The correlation between peri menopause and mental health decline

Peri menopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, can significantly impact mental health due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and emotional well-being.

Peri menopause woman discussing mental health

Here’s how peri menopause can affect mental health:

1. Mood Swings

Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased mood instability. Women may experience rapid changes in mood, from irritability to sadness, without any obvious trigger.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is common during peri menopause, with some women reporting increased feelings of restlessness, worry, or panic. Hormonal shifts can heighten the body's stress response, making it more difficult to manage day-to-day stressors.

3. Depression

Some women may experience new or worsening depressive symptoms during peri menopause. Low levels of estrogen can reduce serotonin production, which can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.

4. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep problems, including insomnia and frequent waking, are common due to night sweats, hot flashes, or hormonal imbalances. Lack of sleep can exacerbate mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

5. Cognitive Issues

Some women experience "brain fog," characterized by forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and difficulty making decisions. This can increase frustration and contribute to stress.

6. Increased Sensitivity to Stress

Hormonal changes can make it harder to cope with stress. Small challenges may feel more overwhelming, and resilience to stress may decrease.

7. Impact on Self-esteem

Physical changes like weight gain, thinning hair, and loss of skin elasticity can impact body image and self-esteem, which may contribute to emotional distress.

8. Social and Relationship Stress

The physical and emotional symptoms of peri menopause can strain relationships and social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.

9. Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions

For women with a history of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, perimenopause can exacerbate symptoms.

Ways to Support Mental Health During Peri menopause:

Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling can help women manage mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation can help maintain emotional balance.
Sleep Management: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and managing night sweats can reduce the impact of sleep disturbances on mental health.
Social Support: Talking to friends, family, or support groups about the emotional challenges of perimenopause can provide comfort and validation.
Medication: In some cases, antidepressants may be recommended to stabilize mood and improve emotional well-being.
Chinese medicine: Acupuncture has some benefits in regards to assisting with anxiety, together with Chinese herbal formulas we can work together to get you back to feeling great again.

If you are looking for a holist approach to help you feel like yourself again, book in a time with myself and we can look at all the options that can work for you.