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Some women are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations than others. For many women, anxiety issues appear for the first time during periods of hormonal change. For other women, hormonal changes intensify previously existing anxiety symptoms. 

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), post-childbirth, and perimenopause (the period of time before the onset of menopause). It may take the form of panic attacks, nervousness, sweating, intense fear, anxiety combined with depression, or other overwhelming symptoms. 

Here are several periods of hormonal change that can intensify or trigger anxiety in women. 

Puberty — Developing girls experience hormonal changes as they prepare to begin their reproductive years. 

Monthly menstrual cycle — Often girls and women experience PMS the week before their period. 

Following childbirth — The severe drop in certain hormones following childbirth can cause dramatic physical symptoms and a temporary feeling of depression or anxiety; in some women, it is prolonged.

Perimenopause — Perimenopause is the period of time when the body is approaching menopause. It may last from two to ten years. During this time the menstrual cycle becomes irregular as the hormone levels keep fluctuating, causing some women to experience PMS-like symptoms.

Although many of us may use the term “going through menopause” to describe this period of time, it is actually called perimenopause. Many women experience panic attacks for the first time during perimenopause. Other symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, and sweating are also common. 

With surgical menopause (hysterectomy), you’ll likely experience perimenopausal symptoms after the surgery, even if you did not experience symptoms prior to surgery. Symptoms can be prolonged and are due to the dramatic and sudden decrease of certain hormones as a result of the hysterectomy.  

In non-surgical circumstances, menopause occurs after a woman has no periods for twelve consecutive months. It lasts only one day. Many women report feeling better than ever mentally and physically after menopause, due to the fact that hormone levels stabilize.

Hormonal Change Triggers the Fight Or Flight Response

Due to the fact that hormonal change causes physical and psychological stress, it triggers our “fight or flight” response. The fight or flight response is the body’s inborn, self-protective response to perceived danger. 

When we perceive that we are under stress, our bodies send out a rush of cortisol, adrenaline, and other brain chemicals to prepare us to “fight” or “flee” the danger. 

The fight or flight response triggers the physiological changes that we associate with anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, sweating, muscle tension, narrowed mental focus, heightened emotion, and many other symptoms. 

These are the same physical sensations that many women experience when their hormone levels fluctuate. In other words, most of the symptoms women experience during times of hormonal change are really fight or flight reactions. While these physical sensations are not dangerous, they can be very intense and overwhelming.

Our fight or flight response mechanism can become “hypersensitive” with the various hormonal changes in our bodies that take place from puberty to menopause. Many of us are in a constant state of stress due to our lifestyle and thought patterns, which also causes hypersensitivity.

In other words, our bodies may be stuck in the “on” switch of fight or flight. What normally wouldn’t trigger symptoms, now initiates symptoms and perpetuates an ongoing cycle. 

Fight or flight reactions in and of themselves are harmless. However, when our thoughts convince our rational minds that these symptoms are scary and dangerous, we create an anxiety cycle.

Anxiety consists of more than fight or flight reactions acting by themselves. Unproductive thoughts play a critical role in creating and perpetuating the anxiety we experience.

 

Our thoughts convert fight or flight reactions into anxiety, and a self-perpetuating cycle begins. Soon we find ourselves limiting our behaviors because of anxiety as well, which further entrenches the vicious cycle.

When a person is under stress, unresolved emotions and issues commonly come to the forefront. Because hormonal change is a major stressor, it can bring up internal conflicts and self-doubt in many areas of our lives. All of a sudden, we may find that the negative self-talk that we successfully pushed to the background of our lives during less stressful times is now playing center stage. 

During periods of hormonal change, we may also feel uncertain about our changing roles (e.g. maturing from girl to woman, becoming a mother, becoming a mature woman past childbearing years), which can add to our internal conflict. 

When we fail to successfully resolve internal conflicts and the unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to them, we create a breeding ground for anxiety. Combined with fight or flight symptoms, it’s no wonder that these unproductive thoughts create and perpetuate the anxiety cycle! 

What can you do if hormone-related anxiety affects you?

Here’s some great news! The same tools that you can use to overcome anxiety due to other reasons can help you to conquer anxiety related to hormonal changes too.

Research shows that cognitive-behavioral techniques that help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and nutritional strategies (all found in our Conquer Anxiety Success Program) can help women dealing with hormonal changes.

These types of strategies not only help women regain a sense of control over their lives, but actually achieve improved physical and emotional well being! Here are a few tips to get you started:

– Focus on reducing preventable stress in your life that triggers the fight or flight response — stop the yo-yo dieting; increase sleep to eight or nine hours a night; exercise regularly; don’t skip meals; cut back on your frantic schedule; and decrease stimulants, such as caffeine. 

The body isn’t designed for constant stress. When we are bombarded with stress, our ability to cope can become overwhelmed because the elevation in stress hormones makes the fight or flight switch remain “on.”

– Learn how to train your body to respond differently to stress so that you can automatically turn the false alarm “off” when the fight or flight response is triggered. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you achieve this goal.  

