How do you know if peri is the cause of anxiety?

[Magnolia08]

I've had anxiety on and off for years.
Having a flare up with insomnia over last few weeks, I suspect triggered by work.

But I've been thinking for months I'm peri menopausal, periods going from complete clockwork to a bit erratic, lighter then usual. Reduced libido, vaginal dryness and the odd cold sweat at night.

Would be interested in others experiences with anxiety/sleep issues that subsequently improved with HRT etc, not sure if worth discussing with Gp or if I'm just trying to find a reason for being anxious when it's nothing to do with it!

I found using the balance (which is free) app helped as I could track my symptoms and also do a menopause questionnaire. The results of that along with period tracking helped to show it was likely hormone related. In my case HRT has helped massively along with some lifestyle changes. Good luck

What age are you?

I'm 49 this year

Thanks I use the balance app already, the only pattern I can see really is my periods changing. The anxiety is fairly new.
Was the questionnaire on the balance app?

At 49 it’s almost certainly somewhat related to menopause and you’re definitely around the right age for it. The best thing to do would be to start some HRT and see if it helps.

I would try HRT to see if it improves your anxiety. If it doesn’t, you can stop taking it.

I never had anxiety before menopause. It was just crippling. Every day would start with the 3am/4am half wake, half sleep doom and stomach crunching anxiety. Even getting out of bed seemed impossible.

Then I started and it disappeared.

I suspect there's always "a reason" for anxiety, and we all always have some reason we could turn anxious, just that something seemingly small (like hormone fluctuations) can sometimes tip someone away from how resilient they usually are.

My main symptom was anxiety, low mood and sleep issues. Feeling so much better on HRT and other lifestyle tweaks. Try HRT for at least 3/ 4months first.

Thanks all.

I've got a consultation next week so will discuss then. I'm leaning towards giving it a try- the anxiety I have this time does feel different to my usual so potentially a hormonal impact I guess!