Anxiety, shaking and tremors are symptoms that accompany the onset of perimenopause. Identifying hormonal changes, and implementing methods to prevent and/or lessen symptoms, can help with this mid-life change. Understanding the effects of these hormonally induced psychological and physiological symptoms can help women know when to seek additional medical attention.

Causes

Perimenopausal anxiety, shaking and tremors are often experienced due to fluctuating hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone). Physiological and psychological changes during mid-life can also contribute to perimenopausal anxiety, shaking and tremors.

Identification

Lab tests confirming estrogen and progesterone levels can help identify if perimenopause is the cause.

Effects

Perimenopausal anxiety, shaking and tremors can have dramatic effects on women. Women experiencing these symptoms should seek professional help, and ask about the best method of diagnosis and treatment. Hormonally induced shaking and tremors can also add to the anxiety and concerns about changes that happen during mid-life.

Considerations

Anxiety, shaking and tremors are often the first sign of perimenopause. Many women often feel misunderstood and often find it difficult to understanding this change in life.

Prevention/Solution

These symptoms can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding caffeine, keeping an established exercise routine, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and implementing adequate sleep and rest. Multivitamin, calcium and herbal supplements may also help. A physician may prescribe a low-dose birth control pill, antidepressants or use hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Warning

It is important to remember to seek the advice of a physician for anxiety, shaking or tremors associated with perimenopause, as these symptoms may indicate an underlying medical problem and further evaluation may be needed.