Fear Feelings

Menopause often brings significant hormonal changes, including a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a role in regulating emotions and the nervous system, so a decrease can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Fluctuations in hormone levels can also contribute to mood swings, making women more likely to feel anxious or nervous. Read more about hormonal changes and their impact on hormone balance during menopause.

In addition, other symptoms of menopause, such as sleep problems and hot flashes, can contribute to increased feelings of stress and anxiety. This is especially true when quality of life is affected by constant fatigue and physical discomfort.

Anxiety symptoms can express themselves in different ways and vary in intensity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Nervousness: A general feeling of tension, often with no apparent cause.
• Panic attacks: Intense anxiety attacks that may be accompanied by heart palpitations, sweating, and breathing difficulties.
• Excessive worry: Constantly fretting about mundane matters or future events.
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through, often due to brooding thoughts.

These symptoms may closely resemble the effects of other symptoms, such as mood swings, making it important to properly diagnose the cause.

‍

Anxiety symptoms during menopause are often diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Women who first experience anxiety symptoms during menopause may benefit from a blood test to determine hormonal changes and rule out any other underlying causes, such as thyroid problems.

A conversation with a family doctor or specialist can help assess the severity of symptoms and suggest appropriate treatment.

‍

There are several treatments available for anxiety during menopause, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Lifestyle and diet:

• Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety by producing endorphins, the "happiness hormones.
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and relieve stress.
• Nutrition: A healthy diet with adequate nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help regulate mood and anxiety.

Hormonal therapy:

In some cases, hormonal therapy can help correct hormonal imbalance during menopause, which in turn can lead to a decrease in anxiety. This therapy can be discussed with a specialist. More information can be found on the page on hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):

This form of therapy has proven effective in treating anxiety disorders. It helps patients change their thoughts and behaviors to better cope with anxiety.

Medication:

In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or anxiety medications may be prescribed to treat severe anxiety. These are often combined with therapy or lifestyle modifications.

‍

Anxiety during menopause is often temporary and can be well managed with the right treatment. Many women experience an improvement in their quality of life once their hormone levels stabilize or once they develop coping mechanisms to deal with their anxiety. Seeking timely help can prevent anxiety feelings from becoming chronic and negatively impacting mental health.