Anxiety is a common symptom of menopause, and it can harm your quality of life. When you're constantly worried, on edge, or impatient, it can take over your mind to the point where you can't enjoy your days. Reading your favorite book, talking with your best friends, or relaxing on the beach becomes secondary to obsessive concerns. In order to counter it, it's important that you learn more about your condition. When you know why these unpleasant attacks occur, you will be better able to address the problem.
Hormonal Imbalance
During menopause, a woman's risk for anxiety episodes is significantly higher than ever. This is due to the sharp decline in your body's natural estrogen production. A lack of estrogen causes an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain - such as serotonin and endorphins - that are essential for keeping a relaxed, happy mindset. At the same time, there is a rise in levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can keep you on edge.
Dietary Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can be more of a detriment to mental health than individuals realize. When you are low on certain key vitamins and minerals, it can make you irritable and restless. B vitamin levels, for example - especially B12, B9, and B6 - tend to be lower in those with generalized anxiety disorder. B6 in particular plays a part in the regulation of serotonin in the brain.
Vitamin D may also help in boosting mood and decreasing sadness and depression. Finally, omega-3 and 6 are essential for clear-thinking and other cognitive functions. Other calming nutrients to keep an eye out for are the antioxidant vitamins - A, C, and E.
Lifestyle Changes
When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, tension may start to build up. Exercise not only reduces cortisol, but it also increases the release of serotonin. Try exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week, to see positive results.
In addition, excessive alcohol intake is known to raise stress levels. Although it can relieve anxiety initially, it is often short-lived. At the same time, if you do not get a good night's sleep, it won't give your mind a chance to rest. The resulting fatigue will make it harder for you to think clearly and fulfill daily tasks.
Personal Reasons
There can also be the many personal causes for anxiety episodes. They may be related to your relationships, your children, your job, or the death of a loved one. There are many moments in life that can trigger anxiety episodes. In these situations, try to keep your chin up and understand that everything will be okay. In such cases, talking with a counselor or joining a menopausal support group can be a source of comfort from people who understand what you're going through.
When you regulate your hormone levels, balance your diet, and practice deep relaxation techniques, your chances of experiencing anxiety will go down, and your ability to cope with oncoming episodes will improve. Don't fall prey to negative thought patterns or wrestle with reality. There is help available.
Sources
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- Better Health Channel. (2013). Menopause. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Menopause
- Hartvig, P. et al. (1995). Pyridoxine effect on synthesis rate of serotonin in the monkey brain measured with positron emission tomography. Journal of neural transmission, 102(2), 91-97. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8748674
- Harvard School of Public Health. (n.d.). Three of the B Vitamins: Folate, Vitamins B6, and Vitamins B12. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b/
- Gautam, M. et al. (2012). Role of antioxidants in generalised anxiety disorder and depression. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(3), 244-247. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.102424
- Jayakody, K. , Gunadasa, S. & Hosker, C. (2014). Exercise for anxiety disorders: systematic review. British journal of sports medicine, 48(3), 187-196. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091287
- Lewis, J.E. et al. (2013). The effect of methylated vitamin B complex on depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life in adults with depression. ISRN Psychiatry, 621453. doi: 10.1155/2013/621453
- University of Maryland Medical Center. (2013). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/anxiety-disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center. (2013). Omega-3 fatty acids. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
- University of Minnesota. (2014). Anxiety & Depression. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/conditions/anxiety-depression