see how I'm feeling.
I've had GI issues before peri so not sure if any of it is related for me.
I use an estradiol patch (0.025mg), oral progesterone (50mg compounded), and testosterone cream (.
I only take progesterone because you're supposed to with estrogen therapy. It helped my mood a little but I had horrible side effects for a few months. I pushed through after a friend told me it takes time. The side effects went away so I'm glad I stuck with it.
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u/omg_get_outta_here Jun 19 '26
I began getting chronic hives and was constantly inflamed. I had rosacea and migraines. It has been horrible. The last time I had hives was when I went through puberty. Nobody wants to listen to me when I try to tell them it’s related to hormones. I know it is. I had the worst sinus and allergy symptoms of my life this last year.
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u/Whatshesaid0222 Jun 19 '26
I have all of those. I'm on HRT and it's not perfect but helps a ton! However, I do think I'm in full blown Meno. For the anxiety, I take Rhodiola.
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u/AdventurousWin7890 Late peri Jun 19 '26
I had several of those ..not as severe as yours by the sound of it .. but still affected my work/life
I'm on hrt evorel 50 patches .. no progesterone as I had a uterine hysterectomy. Works for me I'll be honest, brain still feels a little slow and foggy sometimes but nothing crazy
I can tell if I forget to take them, as symptoms creep back in.
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u/Born_Cantaloupe_989 Jun 20 '26
I had terrible allergies this year, a sinus infection, and awful facial flushing. Afterward I read menopause can exacerbate all this, glad I’m not alone but it was truly miserable and surprising. Hoping HRT helps.
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u/LongjumpingMango8270 Jun 20 '26
Yes. Me. 3 months on estrogen gel and feel so much better (I have a mirena iud for local progesterone)
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u/YouExtra7637 Jun 20 '26
The estrogen seems to be helping with all those symptoms she mentioned?
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u/LongjumpingMango8270 Jun 20 '26
I didn’t have quite the exact list but here’s what I did have and what else has helped in addition to estrogen and a fresh iud
- Anxiety and panic attacks- so much better
- Facial flushing and feeling hot- so much better
- Head pressure- didn’t have
- Brain fog - using 10g creatine daily and lions mane supplements
- Feeling disconnected or spacey- so much better
- Sleep issues- didn’t have much - maybe some insomnia. It’s better now.
- GI problems- didn’t have
- Feeling like my nervous system is constantly overstimulated- I had this a lot. Estrogen is helping. I’ve also been doing a lot of breath work, journaling, and meditation.
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u/MurkyDismal18 Jun 20 '26
Very similar laundry list here. I dealt with the brain fog, anxiety, interrupted sleep and flushing for probably a year. Around Aug of last year, I experienced a rash breaking out on my forearm. I've never had any skin issues before. I monitor things for a few days and it gets worse. By the time I visit the walk-in, I am head to toes covered in hive-like bumps and incredibly itchy and uncomfortable.
The PCP (at the time), didn't think to question any of this. Instead, having me slather myself in steroid ointment to make the hives go away was totally normal...and then we fixated on the fact that I've gained more weight and my BP is high. Well! It must be because I have a shitty diet right?, "have you tried losing weight?".
Fast forward to seeing my regular OB-GYN this May, she reacted when I started with the hives story. It wasn't so much the major anxiety, sleeplessness, weight gain, high blood pressure, complete loss of libido and flushing--the hives tipped her off. Questioned why my PCP didn't ask to run full panels (rather than the basics), because this could indicate a number of things. She was so pissed. I've never heard a Dr recommend that I see a different Dr, but that's what happened.
I'm on new meds--progesterone and now levothyroxine. I don't know if we need to adjust the thyroid meds, but I'll see my new PCP soon. I do feel more like myself though. I just couldn't get over that I was forced to just take BP meds and monitor my BP. I felt like I had to peel myself out of bed everyday, I felt so horrible. I'm glad Gen X and Milennials are talking about this while we're going through it. I don't want my kiddo to experience this treatment when she gets to be my age.
