Menopause and Mood Changes
Fluctuating hormones result in a variety of symptoms, most of which aren't pleasant, and may lead to mood swings in menopausal women. According to eMedicine, when estrogen (hormone) levels diminish during perimenopause, this hormone can no longer do its job. When estrogen levels are optimal, this hormone acts to stimulate synthesis of neurotransmitters, as well as influence membrane permeability and the expression of receptors. Estrogen helps keeps a woman's body balanced and her skin, hair and brain healthy.
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It Can Take a While
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Perimenopause can be a long and drawn-out process. During this phase, a woman eventually stops ovulating and then ultimately stops menstruating. This transition from regular menstruation and ovulation to menopause can affect moods because a woman's hormones are fluctuating wildly. A woman may go through months or even years of experiencing erratic hormones that not only physically impact her but can impair her cognitive processes as well as affect her emotions. Perimenopause, leading up to menopause, can be a difficult transition for a woman.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine
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According to Epigee Women's Health, serotonin levels drop when the hormones estrogen, progesterone and androgen are in flux during perimenopause. Serotonin is the chemical that makes you feel good. When the levels drop, so will your mood. Because serotonin levels change significantly during menopause, as do norepinephrine levels, both of which are neurotransmitters, this is thought to contribute to mood swings and depression. When estrogen levels are so low that they can no longer facilitate the activity of the production of norepinephrine, this may cause depression.
However, Epigee Women's Health notes that some physicians and researchers believe that menopausal mood swings aren't related to hormonal and chemical changes, but simply are the result of the symptoms that a woman is experiencing. If you are having hot flashes, night sweats, can't sleep and are exhausted as a result, your mood probably isn't going to be good. If you are suffering from achy joints, headaches, brain fog and extreme sensitivity to temperature, these factors aren't going to contribute to your mental well-being. -
Pre-Existing Problems
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If a woman has been diagnosed, earlier in her life, as schizophrenic, this disease may peak again when she is between 45 and 50 years old. Researchers believe that estrogen plays a modulatory role in schizophrenia. When estrogen levels drop, this is not helpful to the schizophrenic woman. If a woman has a pre-existing panic disorder, it may worsen during menopause. In addition, those plagued with an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder may get worse during menopause. OCD can also get worse during pregnancy, so it appears that there is a direct correlation between this disorder and hormone levels.
Seek Help
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So, no, it's not all in your head. You really are experiencing mood and physical changes, which are directly related to the process that your body is going through. If your moods are rapidly changing and creating problems for you and your family, discuss this with your physician.
Options
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Some women find relief through natural remedies (herbs) or doing yoga. Some begin meditating and getting massages. Others become more cognizant of their diet and what they're putting in their bodies.
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