Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last period. During the years leading up to menopause, commonly referred to as perimenopause, women experience changes in hormone levels that can affect both physical and mental health.
Some key points about menopause and mental health:
- Fluctuating and dropping estrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to mood changes like irritation, anxiety, sadness, and trouble sleeping
- Women may experience "brain fog," including memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or feeling distracted
- Up to 23% of women transitioning through menopause experience clinical depression
- Changes are often temporary and improve after menopause when hormone levels stabilize
Some women do report more emotional volatility, anxiety, sadness, and trouble thinking clearly during the menopausal transition. However, it's important to understand these are normal responses to hormonal changes.
Menopause doesn't make women "crazy," but the fluctuation and drops in reproductive hormones can impact mood and cognitive function on a temporary basis.
Strategies to Help Manage Menopause-Related Mood Changes
Here are some proactive strategies that can help women manage mood changes related to menopause:
- Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or therapy
- Regular exercise to reduce anxiety and boost endorphins
- Support groups to connect with other women going through menopause
- Better sleep habits like limiting screen time before bed
- Healthy diet with brain-supporting foods like salmon and berries
- Consider hormone therapy - Speak to your doctor about whether HT may help stabilize your moods
If anxiety, sadness, or other difficult emotions become overwhelming or interfere with your life, don't hesitate to reach out for professional support. Short-term medication or counseling can help provide relief.
The experienced physicians at Hormone Harmony Clinic((/) can provide both medical and emotional support to women transitioning through perimenopause and
postmenopause. We specialize in hormone therapy including
bioidentical hormones, which are customized to match your individual hormonal needs and provide a more natural way to stabilize hormones than synthetic options. We also offer resources and referrals to therapists, support groups, and lifestyle counselors. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
