Midlife Conversations with Natalie Jill

499: Anxiety, Depression & Nervous System Regulation for Midlife Women with Dr. Kristine Gravino

Dec 23, 2025
Guest
Kristine Gravino
Dr. Kristine Gravino, a psychologist with a PhD in integrative mental health, joins to tackle the pressing issues of anxiety and depression in midlife women, linking these struggles to fluctuating estrogen levels. She offers insights on when anxiety might feel like a medical emergency and the importance of nervous system regulation. Discover effective strategies, like a unique breathing technique and the importance of balanced nutrition, to combat these challenges. Natalie shares her own health journey, tying it all together with actionable advice for real change.
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INSIGHT

Hormones Drive Midlife Mood Shifts

  • Estrogen decline in midlife directly alters serotonin, dopamine, and GABA and drives anxiety and depression in many women.
  • Dr. Kristine Gravino links one in two midlife women’s mood issues to fluctuating estrogen levels.
ADVICE

Handle Panic With Breathing And Boundaries

  • Panic attacks usually pass in 5–10 minutes; use grounding and diaphragmatic breathing and seek medical help if symptoms persist past 30 minutes.
  • If chest tightness and breathing trouble continue beyond 30 minutes, call a medical professional immediately.
INSIGHT

Anxiety Often Precedes Depression

  • Chronic anxiety often leads to depression because carrying prolonged worry exhausts coping resources.
  • Kristine Gravino notes anxiety commonly precedes low-level depressive symptoms in midlife women.
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