Hormonal changes can affect not only the body, but the mind as well. Many women that go through menopause experience periods of depression or anxiety due to the fluctuation of hormones. While panic attacks are not a common experience for those going through menopause, it can happen. Panic attacks are periods of intense, severe anxiety that often result in people questioning their health, even feeling as if they are having a heart attack or are about to die.

What causes these panic attacks, and is there anything that can be done to prevent them?

Hormone Imbalance and Panic

Hormones affect neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), coping ability, physical sensations, and more; any of which may be a factor in the development of anxiety and panic.

It is important to note that not all panic attacks during menopause are caused by menopause itself. Some may be caused by your reaction to the physical symptoms while others may be a result of concerns over the future and feelings of aging.

Starting in Perimenopause

Hormonal shifts begin during the perimenopausal stage, when the body decreases the amount of estrogen it produces. It is possible that during this stage, when hormones in flux, the ability to manage anxiety is decreased.

Unfortunately there isn't a set cause. It's not clear why some women experience anxiety and panic and others don't. What we do know is that hormones are the body's messengers. They tell the body to create other hormones, generate neurotransmitters, and even cope with stress. When they are continuously fluctuating, the body has to rapidly adjust.

The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause may play a role as well. It is likely you will experience anxiety when you are:

• Not sleeping well, have insomnia, and are tired and fatigued.
• Experiencing hot and cold flashes or night sweats.
• Experiencing mood swings.

These symptoms of the hormonal changes that are occuring could explain why there is a chance for increased panic attacks during menopause.