Why menopause can be the trigger for anxiety

Hormones don’t just control your cycle — they play a huge role in your mental health.

Oestrogen boosts serotonin (your happy hormone) and keeps cortisol (your stress hormone) in check. Progesterone has a calming, stabilising effect. Testosterone supports mental stamina and focus.

When these hormones decline and fluctuate during menopause, brain chemistry shifts — like Wi‑Fi dropping in and out. This can make your internal “alarm system” (the amygdala) overly sensitive, triggering fight, flight, or freeze responses to situations that wouldn’t have bothered you before.

I remember what that feeling was like. It scares us doesn't it? You wonder how you’re going to make it to 40, let alone 50. It feels like the world has played a cruel joke on you. Those thoughts always whirling around in your head, that tight, nervous feeling in your chest and tummy, they make you believe that you’re flawed. You believe that there is something inherently wrong with you.

But there isn’t

When my anxiety started in 1995 the word wasn’t even applied to what I was feeling, even by the doctor. In fact I remember him referring to it as ‘another funny turn’.

On the outside it appeared I was living a very normal life and doing what someone very normal did, but on the inside I felt everything was rapidly closing in on me.

Imagine always living with one eye over your shoulder, keeping a look out to protect yourself. Carrying an imposter through life is draining and makes you always cast doubt on yourself and life.