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Menopause is a normal part of aging. You reach menopause when your menstrual cycle has not occurred for over a year. It is a crucial benchmark of womanhood that marks the end of your reproductive phase. Its impact extends well beyond the physical and affects your mental well-being as well. However, if you have had a healthy lifestyle leading up to menopause, your body is better equipped to manage the mental health challenges during this significant phase of your life.
This blog explores the impact of menopause on mental wellness and discusses several important aspects, such as the link between menopause and your mental well-being, its symptoms, coping strategies, and how staying healthy can make the transition easier with minimal effect on your mental health.
While the average age for menopause is 51, your body starts experiencing various changes much before. During the perimenopause stage, the body undergoes hormonal changes caused by reduced estrogen and progesterone levels. Falling hormone levels also cause serotonin levels to drop. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in several bodily functions that impact mental wellness.
Along with physical symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, and exhaustion, you become vulnerable to various psychological changes ranging from mood swings and anxiety to depression and cognitive issues.
For many women, the symptoms may be mild and dissipate independently. Still, many women experience very severe symptoms that continue for a more extended period and consequently adversely affect their weight, sleep, relationships, and mental health.
The onset of menopause causes a range of physical and mental upheavals. In addition to the obvious physical changes, you may observe various changes in your mental and emotional behaviour.
So, if you experience the following symptoms, it may be due to your approaching menopause:
Menopause and its symptoms cannot be prevented but to reduce the psychological effects of menopause, you can consider a range of preventive measures to minimise its impact. They help you to cope with the increased stress levels, anxiety, and depression while moving ahead through menopause. Some coping strategies include:
Menopause does not happen overnight and is not only linked to the stopping of periods. It is a gradual process that involves several changes that you go through, both physically and psychologically. Once you acknowledge the changes, you understand your symptoms better, which further helps you address the challenges during the transition.
Menopause is often considered a normal aging process you must learn to live with. However, if it impacts your physical and mental well-being, consulting your doctor can help you overcome this difficult phase more quickly. They are equipped to help you manage your physical symptoms better and prepare you to understand the emotional turmoil that you may be experiencing.
Seeking help from family and friends is beneficial for both parties involved. While you can voice your concerns, they understand your struggles and can take proactive steps to help you. Also, joining a support group allows you to share experiences with other women and gain emotional strength from them.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including proper diet and regular physical exercise, enables you to achieve optimal physical health. These habits are also effective in controlling your stress levels. You will feel more confident and happy, positively affecting your overall mental wellness.
Self-care often takes a backseat in a woman’s journey through life. As you approach menopause, it’s time to pause and focus on yourself. Prioritising your health and peace benefits your overall wellness, including mental well-being.
Suppose you have led a healthy lifestyle leading up to your menopausal stage. In that case, it’s more likely that the physical challenges you face during the transitional period may not be as severe, reflecting positively on your mental health.
A healthy lifestyle is known to impact your mental wellness positively. You can do so by:
Menopause is a natural biological phenomenon that starts as you reach your 40s. During this stage, your body undergoes several physical and emotional changes that manifest in various physical symptoms, including hot flashes and fatigue. However, an often-overlooked aspect is its impact on your mental well-being. There are different coping strategies to help you with your emotional challenges through menopause, such as a healthy lifestyle, self-care, better communication with loved ones and peer groups, and consulting a doctor.
Krishna Medical Centre has been a trusted healthcare facility for Lucknow residents for nearly three decades. Our team, led by nationally-renowned gynaecologist Dr. Chandrawati, offers the highest standards of personalised medical care.
If you are looking for exceptional, tailored medical guidance to help you through menopause, contact us today.
