26/09/2025
Anxiety can be one of the very first signs of perimenopause and can sometimes feel like it has come out of nowhere.
Here’s why:
Progesterone is often the first hormone to disappear in early perimenopause. Since progesterone normally boosts the brain’s calming signal (GABA), its loss can leave you feeling restless, wired, or anxious, sometimes even before your periods change.
Later, as oestrogen starts swinging and then declines, serotonin and dopamine (your mood and motivation messengers) are also affected. Anxiety can also sometimes come after/during a hot flush.
You’re not “just stressed”, your hormones are shifting.
�And there are things that can help calm our nervous system.
🚶🏻♀️➡️Move your body daily (even a short walk)
🧘🏻♀️Breathwork (eg in for 2, out for 4), yoga, listen to music, explore Nature
🥑 Include protein + healthy fats + slow carbs to keep blood sugar steady
😴 Prioritise sleep and take regular calming breaks whenever possible
🗣️ Talk about it - you’re not alone, and sharing connects us
👯 Find support: friends, GP, menopause coach, therapy
❤️ Anxiety in perimenopause and menopause is common, real, and treatable, even if it’s not talked about much. You do not have to face it alone.
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