Hormones and Panic Attacks

How Hormones and Panic Attacks Are Related

It may seem odd that hormones and panic attacks are related. After all, panic attacks are of the mind with physical symptoms but hormones are of the body with physical symptoms as well. In our society where mind and body are often seen as disconnected in one way or another, the relationship between panic attacks and hormones just seems a bit too far-fetched for the average individual.

When It Will Manifest

Actually, there is a close relationship between these two aspects of human health. This relationship will manifest itself when a woman enters any of the phases of life where hormonal fluctuations go haywire. In fact, these phases are also characterized by episodes of extreme anxiety so much so that if you already have the panic attack syndrome, your symptoms can multiply in intensity.

The following are the phases in life in which hormones and panic attacks in women are clearly seen to have a connection:

• Puberty starts the reproductive years for women with signs like budding breasts.
• Monthly menstrual cycles involve significant hormonal changes in a woman especially before the first day of each cycle.
• Perimenopause and menopause also involve hormonal changes as the woman is moving past her reproductive stage

Since each stage in a woman's life is marked by significant changes in the body, anxiety can be increased in the mind and, thus, the physical symptoms of panic attacks become more pronounced. For example, you may be having mild panic attacks but when you become pregnant, your anxiety is increased with fear for your unborn fetus - his future and his health, to name a few possible fears - so much so that your panic attacks become more severe.

Hormones and panic attacks are closely related when it comes to women because of the changing perspectives that come with each phase of life. What may be in your mind now - your anxieties and fears - coupled with your existing symptoms of panic attacks - sweating, difficulty breathing and muscle tension - are fueled by changing hormone levels.

How to Cope With It

Fortunately, there's a silver lining in the cloud of panic attacks becoming more pronounced with changing hormonal levels. You can apply the same techniques and panic attacks treatments sans the changing hormones. With proper assistance, the relationship between hormones and panic attacks can be handled with utmost grace, so to speak.

First, avail of cognitive behavioral techniques to change your negative thoughts, behaviors and actions. You will then be able to regain a great sense of control over your life even when all these physical and mental changes are happening to your mind and body. Your psychotherapist will teach you ways to deal with panic attacks including how to handle stress through many relaxation techniques for relief from the symptoms.

Second, you must gather a solid network of support around yourself. Your family and friends will be able to help you go through each new phase of life with confidence, trust and peace of mind.

The relationship between hormones and panic attacks may be an inevitable part of life for many women but it does not mean that it should be allowed to rule - or ruin, for that matter - your life to the point of exclusion of all the other good aspects that life has to offer.

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