Understanding and Managing Anxiety During Menopause

Menopause is a stressful time for a woman. Fluctuating hormone levels cause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain and mood swings. But one of the most common symptoms--anxiety--is caused by the symptoms themselves.

Signs

• Signs of menopausal anxiety include a sense of foreboding or premonitions of doom, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, excessive sweating, nausea and insomnia.

Cause

• Anxiety is triggered by a small gland in the brain called the amygdala. Low hormone levels lower the threshold for triggering anxiety and panic attacks.

Medical Treatment

• Treating menopause symptoms will remove the source of anxiety. Speak with your doctor about pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy to ease your symptoms, or try natural remedies such as black cohosh and soy products.

Exercise

• Regular exercise reduces stress. Walking, bicycling, swimming or aerobics burn off nervous energy and help keep you fit.

Live Healthy

• Take care of yourself. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, stop smoking and reduce your use of alcohol. Get plenty of sleep.

Relax

• Learn to relax your body and mind through meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises. Have a massage. Find a trained masseuse experienced in treating clients with anxiety.