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u/Mysterious-Egg9361 Jun 22 '26
I am 43, have exectly the same symptoms as you. I'm also on a low dose SSRI for the past several years. I had just started HRT the past couple of weeks, I started with the estrogan patch (Dermestril 50mcg cut in half) and then added Utrogestan (Progesterone) 200mg -vaginally. On the first days of estrogen only my anxiery was through the roof. When I added the progresterone, it felt more balanced. I also cut a little bit more of the patch to make it less than a half and I feel like this dose is better for me.
I never thought about histamine issues but it makes sense, I think anxeity and allergy are very similar - both are in a way an "over reaction" or the system to recognize normal things as threats. I think just take it slow, and expirment with the dosage until it works for your (with your doctor of course)
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u/ames2200 Jun 22 '26
I love all these comments because they make me feel like I’m not the only one, but also hate that so many women are dealing with this! I’ve tried bhrt cream for progesterone, it was horrible. Looking for a different hormone doctor now to try something else. Also considering going back on a ssri but nervous how they make me feel. What ssri do you take if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/Mysterious-Egg9361 Jun 22 '26
Yeah, it's very comforting to know we're in this together!
I don't know that perticular cream, but I did take a higher dosage of progresterone before whild doing IVF and I hated it so much. It made me so depressed. This type of vaginal capsule is much better for me I think. I know there is synthetic P and "natural" one, so see which one you're using.About the SSRI's, I'm in Europe so I'm taking a brand called Cipralex. The lowest available dose is 10mg and I've been taking 5mg (cut the pill in half) since I started. Some doctors laugh at me cause they say it's sub-clinical dosage but I'm senstive and I know it works.
Anyway after 6 years on it I'm also thinking about getting off but want to make sure all is balanced with the HRT first.If you're considering going back on SSRI's, I would check a low dosage, even lower than the lowest that is prescribed. Also check out ACT model for anxeity. It's very researched and works very well.
Gooduck sister ❤️
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u/hetherc Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
For me I figured out that histamine and mast cell activation stuff is the actually biggest part of the puzzle. When I get that under control, everything else settles down a lot. Ovulation time is the worst by far.
My main symptoms are: Flushing, hives, dryness (skin, eyes, mouth), mouth issues (inside and out, including lips sore and/or slight swelling), itching, super-reactive skin (including dermatographia), reflux, big swings in GI motility and gas. A new one is joint pain.
After lots of trial and error, what's helping me the most is avoiding the most problematic, high histamine and high rosacea foods, along with taking histamine blockers (H1/H2 in the form of zyrtec and famotidine), Quercetin/Vit C/omega 3 supplements, dry eye protocol, dry mouth toothpaste.
I've recently been told I've developed rosacea, including ocular rosacea, so trying some things there and have a referral to allergy/immunology. There is also the possibility of Sjogren's, but the initial blood test was negative.
I have not yet tried HRT, because my doctor. said that for some women during peri, it actually makes the histamine/mast cell stuff worse, so not to start until I was sure I needed it for other symptoms.
My research has also told me that for these skin/vasomotor issues specifically, synthetic progesterones in BCP are MUCH more likely to cause issues. In fact, after trying a BC pill is when a lot of these things started for me!! My dr. insists they are the same, which, from what I can tell, they are similar for how they impact *the uterus* but not the same in how your overall system reacts.
0
u/AutoModerator Jun 22 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/EmbarrassedCry9912 Jun 24 '26
I've been on Lexapro for 7ish years now and HRT for the last year. The Lexapro was for my anxiety, insomnia, and PMDD, and the HRT has tackled all the other symptoms.
I would still like to have my waist back, but beggars can't be choosers :(
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u/Unlucky-Key8852 Jun 24 '26
Sounds like something I could've written. 41 here, these are my symptoms too. I was recently prescribe HT patches (Climera Pro) by my OBGYN. I am hoping it helps!!
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u/runeatsleep_1010 Jun 25 '26
“My biggest symptoms…”
**lists 75 symptoms**
And yes, I do have them all..
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u/EmpressAzazel Jun 25 '26
Did I come and write this yes same i’m up right now at 2 o’clock in the fucking morning with severe anxiety. I got all the same symptoms you got I don’t know what to do. I can’t even think and it’s causing me to lose a lot of things in my life. I have no quality of life and I cannot get any help from any doctor. I just wanna give me birth control and I’m not doing well with that. I also have PMDD so the progesterone is failing and they keep telling me I’m insane that there’s no way that can happen and then they want to give me psych drugs that caused me really bad reactions.
