It does have some effect and play on anxiety.
I remedied it with changing my diet (more healthy....and take vitamins such as vitamin D, 5 HTP, and magnesium). I also see a chiropractor twice a week I have bad arthritis which pinch nerves, so my chiro does massage, and a few other therapies.
I think the key is to take care of yourself.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago just before I entered menopause and changing my diet, exercising, and some vitamins (and meditation) alone did wonders for menopause AND the anxiety.
I was then able to hone in on the negative thinking which banished the depression and anxiety is suffered with for years/decades..

How do you know you're in perimenopause? I ask because I'm going through soooo many strange things and I had all my hormone levels tested...I mean EVERYTHING was tested and came back normal, but I know the process of menopause could be a long one and sometimes things can start happening even if blood work shows something different.

Faztastic, I have not gotten an actual diagnosis from a doctor. I'm just going by information I got online. I read several websites and matched a large number of the symptoms. Some I have had before, some just started. Also, I'm in the average age range for it to be starting. About the blood tests to check hormone levels, I gather that they are often inconclusive. Our hormone levels are always changing, and a doctor would have to do several blood tests at different times. I know it is likely to be a long process, but I want to do what I can to make the symptoms manageable. Just Google it, there's a ton of information out there. My best to you.

I have been struggling with bad anxiety during the last three years. I have always been anxious, and I had panic attacks as a teen, but when I turned 42, I had some really bad panic attacks. I did go to my OB for a blood test and my hormones are at menopausal levels, so I am in perimenopause. I also have a low thyroid issue, so that may be compounding the issue although my doctor says it should not. I have tried many ways to get the anxiety under control. Things that work for me : Therapy, exercise, meditation, a vitamin B complex, prenatal vitamin (ironic, but it's for the iron). All of these things I did because my doctor suggested them. On my own, I have incorporated yoga, a better diet, and i try an attitude of acceptance. The thing that did not work for me that my doctor suggested was birth control pills although I know they help some perimenopausal women with anxiety. I also did not try any anxiety drugs yet.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if my symptoms are due to perimenopause or anxiety. It's a rough combination. Good luck!

Thank you all for the information. I have been researching and also trying things you each suggested. I guess I need more patience. I don't like the way I feel at all and I'm having a major issue with my hair. It's thinning and shedding and I'm terrified. I need quick results, but I know things require time. The negative thinking just makes it all so much worse. I'm having a panic attack right now. I'm going to the gym in a little while...thanks again.

Have you ever read Dr. Christiane Northrup's "Wisdom of Menopause"? She's an ob/gyn that works with a lot of natural medicine and she talks a lot about the changes in your body, what to expect, what it all means and how you can prepare for it. She also has a very positive outlook which helps.

Thanks Reed31, I will check it out. Have a great day!