How to Maintain Mood Balance During Menopause

An estimated 40-70% of menopausal women experience mood changes. This staggering number can be viewed as disheartening, or be validating that you are not alone. What you are experiencing is very normal, and can be extremely frustrating.

While medically menopause is defined to start once a person has gone a full twelve months without a menstrual period, it can last four to seven years. During this time symptoms can ebb and wane, pop up and evolve. Due to the length of time, people can experience the effects of menopause it’s imperative that we discuss what types of symptoms to expect and how to find help for the way this affects you.

Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help

Hormonal shifts during menopause not only affect estrogen production but the secondary hormonal effects on serotonin and progesterone also directly affect mood - specifically in regulating depression and anxiety.

Symptoms

Those going through menopause often ask, “Is this normal?” or just as frequently, “what can I do about it?”. The “it” they’re referring to? Menopausal mood changes. Increased irritability, depression, anxiety, weepiness, and insomnia are some of the most common mood-related symptoms.

The degree to which someone experiences these effects vary from person to person with some people experiencing little to no change, and others experiencing extreme mood variation. Additional common menopausal symptoms include brain fog, memory issues, and shortened attention spans for many people.

In extreme cases, Menopausal Psychosis can also be experienced in which case someone should immediately seek professional help.

Pro-active Care

None of these symptoms should be a cause for feeling helpless against menopause’s effect. As with most things in life, it’s about holding a balance between self-awareness and self-care. Waiting for severe conditions or side effects to pop up is never as effective as proactive care and treatment.

It is strongly advised that everyone with a medical history including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or other mental health concerns partner with a certified psychologist for menopausal care.

For people who already struggle with anxiety and depression, it’s important to note that the symptoms of these are likely to intensify during menopause.

Being aware of this shift enables you to proactively monitor and seek care for your mental needs. Menopausal Psychosis is the most severe condition to be cognizant of. Personal mental health history should be strongly considered as one approach to menopause. Persons with a history of psychosis should partner with an experienced therapist to navigate this season of unpredictability.

Graciousness to Self

No two women experience menopause exactly the same way. That does not minimize your experience. Whatever your menopausal symptoms they are worthy of the care you deserve. Your body and mind are under an extreme level of stress during this time of transition.

You can expect things to feel unbalanced or unlike your normal routine. Your mind may be spacey, your emotions disconnected, and your energy level tanking. For many people, the symptoms of menopause are frustrating as they can interrupt your normal routine and expectations of yourself.

During this transition, it’s important to recognize that your physical needs may change for a season and you may need to allow yourself more grace to get things done.

Steps to Take

There are many ways to cope with the side effects of menopause, standing shirtless in front of the freezer door is definitely one of them, but won’t ease the effect menopause is having on your mental health.

The first and most important factor is partnering with a therapist who understands what you are facing and can guide you through understanding this season and keeping yourself centered. Daily practices such as meditation, movement, and quality sleep also can ease the effects of menopause on mood. Diet is another key factor when confronting the hormonal changes taking place.

LunaJoy services are available in Florida, Georgia, California, Illinois, Alaska, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Connect with us in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Alpharetta, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, Minneapolis, Nebraska, Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.