Why does menopause make so many women feel anxious and overwhelmed?

In this week’s solo episode, Dr Naomi Potter breaks down the science behind menopause-related anxiety – and what you can do to feel calm and in control again.

From understanding why hormonal shifts can trigger anxiety, to recognising when something else might be going on, Naomi offers clear, compassionate, practical guidance. She also explains the treatments and lifestyle tools that genuinely help. If you can relate to this topic of anxiety in menopause, we hope this episode helps you to feel more grounded, supported, and you again.

💬 Topics include:

• Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause and menopause

• How to tell if your anxiety is hormonal or something else

• The surprising ways menopausal anxiety can show up

• Evidence-based treatments that actually work

• What you can start doing today to ease anxiety

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More info and menopause support at: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/

00:00 – Why anxiety is so common in perimenopause

00:33 – How menopause anxiety shows up physically and emotionally

01:19 – Night-time anxiety and waking panic explained

01:38 – Palpitations in menopause: when to worry

02:13 – Situational anxiety: driving, public speaking and daily triggers

02:36 – Why menopause anxiety fluctuates with no clear pattern

02:56 – Can menopause anxiety be treated?

03:23 – Hormonal causes of anxiety: oestrogen, progesterone and the brain

03:54 – The “perfect storm” of midlife stress and hormonal change

04:20 – Does past anxiety predict menopause anxiety?

04:42 – Sudden anxiety in your 40s and why it’s often hormonal

05:07 – Lifestyle triggers that worsen menopause anxiety

05:26 – Hidden sources of caffeine that fuel anxiety

05:58 – How alcohol increases menopause anxiety

06:21 – How exercise helps reduce anxiety symptoms

06:46 – Diet changes that support menopause anxiety

07:16 – Non-medical anxiety treatments: CBT, hypnotherapy and more

07:41 – Medical treatment options: HRT and non-hormonal therapies

08:04 – Beta blockers for managing menopause anxiety

08:31 – Antidepressants for menopause anxiety: who they help

08:53 – Herbal supplements for anxiety: magnesium, vitamin D, ashwagandha

09:23 – How progesterone in HRT affects anxiety

10:06 – Understanding your response to oestrogen and progesterone

10:29 – First steps to take if you have menopause anxiety

10:59 – Listener question: does testosterone affect anxiety?

11:59 – Will HRT help with anxiety in menopause?

12:46 – Nutrition and the gut–brain axis in menopause anxiety

13:18 – Final advice for women with menopause anxiety

13:45 – Where to find more support from Dr Naomi Potter

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation about nutritional advice in menopause with Dr Megan Rossi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zhZ4EoIkSbhQHPOAT5GCR?si=yZ_6UFLVRPm3y0G42F6DHQ

#menopause #anxiety #perimenopause