Anxiety and Menopause

Anxiety associated with menopause usually is the predecessor of depression. We all become a bit anxious from time to time as our situations warrant, but that isn’t the kind of anxiety that we are talking about here. We are talking about the overwhelming anxiety associated with menopause.


The first thing that women often become anxious about is the body changes that are occurring on almost a daily basis. It is frightening, but it is even more frightening when you don’t understand what is happening to your body and why it is happening. The best solution to alleviate this anxiety is to have a frank and forthright conversation with your physician, and preferably with your gynecologist. He or she can relieve much of your anxiety by providing real and true information.

You will no doubt have heard many of the “old wives’ tales” about menopause. You don’t need old wives’ tales; you need facts…the real facts.

Listen carefully to the way that you “self-talk.” We all do it. We have these internal conversations about everything that has an effect on us. We self-talk about diet, exercise, relationships, etc. and we certainly are doing a lot of self-talk about menopause. Sometimes we can calm our own fears and settle our own anxious feelings simply by changing the tone of our self-talk. We can take it from negative to positive, and in the process we can relieve our anxiety.

After all, menopause isn’t all bad. As a matter of fact, the majority (a large majority) of women who have completed the process of menopause report that they are happier and healthier than they have been in years. “Just think,” you can tell yourself, “after this is over with I won’t have to worry about getting pregnant, and I’ll never have those monthly cramps again. I’ll be able to pass the feminine products aisle at the grocery store forever and ever, amen!” Now you’re talking!

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