Declining hormone levels associated with menopause can cause more than just those irritating hot flushes and night sweats.

They can also make you feel in a constant state of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) with the mood swings that we associate with that.

Unfortunately, these emotional changes are also a normal part of menopause.

What might you experience?

Some of the emotional changes when undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include:

– Anxiety
– Aggressiveness
– Difficulty concentrating
– Fatigue
– Feelings of sadness
– Irritability
– Lack of motivation
– Mood changes
– Tension

If you are feeling irritable and sad, there is a good chance it could be related to menopause, but the above listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause.

Some medications too can increase feelings of anxiety or depression so again check with your doctor or pharmacist if you think they might also be a factor.

How Can I Cope With the Emotional Changes of Menopause?

Irritability and feelings of sadness are the most common emotional symptoms of menopause. Often, they can be managed through lifestyle changes, such as learning ways to relax and reduce stress.

Here are some tips that may make it easier for you to handle your fluctuating emotions:

– Avoid tranquillisers and alcohol
– Engage in a creative activity you enjoy
– Exercise and eat healthily
– Find a practice such as yoga or meditation to relax you
– Keep in touch with friends and family for support

Although depression is not specifically caused by menopause, some women seem to feel it more strongly at this time.

What can you do?

This is one area where you can certainly take action to get things under control. Apart from the advice above, such symptoms are also dependent on hormone balance and you may benefit from progesterone or a combined progesterone and oestrogen cream.

Herbs too can be useful and St John’s Wort in particular is much used on the continent to help with anxiety and depression. Support your diet with enough B and C vitamins and you will find many combinations of these, often labelled for stress, that can level out your moods.

Helpful information:

https://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2018/05/18/natural-ways-to-calm-your-anxiety/

https://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2018/01/08/help-for-menopausal-mood-swings-and-depression/