For menopause anxiety, options range from lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress reduction) to medical treatments like Hormonal Therapy (MHT) for mood/sleep, specific Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) like venlafaxine or escitalopram, and non-hormonal drugs like Gabapentin, with supplements (magnesium) and therapies (CBT) also helping; an individualised plan with a doctor is crucial to find what works best for you.
Treatments can include:
SSRIs and SNRIs remain first-line treatments for anxiety during perimenopause, with or without psychotherapy. Consider hormone therapy when anxiety symptoms coincide with other menopausal symptoms and no contraindications exist.
However psychological symptoms, such as low mood or anxiety, can take a few more months to improve. It is important to take the HRT medication as explained for at least 3-6 months before deciding whether it is benefitting you or not.
Common mental health symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include: changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem. problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
Luckily, once the menopausal transition is complete and hormones begin to level out, most women will notice that their anxiety levels have begun to decrease and they'll experience some menopause anxiety relief. However, some women may still experience more anxiety than they did before due to other factors.
Black cohosh significantly reduced depression and anxiety in all studies reviewed. Conclusions: St. John's wort and black cohosh appear to be the most useful in alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Ginseng may be effective, but more research needs to be done.
Progesterone also plays a role in mood by having a calming effect on the brain, promoting relaxation and even aiding in sleep. Some HRT plans include progesterone such as Utrogestan, which can help women feel more at ease and support anxiety relief.
Here are 5 ways to help manage anxiety or depression
No statistically significant difference could be detected between the propranolol and placebo groups and so it was concluded from this study that propranolol, 40 mg, three times daily was unlikely to be of value in the treatment of menopausal flushes.
Some previous research suggests the increased incidence of mood and anxiety disorders during perimenopause is associated to the biological effects of estrogen variability [6].
Should I take antidepressants for menopause? NICE guidelines recommend HRT and CBT as treatments for the mental health effects of menopause. Antidepressants are not recommended for treating the effects of menopause, unless you also have depression.
St. John's wort has proven to be effective in helping to treat mood disorders, especially those linked to menopause. Though more study is needed, DHEA supplements have been shown to ease menopause symptoms such as low libido and hot flashes in some women.
Which work best for menopause symptoms? Treatment with selected SSRIs (paroxetine [Paxil, Brisdelle], citalopram [Celexa], escitalopram [Lexapro]) and SNRIs (Venlafaxine [Effexor], Desvenlafaxine [Pristiq]) in midlife women has been shown to relieve hot flashes.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep and stress management techniques like yoga or meditation can boost your mood and help ease anxiety symptoms. Talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, can be effective in handling anxiety by addressing negative thought patterns and developing coping tools.
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
Worry excessively about everyday things. Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness. Feel irritable or “on edge” frequently. Feel restless or have trouble relaxing.
Simple exercise like walking and relaxation can ease anxiety. Plus, when you're active, your brain releases a feel-good chemical that helps with anxiety and encourages healthy habits.”
10 ways to tackle your menopause anxiety
Jennifer Aniston is known for her vigorous wellness routine, which involves compression boots, collagen supplements and infrared saunas. Now, she's hit the headlines with her favourite fitness regime, Pvolve, which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for menopausal women.
Being on HRT doesn't actually stop your own hormone levels from changing, it just puts extra quantities of sex hormones into your body. So your own oestrogen levels can fall and this causes anxiety.
Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly levels of oestrogen (or estrogen), play a significant role in menopausal anxiety. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments can help alleviate these symptoms.
What HRT patch does Davina Mccall use? Davina McCall uses an Estradot patch twice a week on her hips for estrogen, applies Oestrogel daily to her upper arm, and utilises testosterone cream on her thigh to maintain hormone levels during menopause.
If fear or worry won't go away and is affecting your daily activities — or if you think you might have an anxiety disorder — see your doctor.
Low estrogen can cause many physical and emotional changes. If you're experiencing some of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your hormonal levels need attention: Mood swings: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed than usual?