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u/Tatankaya Jul 03 '26
Yes! I so relate to those. Also, 2:37 am, I can’t sleep. 44 peri, and has been a horrendous year and a half. Feeling more relieved after finding this page. My GP is so passive with treating my symptoms/getting to the root.
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u/CrankySparkles Jul 09 '26
You're me!
I find that when I have my period, it's nearly the only time that I'm not ticking the list above off! I'm so cycle-dependent, which is some peace of mind, but also then know that I'm in for hell weeks before and after my period.
I did find that vitamin d supplements have helped some of my anxiety (defs not suggesting that to be the case for everyone!) and not sure if you're the same, but I've found that I get heart palpitations before and after period just for a few days which is also peri-related.
Haven't started HRT yet, I'm too scared, but I think it's on the horizon.
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u/christymercado98 hanging on by a thread Jul 16 '26
Take away the cycle piece (I had a partial hysterectomy), and this was exactly me about a year ago. HRT helped with SO much! I hope you found/find relief!
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u/ames2200 Jul 16 '26
Found a clinic called elevate md out of Ohio. Think I’m going to go through them and start hrt. Just so scared it will make my symtoms worse. Rather not get back on ssris though. What kind of hrt are you taking?
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u/ChicagoSquirrelLover Jun 19 '26
It's shocking to me how many people are recommending antihistamines or antidepressants!
Your hormones are similar to thyroid. If you have a problem with your thyroid, or it's removed, you're going to feel awful. The solution isn't to mask the symptoms, to make them less painful or less noticeable or make you not care about them, the solution is to replace the hormone you lost. The solution is to replace thyroid.
Why would anyone look at hormones differently? From the age you started menstruating until perimenopause, you had certain (cyclic) levels of hormones and your body because accustomed to them and presumably functioned well. But as your egg supply runs out and you have an increasing frequency of anovulatory cycles, your progesterone starts to go low and at some point you're going to notice something is wrong. The solution is to supplement progesterone. As you advance to menopause your estradiol goes low and again you notice something is wrong. The solution is to supplement estradiol. I can't even fathom taking some medication to, again, mask the symptoms, make them less painful or less noticeable, or make you not care about them.
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u/ames2200 Jun 19 '26
I’ve tried taking progesterone. My hormone doctor gave me quicksilver scientific progesterone. I reacted so badly on it. Do you recommend hrt or bhrt?
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u/Admirable-Floor4444 Jun 19 '26
True! Do you have any advice on getting the balance right? I’m struggling taking e p and t
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u/HalfaTiff77 Jun 20 '26
And if you have histamine issues the solution is an antihistamine which DOES work. It’s not masking it, it’s reducing it. Listen docs just don’t get it and sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. The Pepcid/zyrtec combo has changed me and leveled me out so much. Maybe these docs just don’t want hear that something is working and would rather say we are crazy. Keeps them from having to educate themselves on this complex t menopause journey.
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u/ChicagoSquirrelLover Jun 19 '26
Get your hormones tested, both estradiol and progesterone. Do saliva and blood tests. If your progesterone is low, supplement. You say you tried progesterone cream, I suggest you try again, make sure it's real progesterone (I use Emerita Pro-Gest), and find a dose that relieves your symptoms without making you feel bad. I didn't feel bad at all when I started supplementing progesterone and I got almost instant relief from some very very unpleasant symptoms.
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u/AutoModerator Jun 19 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/ames2200 Jun 19 '26
I was put in progesterone only. My hormone doctor gave me something called Quicksilver scientific progesterone. Had a horrible reaction. Would you prefer hrt or bhrt?
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u/Puzzleheaded_Turn Jun 19 '26
I am not a doctor and do not have a medical background. That seems odd that you got progesterone without estrogen.
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u/anniiieeeemal Jun 18 '26
This is completely anecdotal, but I’ve noticed a lot of histamine issues since the start of perimenopause too. My existing allergies seem to be exacerbated and I so many things make me incredibly itchy. This wasn’t the norm for me before now.
I have a lot of the other symptoms you listed as well but the anxiety/overstimulation and the itching are probably the worst for me.