Women’s Hormones and Anxiety

As a woman, you may experience anxiety and worry related to your hormones. Your monthly cycle brings fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels that can increase stress, fear, and nervousness. For some women, perimenopause and menopause also create anxiety from changing hormones. Understanding the connection between your hormones and anxiety empowers you to find solutions.

The Link Between Hormones and Anxiety in Women

Fluctuating Hormones

Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, impacts both physical and psychological health in women. As estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, anxiety levels may increase or decrease in response. For some women, declining estrogen levels before menstruation (known as the luteal phase) can trigger anxiety and irritability. Conversely, the increase in estrogen that occurs around ovulation may elevate mood and ease anxiety for other women.

Menstruation

During the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can trigger anxiety and mood changes in some women. As estrogen drops during the luteal phase (days 15-28), anxiety may increase. Progesterone also decreases, which can worsen symptoms. Managing anxiety during this time may require self-care strategies and professional support.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings major hormonal shifts that often cause anxiety and worry. As progesterone and estrogen rise, anxiety tends to increase during the first trimester. Anxiety during pregnancy can be managed through prenatal care, counseling, medication under medical guidance, and self-help strategies like exercise, meditation, and social support.

Postpartum

In the months after childbirth, hormonal changes combined with the stresses of parenting a newborn can exacerbate anxiety. Estrogen and progesterone drop abruptly after delivery, and thyroid hormone levels decrease. Anxiety during this period should be professionally assessed and may require treatment like therapy or medication to prevent long-term problems. With support, most women find their anxiety lessens over the first year postpartum as hormones rebalance and they adjust to motherhood.

Menopause

During menopause, decreasing estrogen levels are linked to increased anxiety in some women. Hormone replacement therapy may help reduce anxiety for those with severe symptoms. Making healthy lifestyle changes, practicing relaxation techniques, and spending time with supportive others can also help women manage anxiety during this transition.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Severe PMS

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a subset of women. While most women experience some physical and emotional changes around menstruation, women with PMDD exhibit symptoms that are more severe and disruptive. The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS but are exaggerated. They can significantly interfere with work, relationships, and daily activities. PMDD can cause extreme mood changes, anxiety, depression, and irritability in the week or two before menstruation.

Compared to typical PMS, PMDD causes more severe emotional and behavioral changes that can seriously impair functioning and strain relationships. The underlying cause is unknown but may relate to sensitivity to changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, during the menstrual cycle. While the majority of women will experience relief from symptoms once menstruation begins, some may continue to experience them for a few days into menses. Due to the severity of symptoms, PMDD requires treatment to manage.

Perimenopause and Menopause

During perimenopause and menopause, women experience significant hormonal fluctuations as their bodies transition into menopause. In particular, decreasing estrogen levels can trigger anxiety symptoms.

As estrogen declines during perimenopause, women may notice increased anxiety, irritability, and mood changes. Fluctuating hormone levels make some women feel as though they have little control over their emotions and moods. Panic attacks and social anxiety may also develop or worsen during this time.

When menopause is reached, anxiety symptoms may subside for some as hormone levels stabilize at lower levels. However, for others, anxiety may persist or continue to worsen due to the psychological impact of menopause and aging. Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce anxiety for some women, as restoring estrogen levels provides more hormonal balance and stability.

Book an appointment today. I am trained in women’s mental health issues, and I will help provide coping strategies for anxiety and can give you a supportive environment to discuss challenges with hormonal changes.