Perimenopause can bring unexpected emotional challenges, including anxiety. Many women who have never experienced anxiety before suddenly find themselves feeling restless, overwhelmed, or panicked. For some women, perimenopausal anxiety can lead to panic attacks with dizziness, chest pain, fast heartbeat, fear, and other symptoms.

Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help you navigate perimenopause with greater ease and confidence.

 

How Perimenopause Affects Anxiety

During perimenopause, hormone levels — especially estrogen and progesterone — begin to fluctuate. These hormones play a key role in regulating mood, sleep and stress response. When their levels drop, the brain’s ability to manage emotions can become unbalanced, leading to increased feelings of anxiety.

 

Hormonal Fluctuations

Estrogen helps regulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being. When estrogen levels decline, serotonin levels may drop, leading to mood swings and anxiety. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, and when it decreases, stress and worry can become more pronounced.

 

Poor Sleep and Night Sweats

Many women experience insomnia or frequent awakenings due to night sweats, making it harder to get restful sleep. Lack of sleep can heighten feelings of stress and make it harder to manage daily worries.

 

Increased Sensitivity to Stress

As hormones shift, the body’s stress response can become overactive, making everyday situations feel more overwhelming. Women may notice increased irritability, racing thoughts, or a constant sense of worry.

 

Physical Symptoms Leading to Emotional Stress

Hot flashes, heart palpitations, and dizziness—common in perimenopause—can trigger anxiety or even panic attacks. Some women worry about these new sensations, which can create a cycle of stress and fear.

 

How to Manage Anxiety During Perimenopause

While anxiety during perimenopause can feel overwhelming, there are many ways to regain a sense of balance and calm with lifestyle adjustments.

 

Regular Exercise

Physical activity releases endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce stress.

 

Healthy Diet

A diet rich in whole foods, lean protein and healthy fats can support brain function and hormone balance.

 

Mindfulness and Meditation

Deep breathing, yoga, and relaxation techniques can help calm the nervous system.

 

The Benefits of CBD for Anxiety

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from hemp. It's been shown to help with anxiety by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Research suggests that CBD may:

• Promote relaxation and reduce stress levels
• Improve sleep quality
• Support overall emotional balance

Relief Elixir for Daytime Anxiety Moments

At Opal & Joy, we understand the unique challenges of perimenopause and how CBD may be an effective ally for anxiety relief. Our organically-certified Relief Elixir CBD Oil is specifically designed to support women during this transition by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system.

The ECS maintains balance and regulates various physiological processes, which can help:

• Calm anxiety and promote relaxation
  
• Balance mood and reducing stress responses

CBD interacts with the ECS in a unique way. Rather than binding directly to cannabinoid receptors, it influences the system indirectly. This interaction may help support the ECS and potentially alleviate some perimenopausal symptoms.

Rest Sleep Support for Nighttime Tranquility

The Rest sleep support supplement (part of our Restorative Sleep System) is formulated with organically CBD oil to help bring natural relief at nighttime from perimenopausal anxiety while also supporting a deeper, more restful sleep.

Anxiety during perimenopause is a common but manageable symptom. It’s important to seek support if your anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life. Your healthcare provider can help determine if additional treatment or therapy may be beneficial.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.