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Menopause & Anxiety

Do you get anxious and nervous about things that you do not have control over? If you combine this new anxiety with fewer menstrual periods and a few hot flashes, your anxiety may not be something to wonder about, after all. Anxiety is a natural part of the journey toward menopause, as well as the journey through it. The trick is learning to deal with this anxiety.

  1. Talk to Your Doctor

    • Not every woman finds that she suffers from anxiety once menopause hits. If you do, it may be something to talk to your doctor about. Your doctor can help you to make sure that your anxiety is not due to some other factor, like illness or overall poor health. He may be able to recommend some effective ways of dealing with the anxiety as well as the other issues that go hand-in-hand with menopause.

    Find Ways to Relax

    • Finding ways to relax is important when you find that anxiety has entered your life. Find something that you can do to make yourself feel centered. Whether it is yoga, a good run, an interesting book or some lazy time on the couch, take time to rest and restore your body and mind.

    Get Plenty of Exercise

    • Exercise releases endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are often referred to as the "happy chemical" as they are the hormone that makes the brain feel happy. When anxiety begins to creep up on you, go for a run, take the dog for a walk or attend a jazzercise class. Endorphins will erase all traces of anxiety from your brain, even if just for a moment.

    Consider HRT

    • If anxiety and other menopause symptoms are becoming too much for you to bear, consider talking to your gynecologist about hormone replacement therapy or HRT. This option helps restore some of the hormones lost during menopause and the body's natural balance. This can alleviate some anxiety as well as hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms of menopause.

    Look Into Anxiety Medication

    • If your anxiety has not proven to be manageable, consider talking to your doctor about medication for anxiety. The effects of anxiety can have a negative toll on the body and mind, and chemical imbalances caused by menopause often require medication to control. Medication is best used as a last-ditch effort to alleviate the symptoms of menopause-related anxiety.

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