Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, often brings a host of symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s daily life, particularly in terms of mental health.
One of the more concerning issues during this time is the rise in anxiety. With fluctuating hormone levels, many women find themselves experiencing feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, and mood disorders that can lead to mental health challenges.
In this blog, we will explain how fluctuating hormones affect mental health and how BHRT can alleviate the unpleasant symptoms associated with perimenopause.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Connection Between Perimenopause and Anxiety
Estrogen is known for its mood-regulating effects, as it helps regulate the production of serotonin and dopamine – two neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining a balanced mood.
When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and heightened stress response.
As estrogen levels decline and the body begins to produce less progesterone, the hormone responsible for calming and relaxing effects, women may experience symptoms of anxiety.
Physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- Heart palpitations
- Hot flashes or flushes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
Hormonal imbalances can also affect the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. When cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and difficulty managing stress.
Risk Factors for Increased Anxiety
Several factors can contribute to heightened anxiety during this phase of life, including:
- Age and personal history: Women with a history of anxiety disorders or mood disorders are at a greater risk.
- Lifestyle influences: Stressful life events, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can further exacerbate symptoms and lower overall quality of life.
Treatment Options for Managing Perimenopausal Anxiety
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available to help manage anxiety associated with perimenopause, including:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help balance hormone levels and alleviate many physical and emotional symptoms.
- Therapy options: Behavioral therapy, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, can help in managing feelings of anxiety and equip you with coping strategies.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Incorporating healthy foods, regular exercise, and establishing a self-care routine can significantly improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms.
Find Relief with BHRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a natural approach to balancing hormones and alleviating symptoms associated with perimenopause.
By using hormones that are identical to those produced by the body, BHRT can help restore hormonal balance and improve overall well-being.
Benefits of BHRT include:
- Reduced anxiety and mood swings
- Improved sleep quality
- Fewer hot flashes and night sweats
- Increased energy levels
- Better libido and sexual function
- Overall enhanced quality of life
Dr. Bruice, MD, specializes in balancing hormones with BHRT. Treatment begins with a simple blood test to check your baseline hormones. From there, he will create a customized treatment plan for you. This may include hormone replacement therapy with pellets or creams.
You will have a follow-up appointment approximately two months after being on the hormones. You will discuss how you are feeling on the hormones and if your symptoms are subsiding. Another blood test will be ordered to see how your body is absorbing the hormones.
Dr. Bruice is available to all of his patients at anytime during their treatment. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can email him free of charge. Being available to his patients ensures they are getting the best results from their treatment.
Strategies For Managing Anxiety
Aside from BHRT, there are other strategies you can implement to manage anxiety during perimenopause:
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, promote better sleep, and improve overall mood.
- Importance of routine and self-care: Establishing a daily routine that includes healthy habits like exercise, balanced meals, and finding time for yourself can significantly improve mental health during perimenopause.
Take Control of Your Perimenopause Journey
Perimenopause can be a challenging time for women, both physically and mentally. But with proper treatment and strategies in place, you can find relief from unpleasant symptoms like anxiety.
Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD, has decades of experience helping women balance their hormones and improve their overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, book a consultation today. Take control of your hormone health and start feeling like yourself again!
If you are searching for a ‘menopause specialist near me’ or bioidentical hormones in Denver, we can help! To book an appointment at our Denver location, call (303) 957-6686. For our Aspen location, call (970) 925-6655. For our St. Louis location, call (314) 222-7567. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health during menopause!
Additional Resources
8 Signs You May Have a Hormone Imbalance
Pellet Therapy: The Revolutionary Way to Balance Your Hormones