1194: Why Anxiety Rises In Menopause And Perimenopause: Understanding The Nervous System Shift
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
Gina Ryan
4.6 • 1.9K Ratings
🗓️ 16 November 2025
⏱️ 22 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In today's episode, Gina shares her wisdom surrounding the topic of menopause, perimenopause and how these times can bring with them substantial shifts in women's nervous systems. Many women experiences substantial changes in their experience of anxiety around this midlife change, some for better, some for worse. The physiological changes of the body and brain are discussed, as are the mental changes that accompany them, and also the steps you can take to support yourself through this journey. Improve your understanding of menopause and it effects on anxiety today!
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Quote:
Mid-life is when a woman awakens to her power; not the power of youth, but the power of depth.
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Hormonal Changes
3:12 Understanding Anxiety in Midlife
6:35 Hormonal Shifts and Their Effects
8:10 Supporting Your Nervous System
10:18 Lifestyle Changes for Balance
13:17 Emotional Layers of Midlife
17:22 Identity Transition and Self-Discovery
18:19 Embracing the Journey Ahead
Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into an important and often overlooked topic: the hormonal changes that women undergo during midlife and how these shifts can intricately weave into experiences of anxiety. As we explore this vital subject, I emphasize the uniqueness of each individual's journey through hormonal shifts, whether during perimenopause, menopause, or even monthly cycles. Recognizing the natural ebb and flow of hormonal changes, I reassure listeners that they are not "broken" or "losing it"—rather, their bodies are in a transformative phase, prompting a deeper understanding and connection to self.
I lay the foundation by discussing the physiological impacts of fluctuating hormone levels and outline how these changes can manifest as various emotional and physical sensations. The transition can trigger new feelings of anxiety, identity crises, and insights into how one's life roles have evolved. It's essential to approach these transitions with curiosity, as understanding the interplay between hormones, stress, and emotional well-being can empower women during this compelling time.
Commencing with an intimate exploration of the effects of estrogen and progesterone, I highlight how these hormones influence mood and anxiety levels. Listeners are encouraged to recognize that increased anxiety during these transitions is not a sign of weakness but rather a normal physiological response. I present practical strategies for self-care, including breathing techniques and grounding exercises, to help ease anxiety and cultivate a nurturing relationship with oneself. By advocating for slow exhale breathing, comforting mantras, and gentle physical practices, I offer tools that can aid women in navigating this sensitive phase with grace.
#Perimenopause, #Menopause, #MidlifeAnxiety, #HormonalAnxiety, #WomensHealth, #TheChangeOfLife, #AnxietyRelief, #MidlifeTransition, #Recalibration, #IdentityShift, #Estrogen, #Progesterone, #NervousSystem, #StressManagement, #PrioritizeSleep, #SelfCare, #SetBoundaries, #GABA, #SlowExhale, #YouAreNotBroken, #GinaRyan, #AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #ChristianeNorthrup, #FemininePower, #NotLosingIt, #AnxietySupport, #MentalWellness, #StressRelief, #MindBodyConnection, #LifeTransitions, #SelfCompassion, #NervousSystemRegulation, #EmotionalHealth, #HealthJourney, #PersonalGrowth, #SelfHelp, #InnerPeace, #Midlife, #HormoneHealth, #WellbeingJourney, #DeepBreathing, #GroundingTechniques, #MentalClarity, #Recalibration, #ItsOkayToStruggle, #FindingYourCenter, #PodcastForAnxiety, #AuthenticSelf, #ChangingRhythms #ACP
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches podcast, a relaxing and informative show where we explore anxiety, panic, and PTSD, sharing how you can overcome them for life. |
| 0:23.1 | Aloha. |
| 0:24.2 | Welcome back to the anxiety coaches podcast. |
| 0:27.6 | I'm your host and coach, Gina Ryan, and I am so happy to be with you again today |
| 0:34.1 | as together we can consider the many ways to bring your mind and body back to its |
| 0:40.5 | natural peace and calm. In today's episode, I'm talking about something a listener requested. |
| 0:47.9 | The hormonal changes women experience as they move through midlife and how those shifts can affect anxiety. |
| 0:58.4 | Now, I do want to say we can be talking here today about perimenopause and menopause |
| 1:04.1 | and midlife crises and changes, but I also know that many women experience this also around their monthly |
| 1:13.6 | hormonal shifting. We're all different, and we have very different ways in which we |
| 1:21.2 | experience our natural hormonal changes. And there is something in here for you, even if you do not or have |
| 1:30.9 | never experienced hormonal changes, because I bet there is someone in your life who does or has, |
| 1:38.8 | and this may help you to understand them better. And so I want to begin by saying that all of this hormonal |
| 1:48.0 | ups and downs are a natural part of life. You are not broken and you are not, quote, |
| 1:55.0 | losing it. Your body is transitioning. I'm speaking here mostly about parimenopause and menopausal shifting. |
| 2:05.4 | And with the transitions can come new sensations, new emotional waves, and yes, sometimes more anxiety. |
| 2:17.1 | And I also want to say some people, and this was myself, |
| 2:21.4 | can have less anxiety as their hormones change, whether that be along the monthly cycle |
| 2:29.7 | or the perimenopausal-menopausal type of cycle, or pregnancy even. |
| 2:35.6 | So pay attention here. |
| 2:37.2 | You may not get more, you may get less. |
| 2:40.0 | You see how different we are. |
... |
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