Menopause and Mood Swings

Answer 1

Once a women starts going through menopause, mood swings can often occur. Understanding why these mood swings happen and what you can do about them, will make your transition into menopause much easier.

What is Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman's body permanently stops producing and releasing ova. The diagnosis of menopause can take up to 12 months after the last menstrual cycle. While many women enter into menopause around the age of 50, it is not unheard of to enter into menopause much earlier. Typically, women that enter into menopause before the age of 45 are diagnosed with early menopause, while women that enter into menopause before the age of 40 are diagnosed with premature menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause symptoms often seem unbearable to many women. Symptoms of menopause include everything from hot flashes and cold sweats to moodiness. Many women feel that the moodiness that often accompanies menopause is the hardest part of getting through the transition. Often, certain women will feel happy one moment and sad the next. These symptoms can cause extreme stress during day-to-day activities. Many women also report feeling tired or sleepless during certain periods.

Dealing with Menopausal Mood Swings

Menopausal mood swings occur due to constantly fluctuating hormones. The constant change in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgen can cause moods to change fairly quickly. Currently, more than 15% of women going through menopause have experienced mood swings. Dealing with menopausal mood swings is not impossible. There are a number of ways women can deal with mood swings safely and effectively. Adopting a daily exercise routine and sticking to a healthy diet can help combat constantly changing moods. Many women have also reported that yoga and Massage Therapy help keep their moods under control. Natural remedies such as St. John's Wort can also be helpful in combating depression during menopause.

Support Groups for Menopause and Talking With Family

Joining a support group can help combat menopausal mood swings. Support groups give women going through menopause the chance to talk with other women going through the same transition. Simply being around others that are suffering from the same symptoms and talking about it can help combat feelings of isolation and depression. Being open with other family members about menopausal mood swings can also help combat certain feelings. When everyone has a better understanding of what menopause is and the symptoms that can occur, it is easier to talk about feelings and the changes that occur.