Have you found yourself feeling anxious about driving, even though it’s something you’ve been doing for years? You’re not alone.

 Many women experience increased driving anxiety during perimenopause and menopause, as hormonal fluctuations can affect key brain functions like focus, coordination, and decision-making.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring about anxiety, brain fog, mood swings, and even panic attacks. For some women, these symptoms emerge while driving, leading to heart palpitations, sweating, and intense feelings of panic. 

Simple tasks that once felt automatic, like shifting gears or following a familiar route, can suddenly feel challenging. 

The decline in hormones, especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, affects the brain’s ability to multitask and focus, making driving feel more stressful and overwhelming than before

Midlife changes, like adjusting to new driving conditions, relationship shifts, or career transitions, can also add to driving anxiety. Lack of sleep, which is common during menopause, can make the problem worse.