Experiencing New Fears in Menopause? Hypnotherapy Can Help You Rediscover Your Inner Calm

Menopause is a deeply personal journey, unique to every individual who experiences it. It’s a time of transformation, often accompanied by changes like hot flushes, mood shifts, or trouble sleeping. But for some, menopause also brings unexpected challenges, such as new or intensified fears—phobias that can turn your life upside down. Perhaps you’ve noticed a fear of heights, crowded spaces, or even driving creeping in.

New fears during menopause can feel unsettling, but you’re not alone, and there’s a clear path forward. I’m here to explain why these phobias may emerge, how they impact your peace of mind, and how hypnotherapy, paired with supportive practices, can help you regain calm and confidence.

But before I do, I want to remind you to always consult a healthcare provider to explore whether other factors apart from Menopause, like thyroid changes, medications, or other mental health issues might be contributing to your fears.

Why Do Fears Emerge During Menopause?

Menopause typically begins between ages 45 and 55, marking a shift as your body produces less estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a significant role in emotional balance, supporting brain chemicals that help manage anxiety and stress. When their levels decrease, it can stir things up, making your brain’s fear center (the amygdala) more reactive. Suddenly, situations that once felt manageable—like stepping into an elevator or speaking in public—might trigger unease or even panic attacks.

These fears can also show up as specific phobias, like a sudden dread of flying, or driving - or as a broader sense of anxiety that amplifies existing worries. Your experience is uniquely yours, shaped by your life story, past experiences, or current pressures like work, family, or personal transitions. Menopause is also a time of reflection, and societal expectations or changes in how you view yourself can make these fears feel more pronounced. Remember, this is a natural part of your life's journey, and you have the power to navigate it!

How Fears Impact Your Inner Peace

When new fears arise during menopause, they can disrupt your sense of calm and confidence. If you’ve started feeling anxious about driving, for example, you might feel a piece of your independence slipping, which can be frustrating or disheartening. A fear of crowds might keep you from enjoying time with friends or attending events that bring you joy. These phobias often come with physical sensations—racing heart, sweaty palms, or shortness of breath—that can mirror menopausal symptoms, creating a challenging cycle. Emotionally, you might find yourself questioning, “Why is this happening now?” or feeling unlike yourself, which can lead to self-doubt or a desire to withdraw. If left unaddressed, these fears can ripple into many aspects of your life , contributing to broader anxiety or low moods. But there is hope, and it starts with compassionate, empowering support.

Hypnotherapy And Your Menopause Story

Hypnotherapy is a powerful, natural and non-intrusive gentle tool to help you release these fears and reclaim your calm. It works by connecting with your subconscious mind—where fears often take root—to gently reframe those anxious thoughts and help you feel at ease. Research shows that hypnotherapy is highly effective for overcoming phobias, particularly when combined with other therapeutic practices like mindfulness or cognitive techniques. Let’s explore how it works, why it’s such a good fit for menopause, and how it can empower you to move forward.

How Hypnotherapy Works

In a hypnotherapy session, as a trained practitioner I would guide you into a deeply relaxed state, like settling into a moment of pure peace. This allows your conscious mind to rest, opening a pathway to your subconscious. If you are struggling with a fear of elevators, for instance, I might use imaginal exposure, guiding you to visualise entering an elevator while feeling safe and calm. This gentle process helps your mind become less reactive to the fear over time. I may also use positive suggestions, such as “You feel confident and in control,” .

There are many different techniques and therapies in my Hypnotherapy toolbox for releasing fears and phobias - which ones I will use will depend on my client as each session is tailored to you—your unique fears, your menopause experience, and your personal journey. An integrated hypnotherapy approach can bring deeper, lasting transformation. It will be different for each person. It’s a non-invasive, medication-free process that empowers you to tap into your inner resourcefulness.

• Why Hypnotherapy Resonates with Menopause

Menopause can heighten your stress response due to hormonal changes, making it harder to address fears through conversation alone. Hypnotherapy bypasses this by working directly with your subconscious, offering relief that feels like a breath of fresh air. Studies, such as those published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, show that hypnotherapy helps 70-90% of people overcome specific phobias, especially when paired with other supportive practices. Its calming effects also ease other menopausal challenges, like sleeplessness or anxious moments, creating a holistic benefit.

For example, if you’ve developed a fear of public speaking, hypnotherapy combined with mindfulness could not only soothe that fear but also bring a greater sense of peace to your daily life. It helps quiet the overactive fear response in your brain, which is especially helpful when hormones are shifting. Above all, hypnotherapy is about empowerment, giving you the tools to feel strong and centered during this transformative time.

• Enhancing Hypnotherapy with Supportive Practices

Hypnotherapy is powerful on its own, but pairing it with other nurturing practices can amplify its effects. Mindfulness and breathwork can help you carry that sense of calm into your everyday life. Gentle movement, like yoga or a daily walk, spending time in Nature can soothe your nervous system, while foods rich in omega-3s or magnesium support your emotional wellbeing. I also teach my clients self-hypnosis protocols and provide them with bespoke MP3 audio recording to build on the work done inside of the session. These practices weave together to create a foundation that enhances hypnotherapy’s transformative power.

The Power of Connection and Self-Compassion

You don’t have to navigate these fears alone. Joining a menopause support group—whether online or in your community, sharing your experiences with others who understand can lift the weight of isolation and remind you that you’re part of a supportive circle.

Self-compassion is just as vital. Menopause is a natural, meaningful part of your life's journey, and while it can often bring very challenging symptoms , it’s still a phase to embody with support and self-compassion, not something to ‘fix', because you are not broken, you are evolving. Try journaling your thoughts or repeating affirmations like “I am strong and capable” to nurture your spirit. Hypnotherapy supports this process, helping you rewrite your fear narrative with confidence and strength.

Connecting with Your Inner Strength

New fears during menopause may feel like an unexpected challenge, but they don’t define you. Hypnotherapy, especially when combined with other nurturing practices, offers a gentle, effective way to release these fears and rediscover your inner strength. It’s not just about overcoming phobias—it’s about leaning into this new chapter of You.

Bringing Hypnotherapy into Your Holistic Menopause Journey

If new fears or phobias are part of your menopause experience, reach out to me for a free consultation chat about your experience with menopause-related fears or phobias.

I offer virtual sessions, making it easy to connect from wherever you are and ensure a personalised, supportive experience.

REFERENCES

Alladin, A. (2012). "Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Treating Phobias." International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 60(2), 138-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2016.1163662

Hammond, D. C. (2010). "Hypnosis in the Treatment of Anxiety- and Stress-Related Disorders." Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 10(2), 263-273. https://doi.org/10.1586/ern.09.140

Valentine, K. E., Milling, L. S., Clark, L. J., & Moriarty, C. L. (2019). "The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis." International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336-363.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863