The menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it can feel anything but natural at times. With hormones all over the place, it’s no wonder many women experience changes in their mood. These hormonal shifts can sometimes lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it? In this post, I’ll explore the reasons behind these feelings and I will share my experiences with you.
The Menopause Maze
Menopause is a time when a woman’s body stops producing eggs. This means the monthly menstrual cycle comes to an end. It usually happens between ages 45 and 55. But, like snowflakes, no two menopause experiences are exactly alike. Some women might breeze through it, while others feel like they’re trudging through a blizzard.
During menopause, the body produces less oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are not just for reproduction; they also play a big role in how we feel emotionally. When their levels drop, it can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.
Hormonal Havoc
Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body. They tell different parts of the body what to do and when. During menopause, the messages can get scrambled. This can make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re laughing at a cat video, the next you’re in tears because the cat reminds you of your childhood pet. It’s not just you; it’s your hormones.
Oestrogen, in particular, has been linked to mood. It helps produce serotonin, a chemical in the brain that makes us feel happy. Less oestrogen can mean less serotonin, which might make it easier to feel down.
How HRT influences this
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be a lifeline for some women during menopause. It provides the body with the hormones it’s losing. This can help with hot flushes, night sweats, and even mood swings. HRT can give back some balance to your hormones, making the rollercoaster a little less bumpy.
But like any treatment, HRT isn’t without its risks. Some women might experience side effects like headaches or bloating. It’s important to chat with a doctor to see if HRT is right for you. They can help weigh the benefits against the risks.
The Mood and Menopause Connection
There’s no denying that menopause can affect mental health. Studies have shown that women going through menopause are more likely to experience depression. This could be due to the hormonal changes, but also the stress of this life transition.
For many women, menopause coincides with other life changes, like children leaving home, or even retirement. These changes can add to stress levels, further affecting mood. It’s important to recognise that these feelings are valid and you’re not alone.
Coping with Change
Feeling low during menopause doesn’t mean you’re stuck that way. There are ways to cope and feel better. Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step. It can make the changes feel less scary and more manageable.
Talking about your feelings is important too. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, or therapist, sharing what’s going on can be a relief. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can make a world of difference.
Practical Tips
You’ve bought the ticket, now you have to ride the menopause rollercoaster. But here are some tips to make the ride a little smoother:
- Stay Active: Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifter. Even a short walk each day can help improve your mood.
- Eat Well: A balanced diet can stabilise blood sugar levels, helping your mood. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Sleep Tight: Good sleep is key to feeling good. Create a bedtime routine to help you wind down and get those zzz’s.
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation can help focus the mind and reduce stress, making it easier to tackle mood changes.
- Stay Connected: Spend time with friends and family. Laughter really is great medicine.
When to Seek Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still feel down. If these feelings persist, it’s important to seek help. A doctor or mental health professional can provide support and suggest treatments that might be right for you.
There are also support groups where you can share your experiences with other women going through the same thing. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.
My Experiences
As I have shared with you before, I was started on injections earlier this year to force me into menopause and stop my ovaries by essentially turning off my hormones. I won’t lie, this has been really hard. My mental health has been hugely affected and I have been very suicidal due to this.
The consultant started me on a low dose of HRT but as I have had issues before with hormones making me suicidal I wasn’t sure how this would play out. It turned out to help my mental health a very small amount but not much so I have also had my antidepressants increased.
Unfortunately due to other side effects (bleeding related) I may have to come off the HRT and as such possibly the injections so I am seeing the gynaecology consultant again in 6 weeks to see what they think.
Turning off my hormones as such made me very suicidal and I have struggled with this. I was put on these injections due to other issues and now I feel between a rock and a hard place. Nothing seems to be right for my body and I just want it all to be over.
Have you had similar issues? Feel free to drop me a message or comment below I would love to hear I am not the only one with these issues.
Moving forward
The menopause is a significant change, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. It can be a time for rediscovery and reassessing what’s important in life. By understanding the changes in your body and reaching out for support, you can come out stronger on the other side.
If you’ve found this information helpful and want to learn more, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about your options. They can offer guidance tailored to your unique situation. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
