Panic Disorder and Our Hormonal Changes
Panic disorder or panic attacks are an unnerving and an upsetting symptom of PeriMenopause and Menopause.
Women are twice as likely to suffer from panic disorder as men.
A panic attack can persist between 10 to 40 minutes and the symptoms of a panic attack can be both physical and psychological and include:
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Confusion/Poor concentration
- Paralysing terror
Suffering from a panic disorder can be frustrating and an uncomfortable experience, especially if our day is full of business meetings and family commitments, with 51% of women having reported that they take time away from their business or career due to PeriMenopausal and Menopausal symptoms.
MY PANIC DISORDER STORY
There was a boardroom full of Programme Directors waiting for me to enter and present my update. Nothing new for me. But this time as I was waiting outside, my heart was racing and my mind went blank! I was having a panic attack…
I took deep breaths to calm myself as I heard my name being called to enter the boardroom. Entering the room I took the papers out of my folder, started to present the update then apologised saying ” I had a head cold and felt unwell”.
The truth, my self-confidence was shattered as a consequence of the panic attack. Which I now know was due to my hormone decline and fluctuations.
WHAT CAUSES PANIC DISORDER?
Our PeriMenopause and Menopause transition can act as a trigger for our panic disorder as oestrogen and progesterone work together to regulate our mood.
As our hormones decline and fluctuate it means we are more susceptible to anxiety and panic attacks.
Oestrogen inhibits the production of the “stress hormone,” cortisol. As a result of our declining oestrogen, the level of cortisol rises, raising our blood pressure and blood sugar, contributing to panic disorder.
Oestrogen also has an important effect on serotonin which is a neurotransmitter and is responsible for balancing our moods. It helps to regulate the production of serotonin. The drop in serotonin levels that accompanies low oestrogen can then cause unstable moods and, as a result, anxiety and panic.
In addition, a decline in progesterone can also contribute to panic disorder. It has a calming and soothing effect on the brain and low levels of progesterone can make the brain and body more susceptible to anxiety.
HOW TO MANAGE PANIC DISORDER
Using my My MidLife Resilience System© will help you regain control over your health. Above all, it will give you the tools to feel empowered as we move through our PeriMenopause and Menopause transition.
MidLife-Food
- Food – Have a balanced meal plan which includes protein, healthy fats, starchy vegetables, whole grains, colourful fruit and vegetables. Also do not leave more than 4 hours in-between meals as being hungry will increase our levels of stress and fatigue.
- Probiotics – To nourish the brain-gut loop for neurotransmitter release and mood balance.
- Magnesium – Plays a role in mood regulation. Its deficiency can make women more prone to developing panic attacks.
- Zinc – Deficiency may cause emotional imbalance, including panic attacks, irritability, and depression.
- Sugar, caffeine & alcohol – Limit the intake of these. As they can act as triggers for our mood levels by increasing cortisol and brain impact.
- Water – To stay hydrated drink at least 2 litres as our brain needs it to function and clear “brain fog”.
MidLife-SelfCare
- Move – Daily movement is a happy hormone producer. It uses up any excess energy, cortisol and helps with hormone regulation.
- Calm – Reduce stress and create time for yourself to feel more grounded.
- Sleep – A regular sleep schedule is important for panic disorder treatment as poor sleep can trigger and intensify panic attacks.
PANIC DISORDER SUMMARY
Our PeriMenopause and Menopause transition can act as a trigger for our panic disorder as oestrogen and progesterone work together to regulate our mood.
Women are twice as likely to suffer from panic disorder as men.
Use My MidLife Resilience Coaching Boost© below or watch my Video, to help manage Mood Swings to Keep Yourself in Business Through your Hormonal Changes…
KEEPING WOMEN IN BUSINESS…
Are you a Business Woman who wants to manage their Panic Disorder issues before they impact you? Or are you struggling with them today and don’t know where to start to manage them?
Then book a 45 minute Complimentary Consultation which includes My MidLife Resilience Assessment© to help you understand the impact of your hormonal changes. Then together we create a plan for you to manage your menopause, building a Strong Body to “Keep You in Business Through Your Hormonal Changes“…
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