ABC’s of Menopause: Anxiety

Menopause is the “gift” that keeps on giving. With 34 associated symptoms that can easily be ascribed to a myriad of other health conditions, it can be impossible to know if what you’re experiencing is tied to menopause without a hormone test. Each week this series will break down symptoms to empower women to take back control of their health and enjoy some relief.

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It’s no wonder a third of women experiencing menopause-related symptoms report moderate to severe difficulties coping at work. Meet the anxiety trifecta; a special combination only experienced by menopausal women in the workforce. Gender disparities such as pay equality already create anxiety for women regardless of age. Eventually, ageism doubles down on that unease. However, even if you are fortunate enough to work for a supportive organization where discrimination doesn’t exist, anxiety can still rise up thanks to it being one of menopause’s many symptoms.

What Causes Menopausal Anxiety?

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which play a role in many bodily functions, including mood regulation. When these hormone levels decline during menopause, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, which 25% of menopausal women experience. 

There are a number of factors that may contribute to menopause-related anxiety, including:

• Hormonal changes: As mentioned above, estrogen and progesterone play a role in mood regulation. When these hormone levels decline during menopause, it can lead to anxiety and other mood swings.
• Other menopausal symptoms: Other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, can also contribute to anxiety. These symptoms can be disruptive and uncomfortable, and can make it difficult to relax and de-stress.
• Life changes: Menopause often coincides with other major life changes, such as children leaving home, aging parents, and career changes. These changes can be stressful and can trigger anxiety.
• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, anxiety disorders, and depression, can also worsen during menopause.

How Do I Know My Anxiety is Menopause Related?

Anxiety can be a symptom of many different conditions, which means it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider and have your hormones tested to know for sure. 

Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety include:

• Increased feelings of worry and fear
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling restless or on edge
• Irritability and mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and dizziness

What Else Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, it is important to note that anxiety is a complex condition with multiple causes. In some people, there may be a single identifiable cause, such as a traumatic event. In others, anxiety may be caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse, medical conditions and life experiences.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment depends on an individual’s severity of symptoms and needs. Some common courses of action include:

• Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help reduce anxiety, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
• Therapy: Therapy can help you learn coping mechanisms for managing anxiety and other menopausal symptoms.
• Medication: Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may be prescribed if your anxiety is severe.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT rebalances the hormones lost during menopause and can be effective in reducing a range of menopausal symptoms, including anxiety. 
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

When Should I See A Doctor?

Taking care of mental health is critically important. If you are experiencing anxiety, menopause-related or not, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions, as well as to conduct blood work to assess hormonal imbalances. Once they identify the cause of your anxiety, they can develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

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