potential cause for anxiety?

[hypotheticalamus]

I first started having attacks over 4 years ago. I took Gaba, I tried herbal teas, and (ultimately) was put on lorazepam but found it too disruptive and too powerful despite the fact that it did work. I didn't like being a zombie. When I first got the attacks my doctor asked me if they were related to my cycle- as in did I get them more before/after I had just had my period. I'd never kept an anxiety journal so I saw no correlation and we moved on.

What is the (if there is one) correlation between anxiety + menstrual cycles? Does it have to do with the hormone levels? Things going insane? I've started keeping tabs on it and I've noticed that the week or two before I get my period is a time when I am more prone to feel anxious. If this is the reason I've been getting attacks, is there a way to prevent this from happening? It's been happening less and less the older I get (I'm almost 21 now) but it would be nice to know if there is something I could do to make it go away completely.

Thoughts/information appreciated!

[anaklio]

Your description is not uncommon. "Premenstrual dysphoric disorder" occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the two weeks before your period as you described), and it is often associated with anxiety and depression (Ling, 2000). 

Rapkin and Winer (2009) noted that premenstrual symptoms are distressing for up to 20% of reproductive-aged women and are associated with impairment in interpersonal or workplace functioning for at least 3-8%.

Oral contraceptives and antidepressant medications are often effective, but these drugs have side effects. So please proceed carefully.

[liza123]

I first started having attacks over 4 years ago. I took Gaba, I tried herbal teas, and (ultimately) was put on lorazepam but found it too disruptive and too powerful despite the fact that it did work. I didn't like being a zombie. When I first got the attacks my doctor asked me if they were related to my cycle- as in did I get them more before/after I had just had my period. I'd never kept an anxiety journal so I saw no correlation and we moved on.

What is the (if there is one) correlation between anxiety + menstrual cycles? Does it have to do with the hormone levels? Things going insane? I've started keeping tabs on it and I've noticed that the week or two before I get my period is a time when I am more prone to feel anxious. If this is the reason I've been getting attacks, is there a way to prevent this from happening? It's been happening less and less the older I get (I'm almost 21 now) but it would be nice to know if there is something I could do to make it go away completely.

Thoughts/information appreciated!

Have you taken chamomile tea?it has a calming effect and reduces your period pain. you did mention herbal teas...i do not know if chamomile was included...
doing it the natural way is better. taking drugs or prescriptions could have side effects which you may experience later on in life...do some meditation and breathing exercises...simple breathing exercises would do. regulating your breathing would help your anxiety attack.