EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 32 MIN
Anxiety 101: What I Wish I Knew Before I Hit Perimenopause + How I Got My Life Back
from The Tamsen Show · host Tamsen Fadal
Menopause anxiety and mood changes can creep up so slowly you don't even notice. You're avoiding things you used to do, snapping at people you love, waking at 3 a.m. with your heart racing. It's not in your head, and it often starts years before a single hot flash. This episode is part of Tamsen's series breaking down the topics from her New York Times bestselling book How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week it's anxiety and mood. Tamsen starts with the moment she caught herself avoiding driving in LA, a city she used to drive without a second thought. When she posted about it, the floodgates opened. She breaks down what the top doctors she's interviewed have taught her about why this happens and what actually helps, including the hormonal piece almost every doctor skips. She's not a doctor. She's a journalist who has lived this, including a panic attack on a live news set that started her down this whole path. Inside the episode: - The two hormones behind your mood, and why the calming one disappears first - Why anxiety here so often shows up as avoidance or rage instead of obvious panic - The reason so many women get handed an antidepressant before anyone checks their hormones - What actually helps, from body identical progesterone to the therapy approaches with real evidence behind them - How Tamsen got back behind the wheel, and why facing the fear gradually breaks the loop - The single shift that helped her more than any pill The first step is recognizing this has a name and you're not making it up. If you like this episode, then you will love: The 4 Tools That Rebuild Your Confidence Fast If you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series: Estrogen Down There 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know Testosterone 101: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes Relationships 101: Is It Him or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell Perimenopause 101: The Symptoms, Tests & Fixes No One Tells You About Alcohol 101: Belly Fat, Bad Sleep and the Long-Term Cost of Drinking Coming up: Anxiety, Mental Health, Estrogen 101 and more! Stay connected with Tamsen: Get Tamsen's newsletter filled with free tools to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, How To Menopause Free Resources from Tamsen Watch all the episodes on YouTube Follow Tamsen on Instagram The Tamsen Show on Instagram Follow Tamsen on TikTok Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. In the US, call or text 988 anytime to reach the Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
Menopause anxiety and mood changes can creep up so slowly you don't even notice. You're avoiding things you used to do, snapping at people you love, waking at 3 a.m. with your heart racing. It's not in your head, and it often starts years before a single hot flash. This episode is part of Tamsen's series breaking down the topics from her New York Times bestselling book How to Menopause, one conversation at a time. This week it's anxiety and mood. Tamsen starts with the moment she caught herself avoiding driving in LA, a city she used to drive without a second thought. When she posted about it, the floodgates opened. She breaks down what the top doctors she's interviewed have taught her about why this happens and what actually helps, including the hormonal piece almost every doctor skips. She's not a doctor. She's a journalist who has lived this, including a panic attack on a live news set that started her down this whole path. Inside the episode: - The two hormones behind your mood, and why the calming one disappears first - Why anxiety here so often shows up as avoidance or rage instead of obvious panic - The reason so many women get handed an antidepressant before anyone checks their hormones - What actually helps, from body identical progesterone to the therapy approaches with real evidence behind them - How Tamsen got back behind the wheel, and why facing the fear gradually breaks the loop - The single shift that helped her more than any pill The first step is recognizing this has a name and you're not making it up. If you like this episode, then you will love: The 4 Tools That Rebuild Your Confidence Fast If you liked this conversation, check out the rest of the How To Menopause series: Estrogen Down There 101: Here's Everything You Need to Know Testosterone 101: Everything You Need to Know in 20 Minutes Relationships 101: Is It Him or Is It Menopause? Here's How to Tell Perimenopause 101: The Symptoms, Tests & Fixes No One Tells You About Alcohol 101: Belly Fat, Bad Sleep and the Long-Term Cost of Drinking Coming up: Anxiety, Mental Health, Estrogen 101 and more! Stay connected with Tamsen: Get Tamsen's newsletter filled with free tools to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, How To Menopause Free Resources from Tamsen Watch all the episodes on YouTube Follow Tamsen on Instagram The Tamsen Show on Instagram Follow Tamsen on TikTok Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. In the US, call or text 988 anytime to reach the Crisis Lifeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Anxiety 101: What I Wish I Knew Before I Hit Perimenopause + How I Got My Life Back
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