Anxiety Relief for Menopause

Menopause is a natural process during which women experience a drop in the hormone estrogen and stop having a monthly menstrual period. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 and comes with a host of symptoms including night sweats, depression and vaginal dryness. Many menopausal women complain of overwhelming anxiety as well. Methods are available to reduce anxiety during menopause.

Stress Management

• The stresses of daily life can make menopausal anxiety much worse. One way to manage your anxiety is to find a way to manage your daily stress. Try cutting back at work or asking for more help at home from your family. Quiet meditation is also a good way to get yourself back in balance. Take a few minutes every day, no matter how you are feeling, and quiet your mind. You'll need a place that is quiet and where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes and banish all thoughts from your mind. Focus only on your breathing. When you feel relaxed again, go on with your day.

  When it comes to stress management, meditation is not the only way to go. Visualization and guided imagery exercises can be very relaxing. You can do them on your own or with the help of a therapist or audio tape. Tai chi, yoga and aromatherapy may also be helpful in reducing stress and calming anxiety.

Diet and Exercise

• Your activity level and what you eat may have an impact on your anxiety level from day to day. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine can make you feel jittery, depressed, and yes, anxious. Avoid these substances at all costs and you'll feel better and be healthier. Too much sugar and fatty foods can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, contributing to anxiety. Try to eat a well-balanced diet with very limited sugar and saturated fat. Eat plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Another way to curb anxiety is to make sure you are getting enough exercise. Physical exercise has the benefit of giving you an outlet for nervous energy.

Herbal Treatments

• Herbal treatments are another route to consider when looking for anxiety relief. Herbal practitioners recommend herbs such as black cohosh, maca root, dong quai and red clover for treating common menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, which can help return your body back to normal during menopause. This herb is thought to help reduce depression, anxiety and night sweats associated with menopause. Dong quai also contains phytoestrogens as well as vitamins B12, A and E. It also has a mild sedative effect that can help combat stress and sleeplessness. Maca root is helpful for menopausal women because it helps balance levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body. Yet another herbal remedy for menopause symptoms is red clover. This herb is highly recommended for its ability to fight off mood swings, hot flashes and even osteoporosis.

Other Options

• If anxiety is severe, the best option may be to talk to your doctor. She may recommend medication, counseling or hormone replacement therapy for treating menopausal anxiety.