Why are Menopause and Anxiety Related?

As a woman, you reach that inevitable phase of life that signals the natural end of fertility. This may trigger many complex emotions. Menopause is generally defined as when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without menstruating. Before this, many women experience an extended perimenopause period with on-and-off symptoms popping up. This can lead to anxiety. Are there other connections between menopause and anxiety?

Experts don’t believe that menopause necessarily causes anxiety, but there is a common connection between menopause and anxiety. The complex feelings surrounding menopause, end of fertility, and fluctuating hormones, can easily elicit anxiety. Many women who are well known for being unshakable stalwarts of strength, fortitude, and resilience throughout their lives are blindsided by the onset of this phase in their lives.

There is a lot of awareness around the physical changes that come with menopause, such as:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles As menopause approaches, periods may become irregular, shorter, or skipped altogether.

Heavy Bleeding Some women experience heavy bleeding for a day or two their period or even outside their regular period.

Excessive Sweating at Night Known as night sweats, these can disrupt sleep.

Hot Flashes. Sudden feelings of intense heat are often accompanied by sweating and flushing.

Vaginal Dryness and Pain Reduced estrogen levels can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Urinary Tract Infections Some women may experience more frequent UTIs.

Mood Swings And Fatigue Hormonal changes can impact mood and energy levels.

Weight Gain Uneven fat distribution may lead to weight gain.

Though these symptoms are commonly known, what is an often-overlooked aspect of this transition is the emotional and mental changes. Indeed, most women report wondering why they suddenly felt the same way they did when they were a hormonal teenager, with moods swings, irritability, and feeling down.

The fact is that there are many life milestones that also coincide with this period of life that can compound an already stressful time for a woman going through perimenopause.

Stressful Life Milestones That Compound Menopause and Anxiety

• Children who have come of age usually start leaving home in this same phase of life.
• At this stage in life, parents who are also getting older may need more caretaking and support.
• This mature age group is also known for bringing relationship changes, such as divorce or separation.
• This time in life is often filled with thoughts of looking back and asking if goals and hopes have been reached.

Going through menopause makes us realize just how many other things are changing around us. Whether conscious or unconscious, this can trigger high anxiety levels that can leave any woman off their center. Anxiety is also common during perimenopause due to other uncontrollable factors like hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, or medication from illnesses common as we get older.

Ways in Which Anxiety in Menopause Manifests

Menopause and perimenopause anxiety usually shows itself in ways that can vary from person to person. Symptoms can include:

• Feeling tense.
• Feeling irritable.
• Struggling to concentrate.
• Experiencing memory problems.
• Sadness and depression.
• Actual anxiety or panic attacks.

If menopausal anxiety starts to cause a significant amount of emotional distress for you, or if it’s getting in the way of your functioning in any area of your life, there are ways to get this under control. Managing menopause symptoms involves a combination of lifestyle changes, self-care, and sometimes medical interventions.

Effective Treatments Options for Menopause and Anxiety

Healthy Diet Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can trigger hot flashes.

Regular Exercise Physical activity helps manage weight, reduces stress, and improves mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Stay Hydrated Proper hydration can alleviate symptoms like dry skin and hot flashes.

Dress in Layers This allows you to adjust clothing as needed during hot flashes.

Cooling Techniques Use fans, cold packs, or take cool showers to manage hot flashes.

Vaginal moisturizers For vaginal dryness, consider using water-based lubricants or moisturizers.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Consult a healthcare provider about HRT options. It can alleviate symptoms but has risks, so it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons.

Herbal Supplements Some women find relief with black coal, soy, or red clover. Consult a doctor before trying any supplements.

Medication Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication can help ease mental health symptoms that you’re facing during menopause. Medications like these are more effective when paired with psychotherapy.

Christian Counseling for Women in Mansfield, Texas

When it comes to menopause and anxiety that comes as a result, individual experiences vary, so it’s essential to tailor any of these strategies to your specific needs. If your symptoms seem to be prolonged or increase in severity, talk to someone. You can join menopause support groups or talk to friends and family about your experiences.

You could also consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice. If you need a connection to a therapist in Mansfield, Texas who specializes in menopause and anxiety, call our office today at Texas Christian Counseling in Mansfield. We would be happy to connect you with one of the trained therapists in Mansfield to help you cope with this life transition healthily.