Anxiety/Depression & Menopause

Hi, welcome to peri-menopause.  You are NOT going nuts.  I don't know how old you are, but normally the start of menopause is when you start missing periods; then get heavy periods, emotional mild to severe ups and downs, hot/cold flashes, bladder afflictions, drier vaginal tissues, slowing down to no libido(due to fluctuating hormones, especially the hormone of desire--testosterone).   I started getting light periods every 2 weeks for awhile; then none, then a period--then in Oct. 2005--the heaviest,painful period I ever got in my life--then none since.  In 2005, I started getting moderate symptoms of mood swings, losing desire for sex, more vaginal dryness, hot flashes, cold chills.  In 2006, I got insomnia, really, really bad mood swings, panic attacks, severe hot flashes/cold chills, no desire for sex.  I label it the year I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I still have my emotional upheavels, am warmer now most of the time, but not severe, still dealing with insomnia, use vaginal estrogen to help with the dryness.  Realize my libido is gone due to lower than normal testosterone(blood work), but still can get aroused & orgasm--so yay for that.  I have to think of my husband & push past the no desire.  If you make yourself do that; then hopefully you can still become aroused by his touch and orgasm.  This is all a part of menopause what you are going through.  You are not  crazy.  Some women have mild things going on & barely notice menopause; others go through He**; or so it feels like it.  I am a more high-strung individual by nature; so that may be why it was so hellious for me.  It does get better though & certain things you just learn to live with or maneuver around.   Hang in there.   Crickett