Can Menopause Cause Anxiety? Everything You Need to Know
Hormonal changes during menopause can trigger a range of emotional and psychological symptoms, with anxiety being a common yet often overlooked concern. As estrogen levels fluctuate, some women may experience heightened feelings of worry, restlessness, or even panic attacks.
In this article, we explore the link between menopause and anxiety, common symptoms to watch out for and practical strategies to help you regain emotional balance during this transitional phase.
Is there a link between menopause & anxiety?
There’s a strong connection between menopause and anxiety. During menopause, hormone levels - especially oestrogen and progesterone - can rise and fall, which affects the brain’s ability to manage mood and emotions.
Oestrogen, in particular, helps regulate chemicals in the brain that control feelings of calm and happiness. When estrogen levels drop, some women may start to feel more anxious, irritable or on edge.
In addition to hormonal changes, other menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep and fatigue can contribute to heightened anxiety. For some women, these physical discomforts may trigger anxious thoughts or feelings of overwhelm, further amplifying the cycle.
While anxiety during menopause is common, it’s important to know that support is available. By gaining insight into your hormonal levels, you can better understand how they might be contributing to your anxiety and other symptoms. An Advanced Menopause Profile from Bluecrest Wellness offers a comprehensive blood test that tracks key hormones related to menopause, helping you assess your current health status.
Why does menopause cause anxiety?
Hormonal changes during menopause can play a big role in triggering anxiety. As oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, the chemicals in your brain that control mood can become unbalanced, making you feel more anxious or on edge.
In addition to these hormonal shifts, physical symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and poor sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Emotional challenges, such as adjusting to life changes or feeling less in control, can also add to feelings of anxiety.
This combination of hormonal, physical, and emotional factors can make anxiety more common during menopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause-related anxiety?
Menopause-related anxiety can show up in both physical and emotional ways. These symptoms can vary from mild to intense and may come and go throughout menopause.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling restless or on edge – A constant sense of unease or an inability to relax.
- Racing thoughts – Worrying excessively or overthinking everyday situations.
- Irritability – Becoming more easily frustrated or short-tempered.
- Difficulty concentrating – Struggling to focus or feeling mentally foggy.
- Sleep problems – Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling anxious.
- Heart palpitations – A racing or pounding heartbeat, often linked to feelings of panic.
- Shortness of breath – Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, even without physical exertion.
- Dizziness or light-headedness – Often linked to feelings of panic or overwhelm.
How long will symptoms last?
The duration of menopause symptoms can vary widely from person to person. On average, symptoms like anxiety, mood swings and hot flushes may last for around four to eight years. However, some individuals may experience them for a shorter or longer period.
Factors such as lifestyle, overall health and stress levels can influence the duration and intensity of symptoms. If anxiety persists or significantly impacts your quality of life, seeking support from a healthcare provider can help you manage it effectively.
How long does menopause anxiety last?
Menopause anxiety can vary in length depending on the individual. For some women, anxiety may only last during the perimenopausal phase, which is typically around 4 to 5 years, while others might experience it well into post-menopause.
The anxiety is often linked to hormonal changes, but it can also be influenced by other factors such as sleep disturbances, physical health changes, and emotional stress. While menopause anxiety might subside over time as hormone levels stabilise, it’s important to note that it can sometimes linger longer.
How can anxiety be treated?
Some women find medication and remedies like HRT effective in managing menopausal anxiety, though there are other ways to ease its effects without relying on medication.
There are several non-medical strategies that can be highly effective:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps address the thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety, offering valuable tools to manage anxious feelings during menopause.
- Lifestyle changes: A combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet and good sleep hygiene can greatly reduce anxiety. Exercise boosts mood and promotes relaxation, while a nutritious diet supports overall health and hormonal balance. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule improves sleep quality, reducing stress and promoting emotional stability.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing and yoga can calm the nervous system and reduce stress, which in turn helps alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Support groups and counselling: Connecting with others going through similar experiences provides support and can help ease feelings of isolation. Counselling can offer valuable strategies for coping with menopausal anxiety.
- Herbal remedies and supplements: Some women find relief from anxiety with herbal supplements like valerian root or chamomile, though it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying these remedies.
These approaches can work in tandem with medication or as standalone solutions to ease the effects of menopausal anxiety.
Check your hormone health
Understanding your hormonal health can help ease the worry surrounding menopausal anxiety symptoms. Gaining insight into your hormone levels allows you to better understand how they may be contributing to your anxiety and other related symptoms.
An Advanced Menopause Profile test offers a comprehensive blood test that tracks key hormones related to menopause, helping you assess your current health status.
Bluecrest Wellness offers flexible, convenient appointments across the UK, with results from trusted UK laboratories. With a private consultation with a GP included, we’ll guide you through your results and discuss treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), that can help address ongoing anxiety and other symptoms.
