Women’s Health · Anxiety & Hormonal Changes
Anxiety and Menopause – Why It Happens and What can be done
A general feeling of nervousness, anxiety for no apparent reason, palpitations with no identifiable cardiac cause – many women experience these symptoms of anxiety without realising they can be related to their hormones. This link does exist, and it is well documented.
Accredited by RME & ASCA · Sessions can be covered by complementary health insurance ·
Understanding the connection
It’s not ‘all in your head’ – it’s down to your hormones
For many women, simply understanding where this anxiety comes from is already a huge relief.
Oestrogen doesn’t just regulate the menstrual cycle; it directly influences the production of serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters essential for calming the nerves and regulating mood. When oestrogen levels drop and fluctuate erratically during perimenopause and the menopause, these regulatory systems are disrupted.
This is why a woman with no previous history of anxiety may develop, sometimes suddenly, a new form of anxiety at this stage of her life. Menopause-related anxiety can even appear as early as perimenopause, before cycles change significantly, becoming for some women the main – or even the only – symptom of their hormonal transition.
Without this insight, many women believe they are ‘failing to manage’ their lives properly, rather than recognising the hormonal link. It is neither a lack of willpower nor a deteriorating character trait; it is a specific physiological response to an identifiable imbalance.
How does this anxiety manifest itself?
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Palpitations or a rapid heartbeat with no cardiac cause
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A feeling of losing control, of no longer recognising oneself
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Constant worry with no identifiable trigger
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Constant nervous tension, difficulty relaxing
What is the perspective of Chinese medicine?
A restless Shen, a depleting Yin
In Chinese medicine, menopausal anxiety follows a specific pattern — it is not simply a case of ‘stress’.
L’épuisement progressif du Yin des Reins — caractéristique de la transition ménopausique — prive le Shen (l’esprit, au sens où la MTC l’entend : la clarté mentale et la stabilité émotionnelle) de son ancrage. Sans ce Yin pour le retenir, le Shen s’agite : c’est ce que se traduit cliniquement par l’anxiété, l’insomnie, les ruminations et la sensation de “tourner à vide” propres à cette période.
Anxiety is often part of a wider picture, including hot flushes, disturbed sleep and fatigue. For a comprehensive approach, visit our page dedicated to the menopause → or find out about the early signs of perimenopause →
How does it translate in the Practice
This is how we work together at the Practice
1
Identifying the specific pattern
Whether anxiety is isolated or associated with other symptoms (sleep disturbances, hot flushes, irritability) — the TCM diagnosis enables us to tailor the treatment precisely to your situation.
2
Calming the nervous system
Acupuncture promotes a shift towards the parasympathetic nervous system. Most patients experience a noticeable sense of relaxation from the very first session.
3
Long-term support
A course of 6 to 10 sessions over 2 to 3 months for a lasting effect, supplemented by moxibustion to strengthen the body’s deep reserves.
4
Working in conjunction with your doctor
If medical or psychological care is required, acupuncture is used as a complementary treatment, never as a replacement.
FRequently asked questions
What women patients ask us
Why does anxiety develop or worsen during the menopause?
Oestrogen directly influences the production of serotonin and GABA, two key substances involved in regulating mood and calming the nerves. When oestrogen levels drop and fluctuate during perimenopause and the menopause, these systems are disrupted, which can trigger or worsen anxiety — even in women with no previous history of anxiety.
Can anxiety be the only symptom, without hot flushes?
Yes, and this is common. Some women experience neither hot flushes nor marked changes to their menstrual cycle, but instead a new, sudden and overwhelming anxiety. This can be confusing, as the link to hormones is not always obvious. Anxiety can even appear as early as perimenopause, before cycles change significantly.
Is acupuncture effective against anxiety linked to the menopause?
Yes. A recent meta-analysis of 54 randomised controlled trials involving 4,406 participants showed that acupuncture treatments are superior to certain conventional treatments in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms linked to perimenopause, as well as hormone levels. Other trials have also documented a significant reduction in anxiety scores among postmenopausal women treated with acupuncture.
What is the difference between hormonal anxiety and generalised anxiety?
Hormonal anxiety often occurs without an identifiable trigger, fluctuates with the menstrual cycle or during transitional phases, and frequently coexists with other perimenopausal symptoms (palpitations, hot flushes, sleep disturbances). Keeping a symptom diary helps to identify this link. If the anxiety persists or worsens despite treatment, it is essential to see a doctor to rule out other causes.
Should I see a doctor or a psychologist as well as having acupuncture?
Yes, if the anxiety is severe, has persisted for several weeks or significantly interferes with your daily life. Acupuncture is a complementary approach, not a substitute for medical or psychological care if this is required. If you experience dark thoughts or significant distress, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
How long does it take to notice an effect on anxiety?
Many patients feel a sense of relaxation from the very first session — a reduction in nervous tension and improved sleep in the days that follow. For a lasting effect on chronic anxiety, a course of 6 to 10 sessions over 2 to 3 months generally yields the best results, followed by maintenance sessions as required.
You’re not alone, and it’s not all in your head.
First appointment available within 48 hours in Geneva or Veyrier. We take the time to understand your situation before applying any techniques.
RME & ASCA accredited · Sessions can be covered by supplementary health insurance · Geneva & Veyrier