Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. During this time, women stop menstruating permanently as their bodies produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can lead to both physical and emotional symptoms.
While menopause does not directly make women "crazy," some women do experience changes in their mental health and mood during this transition. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms are usually temporary and manageable with the right support.
Hormone changes during menopause can impact brain chemistry and cause
mood changes, but lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress levels and social support also play an important role.
Why Hormones Impact Mood
- Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and norepinephrine - key neurotransmitters that control mood. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, some women experience depressive symptoms.
- Falling progesterone levels may contribute to anxiety, irritability and trouble sleeping during menopause.
Some women are more susceptible to mood changes than others during this transition. Risk factors include:
- *Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or postpartum depression
- *Traumatic early menopause due to surgery, chemotherapy or primary ovarian insufficiency
- *History of anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder
- Lack of social support
Coping Strategies and Treatment
The good news is that there are many effective strategies to manage menopausal mood changes, including:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen or progesterone pills, patches and gels can help stabilize mood. Bioidentical hormones customized to your needs may be an option.
- Antidepressants - SSRIs and SNRIs can boost serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, spending time outdoors, consuming phytoestrogens from foods like soy and flaxseed.
- Joining a support group to share experiences with other women.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or severe
mood swings during menopause,
speak to your healthcare provider. They can check your hormone levels and help determine whether lifestyle changes, hormones, antidepressants or counseling would be helpful.
With the right support, most women find that menopausal mood changes are temporary and manageable. While hormones certainly play a role, making lifestyle adjustments tailored to your needs matters too.
At Renewal Hormone Center, our physicians specialized in hormonal health can provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements, nutrition advice and lifestyle coaching to help women thrive during perimenopause and menopause. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.