UBCNews - Business - Dealing with Perimenopause Anxiety: How to Handle This Transition with Ease

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Welcome back to the show. Today we're tackling something that affects millions of women but doesn't get nearly enough attention - perimenopause anxiety. Have you ever wondered why this transitional phase can feel like an emotional rollercoaster? I'm here with an expert who's dedicated her career to helping women move through this phase with grace and confidence. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back to the show. Today, we're tackling something that affects millions of women, but doesn't get nearly enough attention, pari menopause anxiety. Have you ever wondered why this transitional phase can feel like an emotional roller coaster? I'm here with an expert who's dedicated her career to helping women move through this phase with grace and confidence. Thanks for having me. You know, perimenopause is this fascinating yet challenging time when our reproductive hormones are shifting dramatically. What many women don't realize is that many women experience

mood symptoms similar to PMS during this phase. But unlike regular PMS, these symptoms can show up at completely unpredictable times. That unpredictability must be incredibly frustrating. Why are women approaching menopause more prone to experiencing depression and anxiety in the first place? This comes down to the hormonal cascade that happens. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop during perimenopause, our serotonin levels also fall. Serotonin is that feel-good neurotransmitter that helps regulate our mood, so when it dips, we see increased irritability, nervousness, and anxiety. Women in the perimenopausal stage are reportedly 40% more likely to experience depression compared to the premenopausal stage.

Mm-hmm. That's quite significant. Right, and the physical symptoms don't help either. The hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, which are totally normal perimenopause symptoms, can actually worsen anxiety. It becomes this cycle where physical discomfort feeds emotional distress and vice versa. I had one client tell me she felt like her body had become a stranger overnight. That sense of losing control over something so fundamental is, um, really distressing for many women. That point about losing control really sets up our next piece, how we can reframe this entire experience.

But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're working through paramenopause or menopause, you don't have to do it alone. Visit bettyjohansen.com to find practical resources, empowering perspectives, and evidence-based strategies for managing this transition. Learn how to dance through menopause and into your best years with confidence and grace. Picking up on that feeling of losing control, how do we help women reframe menopause as something positive, rather than just a period of worry. This is where the magic happens. Instead of viewing menopause as an ending,

we can see it as an opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. I mean, this is literally a time when women are pushed to confront their beliefs and question their previous thinking. Inner growth disguised as biological change, and honestly, that's way better than the alternative of just white-knuckling through it. I love that perspective. So to everyone listening,

what are some practical strategies for managing anxiety during this time? Let's start with the foundation, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These aren't just nice to haves. They're essential for stabilizing mood. Physical activity like yoga, walking, or strength training can significantly help manage the effects of menopause. And here's something powerful. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended for managing anxiety during the menopause transition, as it can help break those negative thought patterns that often spiral during this time. Right. Addressing both the physical and mental aspects matters. What about mindfulness practices?

Absolutely vital. Mindfulness practices, meditation, deep breathing exercises, can reduce mood swings and improve overall quality of life. I always tell women to practice self-compassion too. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd show a dear friend going through this transition. Self-compassion during this phase really means giving yourself permission to feel what you're feeling without judgment. That self-compassion piece is so important. How do we shift from surviving perimenopause to actually thriving through it? This focuses on accepting the opportunities this phase brings.

Think about it. You might finally get relief from period-related discomfort, the unpredictability of fertility, and those intense hormonal fluctuations of your younger years. This is a time of empowerment, freedom, and new opportunities. Many women discover wisdom and personal growth they never knew they had. I see, go on.

Community is everything, too. Connecting with others through support groups and open communication helps normalize these changes. When women share their experiences, they realize they're not alone and that what they're feeling is completely valid. It provides that emotional support that's so important during this transition.

For anyone who's experiencing persistent anxiety that's interfering with daily life, what would you recommend? Definitely talk to your primary doctor or gynecologist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Sometimes anti-anxiety medications or sleep aids might be helpful, and they can also refer you to mental health professionals if needed. The key is not suffering in silence. There's no prize for struggling alone through this.

Such valuable insights today. Remember, perimenopause doesn't have to be something you've just endure, it can be a dance of renewal and self-discovery. For more resources and empowering perspectives on managing this transition, visit bettyjohanssen.com. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time.