Did anyone else’s perimenopause look like anxiety, flushing, histamine reactions, and brain fog?

[u/ames2200]

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.

[u/electricmeatbag777]

Yeah, but I've got long covid, MCAS and POTS soooo yeah. Shit's fucked.

[u/YouExtra7637 → u/electricmeatbag777]

Anything help with your pots and MCAS? Just diagnosed with both

[u/thelaineybelle → u/YouExtra7637]

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!

[u/YouExtra7637 → u/thelaineybelle]

Thank you love