Panic attacks on your period: what to know

Hormonal changes, pain, poor sleep and the stress of premenstrual symptoms may make anxiety sensations more noticeable. A panic attack can start abruptly and peak quickly, even when you are not in danger. A recurring pattern may overlap with panic disorder, premenstrual symptoms or another health problem, so the timing alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Note the first day of bleeding, symptoms, sleep, caffeine, medicines and how long recovery takes.

Move to a calm, safe place and sit down. Breathe slowly and gently, allowing the out-breath to last a little longer than the in-breath. Relax your shoulders, name a few things you can see and remind yourself that the sensations will pass. Avoid driving until you feel fully alert. Keep a symptom diary across cycles and arrange a GP Consultation if attacks repeat, affect work or lead you to avoid normal activities.

Seek urgent help for new or severe chest pain, fainting, marked breathing difficulty, confusion, weakness on one side or symptoms that do not settle. Get immediate support if you may harm yourself. Otherwise, book a GP Consultation for repeated episodes, especially when palpitations, chest tightness or numbness are new or different from your usual pattern.

Ask whether the cycle timing suggests a menstrual or anxiety-related pattern, whether another condition or medicine could contribute, and whether a Mental Health Assessment would help. Ask which treatment options fit your symptoms and how to make a plan for future attacks.