How do you know if you have anxiety?

[chocolatesaltyballs22]

Have been on HRT for about 10 months and it helps with most symptoms although I'm not convinced the dose is right. I still have mood swings - am either on top of the world or completely down, and I seem to focus on and worry about a lot of small things obsessively. Is this anxiety? I would never have classed myself as an anxious person before menopause and didn't used to be a huge worrier. Due to see doc for HRT repeat next week and don't know whether to mention it. Regularly keeps me awake at night. Part of me is worried about switching HRT in case it has side effects or I can't get hold of the type I need. Am on Kliovance just now.

I seem to focus on and worry about a lot of small things obsessively

This is the line that stood out for me, as that is exactly how I felt before I went on HRT.
I was never an anxious sort of person before either, but it sort of crept up on me with age/ the menopause. It wan't until I started HRT that I realised what a wreck I'd been before (and my friends later told me )

Have you tried mapping yourself on a GAD questionnaire such as this one which the NHS uses to assess levels:
www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/uploads/score-sheet-gad-7-anxiety-and-phq-9-depression.pdf

I find exercise and getting outside helps lift my mood and get perspective on things if the anxiety creeps back.

Also - is it the worrying that keeps you awake, or do you wake up early and then start thinking/ worrying about things?

I have no problem dropping off to sleep, but now often wake up early about 4.30/ 5 am - often due to bladder issues or bone aches etc - and then I find it hard to get back to sleep and my mind begins to play on all sorts of things.

Thanks for your replies. It tends to be a bit of both re the sleep - I can have problems dropping off or I drop off ok and then wake in the night with allsorts in my head. I score a 10 on that anxiety questionnaire. I don't think I'm depressed. I exercise most days and this does help. I think I will mention it to the doctor when I go next week.