Perimenopause and Anxiety: Why You’re Suddenly So Anxious

If anxiety has shown up out of nowhere in your 40s, you’re not imagining it. At Be. Women’s Health in Frisco, TX, we see this every day — and it’s often linked to hormonal fluctuation.

Why perimenopause increases anxiety:

1. Estrogen rollercoaster
Estrogen affects serotonin, dopamine, and your stress response. When it dips, anxiety rises.

2. Sleep disruption
Night sweats and insomnia compound stress and emotional overwhelm.

3. Blood sugar swings
Hormone changes can affect appetite and glucose stability, triggering jitters and irritability.

4. Life stressors
Careers, teens, aging parents — it all stacks.

Common symptoms:

• Racing thoughts
• Irritability
• Sudden panic
• Feeling “on edge”
• Chest tightness
• Worry that feels disproportionate

What helps:

✔ Hormone therapy
✔ SSRIs
✔ Sleep support
✔ Blood sugar regulation
✔ Nervous system tools (breathwork, meditation)
✔ Reducing caffeine and alcohol

You’re not “losing it.” You’re experiencing a biological transition — and support is available.

If anxiety is disrupting your life, schedule a perimenopause evaluation in Frisco.