Anxiety during perimenopause: a qualitative study of lived experiences

Objectives: Perimenopause is associated with increased anxiety symptoms. However, data is lacking regarding the experiences of women with perimenopausal anxiety. We explored the experiences of women with new onset or worsening of anxiety symptoms during perimenopause to better understand lived experiences and contributing factors. Methods: Twenty women (aged 43-53 y) who reported new or worsening anxiety symptoms during perimenopause were recruited from online perimenopausal support groups to participate in individual interviews to explore experiences of perimenopausal anxiety in the context of daily lives and perimenopausal symptoms. Inductive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from transcribed data. Analysis was done using MAXQDA software. Codes were developed verbatim from repeating words, ideas, or concepts. Themes were developed from coded data. Results: Six themes were identified to contribute to anxiety symptoms during perimenopause, including uncertainty, anxiety related to health status, mid-life stressors, past medical history, and perimenopausal hormonal and physical changes. Social support and lifestyle interventions were reported as protective against anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Women reported a general lack of awareness of perimenopause. This further exacerbated uncertainty, anxiety, and the loss of a sense of control women felt as they experienced perimenopausal changes. This research highlights the potential impact of perimenopausal anxiety on women’s quality of life and the complex interaction of physical, psychological, and social factors contributing to perceived worsening anxiety during perimenopause. This exploratory study illustrates the need for further research to identify the contributing factors to perimenopausal anxiety and the development of multifaceted interventions for anxiety during perimenopause.