Hormonal changes that occur during menopause affect our mood, often causing emotions such as irritability and being bad-tempered.
Some indicative symptoms are: feeling that everything and everyone is annoying, feeling more sad or sensitive, feeling vulnerable or getting angry more easily. Although it is common, it is important to be aware of and learn to control these changes, so that they do not affect our personal relationships and, if they do, ask for medical advice, since the changes can make us more susceptible to experiencing negative feelings or falling into depression.
To address this situation, there are various strategies, but it is firstly advisable to adopt a positive attitude towards menopause. It is not a disease, but the beginning of a new chapter that will stay with you for years to come. It is also a natural process and a vital phase of maturity that also has advantages. You must accept the changes that it entails and seek solutions to the issues that concern you.
It is also a good time to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, take care of yourself and spend more time on yourself: set aside some time in your schedule to do activities that you like, plan trips out with your partner or friends, do physical exercise regularly and preferably outdoors if possible, since exercise improves your mood and has a relaxing and anti-stress effect, and try to keep yourself active physically and mentally.
It is also important to control factors that can aggravate this problem, such as lack of sleep, stress, sedentary lifestyle, toxic habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption, anxiety, etc…
And finally: don’t forget about sex. During sex, we release oxytocin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that make us feel good, both physically and mentally. Even if you feel less in the mood or feel discomfort and vaginal dryness, there are specific treatments for all these problems, so look for solutions.
Treatments
At Dexeus Midlife, we offer you a free introductory visit with a coach so that you can explain to them what symptoms you have and what worries you. Its aim is to advise you so that you can get a better idea of what services we offer and which ones can help you. To carry out a comprehensive personalised study and start treatment, it is advisable to carry out an integrative Gynaecology visit with our medical team.
FAQs
Why are some women more sensitive than others to mood swings?
Individual sensitivity to oestrogen is genetic and hereditary. There are women who, from the first menstruation, notice more premenstrual changes with cravings, headaches and fluid retention, and others barely notice them. The same happens in menopause; there are women more sensitive to changes in hormonal deficits than others.
What is more common: being irritable or depressed?
Both emotions are mixed together and may appear at unexpected times. However, irritability is usually more common. Responding badly or poorly to situations or problems that we could normally manage well.
How can I find out if I need help?
If you feel that these uncontrollable feelings or behaviours are affecting your daily life and your relationship with your family and friends, you must ask for medical advice.
Does hormone therapy also have an effect on mood?
Yes, when you replenish hormones, they improve your symptoms.
How long do these ups and downs in mood last?
Luckily, not long, but they can last longer if they affect you. The duration is not important as long as they do not cause you problems.