– Most importantly, learn how to change how you think. Our thoughts are what convert the harmless fight or flight response into a vicious cycle of anxiety. Remember, just as our thoughts hold the key to creating anxiety, they also hold the key to eliminating it!

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panic attacks self help information No Comments December 4th, 2009

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You can easily seek and find help when panic attacks make life intolerable. Medication for panic attacks can sometimes instantly reduce the most distressing symptoms of a panic attack. Some people are afraid of using them and see no sense in taking medication that can lead to addiction even when taken for a short term.
1. Reasons to Take Medication for Panic Attacks
Medication for panic attacks is used to obtain relief from symptoms and also to enable patients to derive the benefits of other types of therapy. Most anxiety disorders are incurable; so, drugs serve only as a means to reduce the suffering caused by them. They can also help avoid any future complications that might require long-term medication.
Doctors commonly precribe drugs such as Valium and Zoloft for instant relief from symptoms of anxiety disorder. These drugs can considerably reduce the stress experienced by a person due to these symptoms.
Sometimes, anti-depressants can also be used along with anti-anxiety medication because both work hand in hand in controlling and reducing symptoms of anxiety disorder. The drugs, however, are used sparingly because they can be addictive.
2. Other Ways to Treat Panic Attacks
While medication for panic attacks helps give instant relief from the symptoms of the condition, it is not the only method available for a person suffering from panic attacks. Often, a lasting solution that does not require the taking of medication is preferable.
Fortunately, a person suffering from panic attacks has a number of options to choose from. Your treatment plan depends on your medical history and the exact nature of the problem you are suffering from.
You can choose from the following types of treatment.
3. Individual Psychotherapy
This therapy can be of great help to a person suffering from anxiety disorders. Even if the problem is triggered by chemical imbalances in the brain, it can help people cope with their condition without taking any drugs.
4. Group therapy
Group treatment is not always recommended, but it is very helpful. Patients suffering from phobias, especially, gain a lot of relief when they find out that they are not the lone sufferers. Even in case of panic disorders, the support of a group can be of great help.
5. Relaxation Techniques
Techniques such as self-hypnosis and deep breathing can be of great help in eliminating anxiety disorders including panic attacks, irrespective of whether they are done during group therapy or as an individual effort. These methods are the precise tools that people require in order to get back to a normal, productive life.
Most people are afraid to consider the use of medication for panic attacks. But, they can at least provide short-term relief by reducing stress and anxiety. This, in turn, helps you successfully pursue other treatments that might provide long-term relief from panic attacks.

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panic attacks self help information No Comments December 3rd, 2009

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Pregnancy is a time of amazing joy. A woman bringing life into the world. You pick out baby furniture, paint the room and begin setting it up. Clothes that always seemed small and darling will be what your child will be wearing. You gain weight slowly and get to see the baby on an ultrasound. However, for many women, the joy of child birth can bring panic attacks too. So how does a pregnant woman deal with panic attacks?
Well, to be honest, the attacks can happen before the woman decides to get pregnant and after she has the baby in post partum depression. It is noted that six percent of women who do develop panic disorder get it after the child is born. However, both points are still being studied on.
There are several stressors in our lives… both positive and negative events. Example: You take a new job…a positive effect. Yet, there are many things that need to be done that causes stress.
Getting pregnant is the same way. It can be positive and joyous but it is one of the most changing life event ever experienced. It can cause panic disorders through the tension and stress that is caused from the anxiety one feels.
When the stress level rises, physical panic reactions ensue. This can make them feel as if they have lost all control of their mind and body. Some even feel that have lost their self-esteem. This is the time when self-esteem should be at its highest level before the baby’s birth.
In the third trimester, the brain produces a chemical called serotonin which produces during fear and worry times. Since the chemical is released, panic attacks can become frequent and be intense.
As the impact of the pregnancy grows, the woman’s ability to cope with family and the impending birth is starting to take a toll on her. For those who have suffered panic attacks during pregnancy, it is not uncommon to feel even more frustration and fear already felt from just being pregnant.
It is imperative that pregnant women and her family understand what goes on when she is suffering with panic disorder. The body is already in extreme distress from the pregnancy and panic attacks further aggravate the issue. She may find she cannot cope, cannot be trusted to make good judgments and is more tired trying to maintain self control. There are some mothers-to-be who suffer self-doubt about being a good mother.
Physical symptoms of a panic attack in pregnancy is much similar to everyone else who gets panic attacks. They are:
* Shortness of breathe
* Racing heartbeats
* Hot flashes
* dizziness
Psychological effects can be described by the following symptoms:
* fear of losing control
* fear of dying
* fear of being inadequate
Should a pregnant woman suffer from panic disorder, it is imperative she speak with her physician. Sometimes a mild prescription can be given to her if the symptoms warrant it. These effects can be quite debilitating but taking responsibility for the treatment plan can help in reducing anxiety.
Relaxation techniques including meditation and yoga are suitable programs for pregnant women. Plus a woman can change her negative thoughts into positive ones and reduce the low self esteem that she feels.
If at all possible, if there are signs of stress or anxiety, family members and the woman should be seen by her doctor.

