​In this case, rather than estrogen, it’s especially the drop in progesterone that impacts the brain. Estrogen plays a role, but progesterone is the calming hormone. So when it declines and becomes unbalanced, the result can be a feeling of anxiety.

So why is it that anxiety often feels worst in the mornings? 

It’s because that’s when our levels of cortisol are usually the highest. The combination of cortisol with the lack of progesterone make perfect conditions for anxiety. Cortisol is naturally high in the mornings, but it can be abnormally high if you haven’t had a good night’s rest. So this becomes a compounding factor.

There are some things you can do about it.

• Focus on getting quality sleep to avoid overproduction of cortisol
• Take HRT to help balance estrogen and progesterone.
• A small percentage of women may benefit from antidepressants, particularly those that impact serotonin. Although antidepressants are often prescribed through misdiagnosis of the problem.
• Mind-body technique like starting with a guided meditation and later doing a physical activity like yoga or swimming. This combination can act as a both a distraction and a de-stressor.
• Take ashwagandha or evening primrose oil to calm anxiety
• Use aromatherapy combining preparing an inhaler with 5 drops of clary sage and 5 drops of rose geranium in an inhaler. [Link to Aromatherapy blog]

These actions will help to create conditions where anxiety is less likely to happen. But they can’t be guaranteed to prevent anxiety. It’s a good idea to develop coping strategies using the mind body technique, and perhaps some focused breathing exercises to treat them should they present.

Fortunately, this is one of the symptoms that seems to go away once you enter Menopause. But that may be cold comfort when you’re in the thick of it. Usually it helps to understand what’s going on and that can help to normalize it and point to various remedies to choose.

If you have questions, you are invited to book a free call so we can discuss your situation.