Anxiety, menopause and HRT

Anxiety and low mood are common, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms that can arise during perimenopause and in the early postmenopausal years (when periods have finally stopped).

These symptoms may be more likely to occur in people who have a history of PMS, PMDD, ADHD and/or perinatal anxiety/depression. However, anxiety can also worsen in people with a pre-existing anxiety disorder (e.g. GAD or OCD) and in those who have suffered with low level symptoms in the past. Sometimes, these symptoms can seemingly develop out of the blue.

Panic attacks may become more common – sometimes in response to tasks that may have been considered straightforward in the past, such as driving. Anxiety can trigger – or be triggered by – other perimenopausal symptoms such as insomnia, hot flushes, palpitations and low mood. This can be very alarming for people, but there are lots of options that can help.

Anxiety, menopause and HRTOur top tips

How to deal with anxiety during menopause

Lifestyle measures that can improve anxiety symptoms include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, maintaining a fibre-rich, wholefood diet and healthy weight, undertaking regular physical activity and ensuring good sleep hygiene. Practising mindfulness, breathing exercises and yoga can also help. Psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be very beneficial. There is also evidence that medical hypnotherapy can reduce menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and low mood.

How HRT can help

Stabilising hormone levels, and replacing oestrogen, with the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help symptoms both directly and indirectly by reducing hot flushes and improving sleep. If you cannot take HRT, or would prefer not to, there are alternative medications such as SSRIs (antidepressants) and beta-blockers, which can also be helpful in controlling symptoms. If you’re struggling with anxiety during perimenopause/menopause, you’re not alone. Help is available, so feel free to book a consultation with one of our specialists here at Menopause Care to start getting the right support for you.