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panic attacks self help information No Comments November 30th, 2009

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Here are 8 simple techniques that I`ve used to help overcome my panic attacks and anxiety. You should be able to reduce your levels of anxiety within the first day you implement them:

1) Deep breathing. Your chest pain is the result of an incorrect breathing. (Deep breathing can help, but can sometimes actually induces a panic attack, let it happen, what you fear is what you have to do more often, this is one technique that has given me great results, overcome your panic attacks by letting them happen, usually when you tend to be more aware of them, they will last shorter.

2) Always keep yourself busy, no matter how you feel (Keeping yourself occupied leaves you less time to think about anything that may affect you, therefore, it is less likely to another panic attack will hit.)

3) Buy Omega Fish Oil Capsules and Calcium – Magnesium supplements. Magnesium has helped me enormously. It definitely works, especially for my twitches and heart palpitations. Recent studies have shown that fish oils can reduce the level of your anxiety and even eliminate your panic attacks.

4) Now this rule, should be applied even by healthy people. Eat a lot of raw fruit and vegetables. Have one apple for breakfast, one banana for lunch, and eat your favorite fruit in the evening, at least 3 fresh fruits/vegetables every day or combined.

5) Stay away from sugar, salt and fat. Usually sugar can rise the blood pressure and automatically affect anxiety sufferers. Try to have a low carb diet, no matter how hard it is you need to avoid carbohydrates. Any carbs that you consume should be from whole grains or anything that will make it harder for your body to break down.

6) Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. It`s recommended doing it in the morning, just to get you prepared for the entire day. Do not overwhelm your self, take everything easy and do as many type of exercises as you can, write down a schedule so you can follow, it`s not that hard after all.

7) Use diaries. When you feel worst take a plain piece of paper and write down your thoughts for ten minutes. You can write just anything you like, even things that you would not tell anyone. This will help you overcome your anxiety tenfold. It`s one of the easiest ways to push everything out that may affect you. After 5 minutes, stop and read what you wrote aloud, so that you can understand better what you`re going through and fight to release your anxiety a lot easier. You will most likely burst out laughing because you will notice how ridiculous your thoughts are and the reality may be totally different. Nobody is ever to harm you and nobody is against you, everyone wants to you healthy as you were before.

Get a consistent sleep. Now a healthy person would sleep for at least 6 hours every night, make that between 8 and 10, until you reduce your anxiety consistently.

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panic attacks self help information No Comments November 29th, 2009

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Panic attacks are so bad that they can disturb your life in so many ways. It may even lead to loss of family, friends and more importantly your job. There are medications and therapies which will aid panic attacks though. However, there are a lot of ways to overcome panic attacks and see them off or keep it under control.
Physical reactions are caused by panic attacks. Medications and therapies only help controlling these reactions but not fully curing them. It can go to the extent of stabilizing your body but it mostly depends on the person to cope up with such attacks when it strikes. A psychiatrist can help in a great way to revive back to normalcy. He may even advice you on the medication before any treatment.
Mostly, anti-depressants and anti anxiety medication are prescribed for panic attacks on the body. Beta blockers can be used to treat symptoms, mainly physical, associated with the anxiety attacks. You tend to focus more on the psychological portion of the fear and anxiety by helping yourself physically. Tricyclic, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or the SSRIs are anti-depressants that can aid symptoms of anxiety disorders. Many a time, anxiety leads to depression and unwanted worry. These medications, however, help you bring some lost relief. Apparently, benzodiazepines help to reduce panic attacks surprisingly up to 80%. Medications differ for every sort of panic attack.
No medication should be hurried as it takes sometime for the medicines to get settled and react in your body. So patience is the key in treatments such as these. It might even take a week or so to work and feel the full effect of it. However, if it takes too long to have an impact in your body, doctors could be sought and asked about it. Medicines prescribed for these anxieties sometimes work on trial and error basis. Not all medicines work and not all medications might sink in your body quickly. It takes a lot of time for it to have any sort of impact. The dosages may vary for various medications.
Following a medication, therapy is a preferred follow-up. A therapist is one who can help you handle the anxiety in a more pragmatic way. Therapy uses the fact of role playing which is quite an effective tool that help you work through various problems without even being in the situation before. You imagine yourself being in an anxiety-stricken situation and think about how you could have avoided it. This makes it less worrisome and fearful. These skills might prove to be handy someday when you really are put in such a situation.
Self calming techniques can be kind of a morale booster if you are suffering from a panic attack and have no help to seek out. The most common self calming technique being breathing. Ten deep breathes through your nose can be rally soothing and helpful for you to counter panic attacks. It boosts your spirit and calms you down terrifically and thereby preventing any panic attack striking you. You can imagine yourself handling such predicaments with ease and feel inspired to do so in real time. This certainly helps to regain control and focus and hence preventing panic attacks take the better of you. There are many other tools that can help you with panic attacks. A therapist is probably the best person who can individually help you control such attacks. Hard work and good medication can ensure a good life without panic attacks.

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panic attacks self help information No Comments November 21st, 2009

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