I had my hormones tested last August, and they came back post-menopausal. I've had no other symptoms until now. Suddenly I'm having what I can only describe as a volcano of heat rising up and resulting in panic attacks, especially in claustrophobic conditions. Is there anything that can help this?

Unfortunately, falling hormones in the menopause can put tremendous stress on the body's nervous system, making it much more sensitive and jumpy to things that before wouldn't have bothered you.

Even fleeting minor thoughts, worries, or planning your day can suddenly trigger the nervous system into a flight or fight mode, which results in panic attacks etc.

Doing supportive work on the nervous system is really important. I would suggest a high magnesium citrate supplement plus a vitamin B Complex.

Liquorice, either as a tea or tablets, can help as well. Daily relaxation is vital to help restore balance and acupuncture can be very effective for this type of problem.

It is important to focus on eating regularly - have something, however small, every 3-4 hours, e.g. a banana or some dried fruit or nuts.

Remember to chew them well to improve the absorption of the nutrients they contain. Also, keep your water intake up (but don't drink with food - leave at least 20 minutes between food and drink), as dehydration makes you feel way more panicky and gives you palpitations.

Avoid caffeine if you can, as this can trigger panic attacks too, as can very sugary foods. 

To help yourself further, start practising simple breathing exercises several times daily. Just something as easy as counting to 3 whilst you breathe in, and again to 3 as you breathe out, will be very helpful - you may be surprised at how good this is at averting panicky feelings.

Get some gentle outdoor exercise every day if you can - just 10-20 minutes gentle walking makes you feel heaps better, as hormones circulate in the bloodstream so keeping active is a good fix. 

Check your diet for wholegrains, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and green vegtables, as these are sources of magnesium and that is very stabilising for your nervous system. 

So don't worry, there are plenty of ways of tackling this and making sure you have a better ride through the menopause.

Prioritise your relaxation time - this is the best excuse you'll ever have to do things you like and look after yourself well!

Eileen Durward