Hi Andre, I'm here to tell you that for years, I felt like I had a small animal living in my chest. I saw several doctors and had alot of tests. I have GERD, but its under control. You might need an endoscopy, just to make sure your esophogus isn't erroded, but I don't think its necessary at this point. I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). My intestines are very weird, fluctuating between diarrhea and constipation, gas, tons of pressure, burping, and constant activity/noise in my intestines. For me, my chest seems to be the focal point of my intestinal craziness. That's what I mean about feeling like I have a small animal living in my chest. I think some of us are very sensitive to internal sensations. I think some of us feel gas/food moving in our intestines, and it can be transmitted up into our chest. Our stomach is really very high up in our chests and many times, its easy to confuse feelings occurring in the stomach, with feelings in our heart/chest. I'm wondering if that's what you're feeling. I know that when I quit eating in the evening, I didn't spend the night with funky things going on inside me, and I would also get a better night's sleep. I think it would be a very good habit for you to get into, to quit eating after dinner. I know its hard, but I think you'd feel alot better......and sleep better. Did you know that our intestines are called "the second brain" because they secrete alot of neurochemicals, just like our brain does? When your intestines are working all night to digest the food you ate all evening........its going to keep you awake. I'm a compulsive eater, but seem to have gotten it under control most of the time. What's interesting is that when I overeat, or eat too many carbs, or eat in the evening, my CPAP machine shows that I don't sleep well.......even if I'm not aware of it. Anyhow.......sorry to get off on a tangent. But I just wanted to mention how sensitive some of us are to the goings-on in our intestines. Some of those sensations can feel like they are coming from the heart/chest. It should be interesting if an irregular beat showed up on the holter, when you sensed something. There are lots of things to do for GERD that don't even involve any tests or even seeing a doctor. Do an internet search on it, and you'll learn all the things you can do to lessen it. Also check out IBS and see if you have any of those symptoms. You also might be developing an intolerance to dairy or wheat. Try cutting back on your carbs. Keep us posted.

It sounds like the hormones are working for you somewhat, if it's helping anxiety, and not making other sy mptoms worse that is good. As you are on them longer, you may notice more improvement. The purpose of sleep is HEALING. The body heals during sleep, the mind is resting and it is necessary ! I think you need to find a more empathetic sleep Doctor. Have you tried Benadryl for sleepng ?? It is very sedating for most people, and available over the counter. Trazadone would be a safer alternative as far as prescription meds go. My suggestons : 1) see a different Doctor 2) check out the Power Surge forums, there is a forum specific to insomnia, many good suggestions there 3) try to get off Restoril, it's not working anyway, remember to taper. 4) stop Sonata, it's not working either 5) try Benadryl 25 to 50 mgs for sleep

Boy, can I relate to this post. I could of wrote this myself. I had an FSH of 29 two years ago, along with horrible symptoms of irregular heartbeats , extreme anxiety, Insomnia...on and on. The Doc said early Menopause, I had it retested last month, it was 4 !!!!! I had the same reaction as you... I am expecting the worst, as some of my symptoms have lessened , now I am thinking it will all start over full force. I had waited to re-test the FSH , and thought that maybe I was Post , as I have felt somewhat better with some of the symptoms... I had my Uterus removed 15 years ago, so no periods to help establish where I am in all this. I am confused as to what this all means just like you, You are the first one I have found to have the same issue, sorry for you, but a relief for me to have someone to talk to !! I am wondering if it has something to do with he Thyroid.. as I am Hypothyroid, with Hashimotos Disease. I was curious before, but now I see you have Thyroid issues also, wondering if there is a connection... the Thyroid is part of the Endocrine system like the Ovaries ... Anyways, I feel like I am rambling.. just know that you are not alone, and I hope you fee better knowing that someone else is dealing with the same craziness, I know I sure do. Peace, Rebecca

Hi puddinface ru still coming on this forum i notice that a lot of the postings are quite old wheras u seem to be new to it like me i have found grreat relief in actually looking at other womens opinions on the varied problems related to menopause id love to actually chat on here to someone rather than feel as though every time i write something i dont get any response at all i live in england and i do not have any friends my own age who are going through what i am going through at present which can be very scarey at times i can only try talking to my partner who bless him does try to understand and listen but he is 27 works long hours and i stay home all day it seems to me that in usa women have more actual info on perimenopause than here in the uk anyway if your out there and you read this id really like it if you felt like giving me a reply ok