Back-to-School Stress or Perimenopause Anxiety? Busting the Myth

By Dr. Beverly Huang ND

The end of summer often feels like a reset button—new schedules, school supplies, earlier mornings, and the inevitable juggling act of back-to-school season. Many women tell us this is the time of year their anxiety spikes: racing thoughts, tight chest, restless nights, and that feeling of always being “on edge.”

It’s easy to chalk it up to stress from busy routines. But here’s the myth we need to bust: It’s not always “just stress.”

Myth: “I’m just overwhelmed because of back-to-school chaos.”

Truth: Shifting hormones can make stress and anxiety feel bigger than the situation.

During perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone directly affect the brain. Estrogen supports serotonin (your “feel good” neurotransmitter) and helps regulate cortisol, your main stress hormone. Progesterone acts like nature’s chill pill, calming the nervous system.

When these hormones fluctuate—or drop altogether—the brain becomes more sensitive to everyday stressors. What used to feel like a mild annoyance (carpool traffic, forgotten lunch kits, work deadlines) can suddenly feel overwhelming.

Stress + Hormones = Anxiety Amplified

Research shows that women in perimenopause are at higher risk of developing new-onset anxiety or panic symptoms—even if they’ve never struggled with anxiety before. Add in real-life stress (like September schedules), and the effect can snowball.

Here’s what this can look like:

• Heart racing or a sudden “rush” of panic in situations you normally handle fine

• Trouble falling or staying asleep, especially around 2–3 a.m.

• Mood swings that come out of nowhere

• Feeling irritable, restless, or unable to “shut off” your brain

• Worry spirals that don’t match the size of the problem

What Helps?

The good news is, you’re not “losing it”—your biology is shifting, and there are ways to support both your hormones and your stress response.

• Balance blood sugar: Skipping meals or surviving on caffeine fuels cortisol spikes. Add protein and fibre-rich foods to keep energy and mood steadier.

• Support your nervous system: Magnesium, B vitamins, and mindful breathing can help regulate your stress response.

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for a consistent bedtime routine and reduce screen time at night.

• Ask about hormone support: Hormone therapy or natural approaches may help reduce the intensity of anxiety and stress sensitivity.

The TLDR...

If you’re finding that September stress feels heavier than it used to, it might not be “just life”—it could be your hormones making stress louder. Understanding the connection between perimenopause, menopause, and anxiety is the first step to reclaiming calm and confidence.

Because back-to-school shouldn’t mean back-to-anxious.

Want to go deeper?

In our menoPowered Thrive Method 4-week course, we teach women how to regulate stress, restore sleep, and reset their metabolism—so you can finally feel calm, clear, and confident again. Doors open soon, and spots are limited.

[Join the waitlist today →]