Why are Menopause and Anxiety Related?
As a woman, you reach that inevitable phase of life that signals the natural end of fertility. This may trigger many complex emotions. Menopause is generally defined as when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without menstruating. Before this, many women experience an extended perimenopause period with on-and-off symptoms popping up. This can lead to anxiety. Are there other connections between menopause and anxiety? Experts don’t believe that menopause necessarily causes anxiety, but there is a common connection between menopause and anxiety. The complex feelings surrounding menopause, end of fertility, and fluctuating hormones, can easily elicit anxiety. Many women who are well known for being unshakable stalwarts of strength, fortitude, and resilience throughout their lives are blindsided by the onset of this phase in their lives. There is a lot of awareness around the physical changes that come with menopause, such as: Irregular Menstrual Cycles As menopause approaches, periods may become irregular, shorter, or skipped altogether. Heavy Bleeding Some women experience heavy bleeding for a day or two their period or even outside their regular period. Excessive Sweating at Night Known as night sweats, these can disrupt sleep. Hot Flashes. Sudden feelings of intense heat are often accompanied by sweating and flushing. Vaginal Dryness and Pain Reduced estrogen levels can lead to discomfort during sexual intercourse. Urinary Tract Infections Some women may experience more frequent UTIs. Mood Swings And Fatigue Hormonal changes can impact mood and energy levels. Weight Gain Uneven fat distribution may lead to weight gain. Though these symptoms are commonly known, what is an often-overlooked aspect of this transition is the emotional and mental changes. Indeed, most women report wondering why they suddenly felt the same way they did when they were a hormonal teenager, with moods swings, irritability, and feeling down. The fact is [...]
