I am Peri-menopausal and I am taking 1mg of HRT. I am suffering from anxiety, so the doctor gave me Propranolol to take. They don't seem to be working so far. Is there anything I can take along with the HRT?

Menopausal anxiety is usually caused by a reduction in oestrogen levels.

You may find taking an anxiety remedy such as AvenaCalm helpful. This would be ok with your anti-depressant. One interesting fact to note is that anti-depressants can cause changes in blood sugar behaviour, and if your blood sugar is a bit wobbly you'll feel more panicky and light headed - a vicious circle!

So it would be 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 veg, as these are sources of magnesium and that is very stabilising for your adrenal glands.

You could take an extra magnesium supplement too (e.g. Salus Haus liquid magnesium).

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