What is Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of b...
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Menopause and Panic Attacks
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I am in early menopause and am having panic attacks for the first time in my life. I take an herbal symptom reliever and it seems to be working on the night sweats and moodiness, but these panic attacks are not fun.
I am also a newly diagnosed diabetic (under control with insulin) and fat. I use breathing and affirmations once they start and it helps, but I was wondering if anyone knows of methods other than prescribed medication. I work in the mental health field so know about medications but am trying to find alternative therapies. I definitely see a correlation between stress and the panic attacks but there is not much I can do about the stress at this point. Any insight would be appreciated! Posted on 07/10/09, 04:07 pm |
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I dont think your hormone changes are involved, although some docs do, remember that men get the same panic attacks 
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Hi there!
I am among those in your ranks!!! I didn't have regular panic attacks until I entered peri-menopause either. I'm not sure what the connection is, but hormonal fluctuations DO create imbalance. I think that our minds interpret the imbalance as danger and react accordingly (panic). I found out I had panic disorder after I was in the ER thinking I was having a heart attack--several diagnostic studies later, it was determined I had panic attacks. As I look back, I realize, that I had panic episodes over time but didn't recognize them. I think as we age as well, we become less resilient and less able to push the panic away so it shows up regularly...... I see a traditional chinese medical doctor for the hormone stuff (I don't want to take hormones); I see my doctor for cranio sacral work which helps. I use paced breathing four inhales to 6 exhales and pursed lip breathing also helps engage the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and regulate heart rate variability. there is some thought that this helps the insula area of the brain regulate the physiology. And if I have more issues I have xanax sitting by in reserve (I generally take 1/4 to 1/2 dose of the 0.5 mg). I do an awareness practice that helps shift stress and strain in the moment. It's a qi gong based type of breath and attention practice (you don't have to remove yourself from your situation). If you have a lot of midline fat, you may also be producing excess cortisol (metabolic syndrome) and this can affect panic as well as sugar levels. Spending 15-20 minutes a day getting your HRV regulated is proven to lower cortisol rates (you can google this to see the studies).
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I use to have panic attacks when I was a kid and a teen. Got rid of them but they came back with menopause.
Our lack of estorigen makes us a little out of wack. Go to Panic center help online! It has helped me!
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