Menopause is an upheaval for a woman’s body. Several symptoms announce it. One in particular would be seen in a car, according to Dr. Amir Khan. Its explanation is neurobiological.
Hot flashes, night sweats, irregular cycles, sleep problems… This phase of hormonal transition, which can begin at the age of 40 in women, is none other than premenopause. If certain symptoms are easily identifiable, a much more unexpected sign exists according to a doctor. Most women never make the connection with their hormones and yet, something is happening in the brain that goes so far as to modify some of their reactions in the car. It almost always flies under the radar.
To understand this, we must look at the biological consequences of menopause on the female brain. “When estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, so do levels of serotonin, the feel-good hormone, and GABA, the main brain calming factor, also decreases.”explains Dr. Amir Khan in a video. The brain thus loses two of its main natural regulators. “Suddenly, things that didn’t seem threatening before become threatening, and the brain goes into fight-or-flight mode.”continues the doctor.
Result: premenopausal women may begin to experience anxiety in the car. The doctor also illustrates it with his own sister: “She suddenly becomes very anxious as soon as she gets into a car, whether driving or as a passenger.” She “must hold on very tightly” And “makes remarks” on the conduct of others. “What makes this experience so terrifying is that it often comes unexpectedly. There was no accident. No obvious trigger. Just a sudden, inexplicable loss of confidence.”describes Trish, coach specializing in menopause. Dr Khan, however, wants to be reassuring: this phenomenon is “completely normal”.
However, this anxiety can lead to real panic attacks. The coach details the symptoms felt by the women she supports: increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling of unreality or detachment, fear of losing control and strong desire to escape or stop. “Panic attacks are not dangerous in themselves, even if they are intense”she nuances. The real danger lies rather in the avoidance which gradually sets in: we change our routes, we shorten our journeys, we avoid motorways, or even we simply stop driving.
Fortunately, solutions exist. “Hormonal treatment could help, cognitive behavioral therapy too, breathing and grounding exercises too”recommends Dr Khan. Talking to your doctor or gynecologist remains the first step in assessing the most appropriate treatment. You can also try certain natural remedies such as coriander, which produces anxiolytic effects. But above all, to live this period peacefully, “The most important thing is to know that we are not alone”concludes the doctor.
