A certain amount of anxiety can be a normal and helpful response to a stressful or hazardous situation, in effect priming the animal body for a flight to the left or a fight to the death. The American Academy of Family Physicians, AAFP, identifies three manifestations of troublesome or excessive anxiety: panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, and full-blown phobia. Women are plagued by GAD two times more often than men, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, ADAA. The three types of anxiety share a common wellspring of symptoms. With any anxiety symptoms, it is important for a woman to seek the advice of her physician.
Chest Pressure or Pain
Chest pain or pressure symptoms can be experienced by a woman in the vise of anxiety. However, because this scenario mimics a heart attack, according to the Women's Heart Foundation, it is crucial to consult a physician, who can determine if heart monitoring is warranted.
Shortness of Breath
The AAFP also notes that breathlessness may appear in women who have anxiety. This condition might be accompanied by a crushing or constricted feeling in the throat that can result in difficulty swallowing. In other women, this shortness of breath can appear alongside dry mouth.
Racing Heartbeat
A woman in the midst of anxiety symptoms might feel as if her heart is pounding out of control. As detailed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, this somatic symptom might pair with the psychological symptom of a feeling of disconnection from reality, as if one were living a dream, or, conversely, the terror-stricken state of wondering whether death or insanity is ensuing.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion and a twisted or heavy feeling in the stomach are additional anxiety symptoms. The ADAA says that a woman might also experience diarrhea if she is in the throes of a panic attack, which is essentially anxiety run amok.
Trembling or Sweating
Some women with worry that progresses to an anxiety disorder or mood disorder have reported to member physicians in the AAFP that they sweat or tremble uncontrollably during a bout of panic.
Menstrual Disruptions
Anxiety symptoms can even alter or halt a woman's menstrual cycle. Panic attacks, as well as phobias and generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, also can affect pregnant or postpartum women. According to Women & Infants, part of the Care New England Health System, "Some women have the onset or exacerbation of mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy and particularly during the postpartum period."
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Anxiety and Panic: Gaining Control Over How You're Feeling
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Women's Heart Foundation: Panic Attack or Heart Attack: Diagnosing Heart Disease in Women
- Women & Infants, Care New England Health System: Q&A: Women's Behavioral Health
