Menopauseoccurs when a person’smenstrual cyclehas stopped for 12 straight months, signaling the end of menstruation.
The transitional period prior to menopause is referred to asperimenopause.
During this time, the menstrual cycle begins to change and become irregular.
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Some people even experienceanxietyas a symptom, which may be due to hormonal changes.
Read on to learn more about perimenopausal anxiety and how to cope.
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What Are the Symptoms of Perimenopause?
Many symptoms can arise during perimenopause.
Why Does Anxiety Happen During Perimenopause?
Anxiety can occur during perimenopause for a variety of reasons.
During perimenopause, the sex hormonesestrogenandprogesteronebegin to decrease.
Changes in levels of estrogen, specifically, have been closely linked to feelings of anxiety.
Along with these hormonal changes are other symptoms of perimenopause that drive anxiety.
Hot flashes and a lack of proper sleep can lead to anxiety.
Anxiety during this period can also be due to midlife stressors or a fear of aging.
Why Is Anxiety Worse in the Morning?
Researchers believe that anxiety is worse in the morning because of the stress hormonecortisol.
Levels of cortisol tend to be highest in the first four hours after waking.
Treating Perimenopausal Anxiety
There are various treatment options available for those who experience anxiety during perimenopause.
They include:
What Are Mind-Body Techniques?
Mind-body interventions are designed to enhance the connection between the body and the mind to improve well-being.
Some examples include:
Can You Prevent Perimenopausal Anxiety?
It can be difficult to prevent perimenopausal anxiety, because it is driven by so many possible factors.
you could prepare yourself for the possible onset of anxiety by practicing good coping skills.
Summary
Anxiety can be a symptom of perimenopause, which is the period before menopause.
Perimenopausal anxiety can be treated with talk therapy, medication, and mind-body exercises.
The anxiety likely can’t be prevented, but people can prepare themselves for the possible onset.
you could first start by validating their feelings.
Menopause starts 12 months following a person’s last menstrual period.
The duration of perimenopause varies significantly from person to person.
When a person reaches menopause, their menstrual periods stop completely.
Hormones drop significantly and lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
2017;23(2):12-19.
National Institute on Aging.What is menopause?.
