Going through the perimenopause and menopause can sometimes feel like an emotional rollercoaster – a ride that none of us signed up for! A natural decline in oestrogen and progesterone – the hormones responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system – can trigger mood swings and cause conditions such as menopause depression and perimenopause anxiety.
In fact, emotional problems are one of the most common side effect of the menopause. If you are going through perimenopause, you may notice you experience heightened emotional volatility in the run-up to your period. This is when your hormones are naturally at their lowest. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and negative emotions may reach a peak just before your period begins, and you may start to feel better after the first few days of your menstrual cycle.
As you progress further into perimenopause and menopause, your emotional instability may increase to several days a month to more, primarily due to fluctuating hormone levels. At the peak of menopause, some women report feeling in a near-constant state of PMS as the body prepares for the menstrual cycle to stop permanently.
It goes without saying that mood disturbances and mental health problems can be one of the toughest side effects of the menopause. Almost half of menopausal women report feelings of depression or anxiety, which can have a negative impact on self-confidence, relationships and overall quality of life.
Read on for menopause support and to discover everything you need to know about dealing with the emotional side effects of the menopause.