Perimenopause is a time when a woman’s body begins changing and preparing for one’s latter part of life. There is no longer a need for certain hormones to enable the body to bear children and ideally instead of an immediate shut down, the body slowly but surely eases the release of these hormones. This sounds ideal and would be the easiest way to transition but unfortunately the body is often unpredictable and shuts down hormonal function in a variety of ways.

This is predicated upon many variables:

– Your weight – Thinner women often experience the drop in estrogen a lot stronger as estrogen is stored in adipose (fat) tissues.

– Your age – Perimenopause depends on family history and often relates to the age your mother reached this transition.

– Your diet- Certain foods help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and naturally boost Serotonin in the brain, which help one feeling grounded and calm.

– Your medications- Certain medications could exacerbate symptoms of menopause and anxiety. Check with your prescribing physician.

– Your history- Having a history of panic and anxiety could play a part in your reaction to lowering hormone levels.

Symptoms of Perimenopause that Mimic or Trigger Anxiety

– Heart Palpitations: Often occurring in the middle of the night, waking and frightening the individual if they are not aware of this symptom.

– Hot Flashes: Feeling warm and breaking out in a sweat which lingers if one adds fear to the process.

– Lightheadedness/Dizziness: Often felt when one rises after being seated or reclining for a time. May wake one from sleep if a night flash is being experienced.

– Depersonalization/Derealization: Often experienced after prolonged periods of fearful worry and anxious thoughts.

– Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Anything is normal at this time. Skipped periods or several periods a month.

– Moodiness: Changes from sadness to happiness, often from one moment to the next. This is purely due to hormonal changes in the body.

Solutions and Management Suggestions

– Stay Calm and heart palpitations will dissipate faster. Fearful worried thought only adds to the length of time they last.

– Stay Cool by opting for cotton sheets, cotton clothing and layer your clothing so top articles can be removed if you feel warm.

– Take your time rising from bed and chairs. The lightheadedness will eventually ebb, so for now take your time until hormones adjust.

– Learn how to cope with feelings of anxiety, panic, general anxiety, depersonalization and derealization but learning how to talk to yourself in a more productive manner. Changing behaviors allow a more peaceful mind and body. Use food corrections as well to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and boosted Serotonin in the brain.

– Accept changes in menstrual cycle, knowing it will eventually balance out, dwindle and discontinue.

– Learn to meditate and cope with moodiness by recognizing it and consciously making choices to relax and accept.

All in all, perimenopause can be a simpler transition if you recognize what is occurring and learn to compensate for the changes. In the long run, everything does balance out and life returns to normal, minus the intrusive changes monthly. Getting over this hump is not difficult if approached correctly. It can be navigated smoothly once you understand what is occurring and the logic behind it. Knowledge really is power. The more you understand, the less you will feel out of sorts. Learn to change the way you think, eat and take back control of your life. Perimenopause will become an easier transition when you know all the facts and apply them to your life.

For further information and questions feel free to contact us at Anxiety Busters, Inc. 215-635-4700, Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (EST). We welcome your calls!

Anxiety Busters
http://www.anxietybusters.com
info@anxietybusters.com
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (EST)