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Anxiety and Depression Symptoms During Menopause

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

What are the symptoms of anxiety I should watch for during menopause?


You’ve probably experienced anxiety at least a few times in your life, such as before an interview, when you had a deadline, or while you were waiting for tests results. Being anxious during critical or uncertain times can be your body’s normal response to a stressful situation. Unfortunately, during menopause you may find you have symptoms of anxiety unrelated to a specific event. These symptoms can leave you feeling uneasy and stressed on a regular basis which can drastically affect your quality of life and relationships.

Anxiety, stress, and depression can cause emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, there are several different treatment options you can try, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, therapy, and relaxation exercises. Simply writing down your symptoms and concerns can let you find perspective and release some of your anxiety. Taking a walk, practicing daily relaxation exercises, and eating well are also beneficial for managing anxiety.

Because anxiety can be debilitating, it’s important to recognize its symptoms. Knowing them can help you take control instead of letting the anxiety control you. Keeping a symptom diary can be very beneficial for allowing you to recognize the symptoms for what they are so you can take steps to overcome them and bring your stress level down. When taking notes, here are some of the symptoms to look for.

Common Anxiety Symptoms

• Constant worry
• Irrational fears
• Feeling nervous
• Feeling powerless
• Feelings of apprehension
• Feelings of going crazy
• Unable to concentrate
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Shakiness
• Physically weak
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Unable to rest or relax
• Headache
• Neck tension
• Burning skin
• Tingling or shooting pain in your face
• Shortness of breath
• Pulsing in your ear
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Feeling jumpy
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Hyperventilation

Some symptoms of anxiety can worsen others, so it is important not to ignore them. When and how long your symptoms will last can vary, but they can worsen over time if left untreated. If you experience a number of anxiety symptoms on a regular basis, make an appointment to sit down and talk to your doctor or a specialist about how you can treat and alleviate them. It is important for your physical, mental, and emotional health that you seek professional help for living with anxiety and depression.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



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