Why Menopause Causes Increased Anxiety
The onset of menstruation for some women, is a slight bother. For some, it’s a transformative pattern that affects both their physical and mental well-being. Moreover, it’s an event that occurs for every woman at some point in their lives.
During menopause, the body experiences numerous changes such as weight gain and decreased libido. Aside from physical symptoms, there are also mental hurdles to overcome. Some menopausal women go through a range of emotional and psychological symptoms, such as memory issues, insomnia, and anxiety.
Anxiety is common in perimenopause and menopause because hormone levels, specifically estrogen, fluctuate and impact neurotransmitters in the brain. The effects of these hormonal changes differ greatly among individuals, so each person will have a unique experience.
Recognizing that hormonal changes that lead to anxiety is important. Understanding the appearance of that and successfully maneuvering through the journey is a separate matter.
Continue reading to discover the reasons why menopause can lead to feelings of anxiety (along with a variety of other symptoms), as well as the methods you can employ to handle it.
Menopause Anxiety and Your Physical Health
The typical age for women to experience menopause in the United States is 51, although some women may go through it in their early 40s. Menopause is defined as not having a period of 12 months straight. Once that occurs, estrogen and progesterone production in your body ceases, leading to a decrease in hormone levels.
Perimenopause is the period before menopause, characterized by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, causing frequent hormonal fluctuations. At this stage, certain physical symptoms may start to appear.
Due to the presence of more than 400 different estrogen receptors in the body, symptoms will differ depending on individual composition. The symptoms are divided into three main categories: vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, and sleep disturbances. It can be unsettling as you are unsure of where or when the symptoms will start.
Additional physical symptoms consist of gaining weight, having dry skin, experiencing hair thinning, reduction in breast fullness, and feeling cold.
Certain physical manifestations of menopause may also be indicative of alternative ailments. However, the key point is that these symptoms frequently occur unexpectedly. Visualize experiencing a sudden onset of lethargy, headaches, stomach discomfort, and trouble sleeping. Naturally, these changes will cause you to feel anxious, stressed, and concerned about what is happening to your body, leading to menopausal anxiety.
Life events
Keep in mind, that life always continues. Therefore, as your body experiences significant chemical shifts, other important life events continue to occur.
During this period in a woman’s life, they may experience various changes that could affect their level of anxiety. Transitions in family dynamics are caused by children maturing and leaving home, career adjustments, relocating to a new residence or downsizing, and various health issues not related to menopause. All these factors can also cause anxiety, which might be worsened by the hormonal shifts women go through at this stage.
Bodily Changes
Next, there is fear regarding the beginning and potential development of menopause. Many women are unaware of the ways their bodies will change in menopause, leading to increased anxiety.
Anxiety being one of the less discussed symptoms of menopause doesn’t make things any easier. There is a wealth of information available on physical symptoms such as hot flashes and weight gain, but mental health challenges like anxiety and stress are not as thoroughly addressed.
Tips for Dealing with Menopausal Anxiety
Dealing with anxiety during menopause and perimenopause requires a variety of strategies since there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Below are some actionable steps you can take to manage your anxiety related to menopause and reduce feelings of anxiousness.
Consult with a mental health specialist.
Seeking guidance from a therapist can assist in understanding feelings of anxiety, as well as other emotions being experienced. Therapy can assist in sorting through your thoughts and provide strategies to manage your anxiety. Engaging in mindfulness exercises can also assist in grounding and soothing you.
Implement dietary and lifestyle changes.
If you enjoy a nice cup of coffee, you should think about trying decaffeinated. Studies demonstrate that caffeine can make menopause symptoms worse. Consuming a balanced diet can also enhance your mental and physical well-being. Establishing a solid workout schedule is another beneficial suggestion. Doing mild physical activities such as yoga or taking a walk can greatly improve anxiety levels.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement involves reintroducing estrogen and progesterone, which are chemical messengers, back into the body. There are many different methods available for delivering hormone replacement therapy. Oral administration involves taking progesterone pills. Transdermal delivery, which involves administering substances through the skin, can take the form of patches, gels, sprays, or creams. Needles can also be used to give injections in either the fat or muscle.
Pellets are an effective way to deliver medication because they provide a uniform dosage directly into the bloodstream. The closest delivery system to our glands is a pellet, like a tiny grain of rice under the skin, offering precise and tailored dosing.
Seek advice from your doctor to decide if this is a suitable plan for you.
Anxiety Medication
If meditation and mindfulness aren’t effective, explore the option of trying anti-anxiety medication. If you are having serious symptoms, your doctor might recommend antidepressants or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Studies demonstrate that medication for depression is successful in alleviating menopausal-related anxiety.
Rely on the support of your community.
At times, you might feel unstoppable and capable of achieving anything. On some occasions, waking up and getting out of bed can feel like a burden. Learn how to rely on your community for assistance. Frequent communication with friends and family, particularly those who have faced similar situations, can help individuals feel more connected.
Anxiety may be a normal aspect of going through menopause. Do your research, pay attention to the symptoms you’re feeling, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if necessary.
All women will experience menopause as they age, so it’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone. We suggest confiding in older friends and relatives for support during this time. Keep in mind that most women will experience behavioral health symptoms during menopause, so you are not alone.
