Menopause and Panic Attacks

After years of research many studies now suggest that there may be a strong link between menopause and panic attacks. If you have experienced these attacks, this news comes as no great shock.

These studies, in which a large sample of women were monitored as they entered perimenopause and throughout the menopausal period, clearly showed an increased incidence in the number of panic attack symptoms, ranging from moderate to severe.  Still, there is a question of why this seems to happen.

CLICK HERE And Discover How To Eliminate Your Panic Attacks

Although the studies stop short of offering a direct causal link between menopause and panic attacks, it is believed by many researchers that the hormonal changes—changes which are so dramatic during this period—may play a major role in the development of panic attacks and panic disorder.

We all know that menopause can cause some very annoying and troublesome symptoms. Well documented are the changes in mood and energy level which have long been attributed to this “change of life” period. Anxiety and panic, while not directly caused by menopause, seems to be another symptom that some women will face.

When the body is in a state of hormonal flux or imbalance, it becomes a perfect target for the frightening effects of panic attacks. These attacks can occur without warning, causing a variety of mental and physical symptoms, until soon the fear of having another attack becomes the focal point in life, causing people to alter their routines to accommodate their illness.

Eventually these fears may damage relationships, create avoidance behavior and lead to isolation. But it doesn’t have to get that far. With proper treatment panic attacks can be managed and even eliminated.

When examining the link between menopause and panic attacks, certain symptoms seem to be prevalent. Among them are:

• Sudden and irrational periods of fear
• Respiratory difficulties such as shallow breathing or palpitations
• Shaking or trembling
• Unusual sweating
• Feeling disconnected or “out of body,” like an outsider looking in
• Fear of dying, losing control or going “crazy”

Panic attacks during menopause can indeed be frightening, but they are not dangerous. Nobody has ever died from a panic attack, and if you are experiencing these symptoms, this fact is very important to remember. In no way do you want to provide added strength to the severity of the attack by blowing it out of proportion.

There are a variety of treatment options to provide relief from menopause and panic attacks. Be sure to check with your health provider about your options. Below are some of the most commonly used methods to treat panic attacks.

• Medication. Some antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines can help to provide relief from panic attack symptoms. While helpful for short-term relief, there are side effects involved in taking medication, and any regimen should be weighed considerably, mapping out all the potential pros and cons.
  
  
• Disassociation.  Techniques which aim to train the mind to look at fearful situations in a different light can help reduce the occurrences of panic attacks.
  
  
• Relaxation Techniques.  Meditation, yoga or even simple breathing exercises can help manage the symptoms of panic attacks, and are a great way to prevent them as well.

There are literally hundreds of options for managing menopause and panic attacks. Through trial and error, eventually you will find one that works for you. Take control of these attacks and you can gradually begin to take back your life.

CLICK HERE And Discover How To Eliminate Your Panic Attacks