"Just because you're experiencing this now, it doesn't mean that it's going to be with you for all of your life."   In this episode, we explore the unusual and unexpected fears that arise during perimenopause and postmenopause, drawing from conversations with other women and personal experience.   We cover common fears such as driving, flying, health, and mortality, explaining that these fears are a normal part of the menopause transition due to hormonal changes, and we discuss why they might get progressively worse in perimenopause.   I share strategies for managing these fears, including professional support, mindfulness, and medical treatments like HRT. Knowing what causes these fears to worsen in perimenopause helps manage them, and knowing that we are wired to get happier as each decade passes - especially once on the other side of postmenopause, helps to put these fears and anxieties in their place.   "Our goal in midlife is to navigate those physical symptoms well, to understand what's happening with our brain and to navigate that well with whatever support that we need so that we can step into this next phase of life, which can be incredibly empowering, incredibly vital and filled with so much meaning and purpose."   Don't miss out on this deep dive into the complexities of midlife fears and anxieties. Tune in to gain a better understanding of these common experiences and discover practical ways to navigate them with confidence. And remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate midlife together.   Timestamp: 00:00 Perimenopause and postmenopause fears: understanding and coping. 03:14 Increased anxiety and new fears during menopause. 08:26 Recognize anxiety-driven supplement search as ineffective. 12:21 Isolation may feel comforting, but seek support. 15:26 Navigating perimenopause and trauma impact on treatment. 19:59 Midlife anxieties are common but temporary. Seek help. 21:24 Postmenopause brings stabilization and increased vitality     Follow Meegan on Instagram here   Join the waitlist for The Midlife Upgrade Course:https://meegancare.co.nz/course/     Please note: The content of this podcast does not substitute or constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.