Mental health around menopause

[arunima]

Menopause is another milestone in a women's life. It's a natural process. Women do suffer with perimenopausal symptoms and menopausal symptoms. It's quite challenging to go through these periods and can take a toll on one's emotional and mental health. The hormonal fluctuations can lead to irritability, mood swings, hot flashes etc. Many women also suffer physical symptoms like prolonged periods, excessive bleeding etc. These also can be physically exhausting as well as mentally draining. Also the mid age around which this happens is also a time for mid life crisis and that can further add to the problems.
Women in this age need to be aware of the changes that their body is going through. They should seek for all kinds of mental, emotional and physical support from their friends and family. Self love and care is a must.

 

[Shree]

I’ve seen how my aunt and mother navigated mental health challenges around menopause. My aunt struggled with mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disruptions, which were exacerbated by the hormonal changes. She sought therapy and began yoga to manage stress, along with lifestyle changes like a healthier diet. My mother, on the other hand, found relief through a combination of support groups, hormone therapy, and open conversations with family. Both also made it a point to stay connected socially, which helped them feel more grounded. Tackling these challenges often required a mix of medical advice, emotional support, and self-care.

 

[esprit_girl]

It is a great idea to help yourself. I have a cousin who is now menopause and she is always feeling irritated. Her moods shift from time to time. What she did was, she surrounded herself with positive people and picked up some hobbies that she love.

 

[Commode K]

Some women always feel that as they are entering menopause, they would no longer be attractive and that has led so many women to be depressed. That's why children of such women should give them necessary support to help them navigate such a significant phase of life transition.

 

[Nomad]

In my observation, for some women it will come as a pleasure. They no longer have to deal with the mess, including pain, every month. However, some women are too much worried as they feel that they no longer are fertile and thus will loose libido. Losing sex drive will come as a shock for a lot of people, including women who are entering menopause phase. But a lot of belief surrounding menopause are unfounded.

 

[Hazel]

Menopause can affect mental health due to hormonal changes, sleep disruptions, and physical symptoms. Women may experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or low energy. Awareness, regular exercise, good sleep, social support, and professional guidance like therapy or medical care can help manage these changes and support emotional wellbeing.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I work with mainly middle aged women and some of them are going through this change. I know it must be exhausting for them to deal with the hot flashes one moment and then get cold. That's what I heard they go through. Hormonal changes really does have a impact on mental health for sure.

 

[Kinterly]

I'm 59 and in perimenopause right now. I'm not feeling any sort of anxiety/depression like a lot of my friends my age are, but I'm on the lookout for it. I know there are hormonal changes happening, and I also have to keep in mind that my thyroid medications also mimic those same hormonal changes. It will be a tough battle for me, but as long as I'm aware on what to watch out for, I can get early treatment if necessary.

One of the main hormonal things for me aren't the hot flashes, but the cold flashes! I never expected that!