Help Needed: Hormonal and Anxiety Struggles
I’m a 36-year-old woman with a history of mental health issues. I smoke and am prescribed propranolol to manage my anxiety. Recently, I sought help for severe PMS symptoms and suspected perimenopause. Blood tests conducted on January 27, 2026, revealed slightly elevated DHEA-S levels and low estrogen. Just three days later, I began experiencing heightened anxiety along with frequent urination. I decided to stop taking Slynd, but this led to an escalation of my anxiety, resulting in constant panic attacks and a racing heart that reached 150 beats per minute. This abrupt change prompted me to discontinue Slynd on January 30, 2026. Despite managing my anxiety, my obsessive-compulsive tendencies worsened, leading to irrational fears about serious health issues like cancer. Five days after stopping Slynd (on February 5, 2026), I coped with tremors in my legs, a racing heart, extreme dryness in my mouth, and an overwhelming urge to urinate, compelling me to go to the emergency room. There, despite my heartbeat being at 150 and an intense panic that felt foreign, it turned out I only had a urinary tract infection. I was given propranolol, which significantly alleviated my symptoms. The EKG came back normal, but they did not perform blood tests. I needed to take propranolol four times to keep the tremors at bay. That night, my sleep was disturbed, and I woke up at 5 AM with the tremors returning along with anxiety. Strangely, I managed to cope without taking more propranolol. Today, I've been feeling some depersonalization and a general sense of unease, accompanied by minor paranoia. However, I managed to keep my panic under control without the medication. The antibiotics have helped reduce my frequent trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I woke up at 3 AM to find the tremors returning, along with increased anxiety and elevated heart rate. I can’t seem to control the shaking, which comes in two-second bursts. I’m left wondering if this chaos is a side effect of Slynd or if I am simply spiraling into madness. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday, but I worry the response will simply attribute everything to stress.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a challenging mix of hormonal changes, anxiety, and physical symptoms that can be very distressing. The sudden changes after stopping Slynd and your heightened anxiety are significant, especially alongside your medical history. Let’s break this down and focus on what you can do in the meantime.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, anxiety, and the recent discontinuation of Slynd.
- Ongoing anxiety and physical symptoms warrant immediate strategies for management.
- It's important to monitor symptoms before your doctor's appointment and communicate them clearly.
Explanation:
Stopping hormonal contraceptives like Slynd can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including increased anxiety and other physical effects, especially if you're also experiencing perimenopausal changes. Elevated anxiety, physical symptoms like tremors, and a rapid heart rate can be intertwined, and stress can exacerbate these feelings, making it seem overwhelming.
It’s also worth noting that the urinary tract infection (UTI) may have contributed to some of your symptoms, particularly the frequent urination and discomfort. With the UTI being addressed now, it's a good sign, but managing lingering anxiety and worrying thoughts is just as crucial.
Next Steps:
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: As soon as you feel anxiety or tremors escalating, try focusing on your breathing. Deep, slow breaths can help trigger your body's calming response. For example, try inhaling gently through your nose for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling slowly through your mouth for a count of six.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Record your symptoms, including times of day, anxiety levels, and any triggers you notice. This can help you articulate your experiences more clearly during your doctor's appointment.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you're drinking enough water and eating balanced meals. Low blood sugar or dehydration can intensify feelings of anxiety and physical symptoms.
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Limit Stimulants: If you're smoking or consuming caffeine, it might be helpful to reduce these, as they can heighten anxiety and cause physical symptoms. Consider gradual reduction strategies, such as decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke or switching to decaffeinated options.
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Discuss Medications Thoroughly with Your Doctor: Be open about everything you're experiencing, including the physical symptoms like tremors and your concerns. If the response seems dismissive, express the significant impact these symptoms are having on your daily life.
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Reach Out for Support: Consider talking to someone you trust about your feelings. Sometimes, just sharing what you are experiencing can provide relief and clarity.
It's good that you have an appointment coming up; make sure to present all your symptoms clearly. Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking help is a strong step toward feeling better. You're doing your best to manage a complex situation, and it's important to be kind to yourself during this process.
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