During menopause, the hormonal balance in your body is disrupted, which can also impact your emotional stability. You may find yourself feeling irritable, annoyed, or impatient. At times, a whirlwind of emotions may arise, leaving you feeling like a stranger to yourself. So, how can you manage this?
My daughter in puberty and me in menopause—that’s not a good combination, I can tell you.
Feelings of irritability can be caused or intensified by hormonal fluctuations. The sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone play a key role in regulating your mood. Scientific studies show that oestrogen is deeply involved in mood and behaviour regulation. Oestrogen influences the production of "happiness hormones" such as serotonin and dopamine. When oestrogen levels fluctuate, these happiness hormones can also fluctuate.
Progesterone also contributes to emotional regulation, as it has a calming effect. When progesterone production decreases during menopause, you may feel more restless or tense. This can lead to abrupt reactions, even when that’s not your intention.
Seventy per cent of women report experiencing irritability or a short temper during perimenopause, sometimes even before noticing changes in their menstrual cycle. Not everyone links these symptoms to menopause, but it can indeed be the cause. Even GPs do not always make this connection immediately. Therefore, it is important to discuss whether menopause might be a factor so you can receive the appropriate treatment.
Many women experience multiple menopausal symptoms, which can affect their overall mood. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, or poor sleep can all contribute. Additionally, during menopause, you may become more sensitive to stress, which can increase feelings of irritability or impatience. Lastly, medications or other underlying conditions can also influence your emotional stability.
It’s good to know that once oestrogen and progesterone levels stabilise at a new balance after menopause, your mood will gradually improve as well.
Hormonal fluctuations can have a significant impact on your mood, sometimes to the extent that you no longer recognise yourself. You may notice the following:
Various studies indicate that feelings of sadness and anxiety are more common in women during menopause. If you’ve never experienced intense sadness before, there’s a strong chance that hormonal fluctuations are the cause. Antidepressants do not always provide the desired results, especially if the hormonal imbalance is caused by menopause or an underactive thyroid. Learn more about feelings of sadness.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
There are several ways to effectively address menopausal symptoms. You do not have to accept them as inevitable. Supporting your body naturally with healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest can make a difference. Additionally, supplements, medications, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help. Below are some options to reduce irritability.
Hormonal changes can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Even small adjustments can make a difference in how you feel.
If you are taking medications or supplements, a healthy lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications, enhancing their effectiveness. Experts recommend the following for irritability:
Replenishing the hormones that decrease during menopause is the most effective treatment for various menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy (HRT) directly addresses vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) and vaginal complaints (such as dryness). Additionally, HRT can (indirectly) improve other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and irritability.
HRT is not suitable for everyone. A doctor will always carefully assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your health and symptoms.
I still lose my temper occasionally, but thanks to the supplements I’m taking, I feel so much calmer and more energetic.
Many people are unaware that there are also proven effective hormone-free medications to alleviate menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target a specific complaint. For instance, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.
Hormone-free medications are always prescribed by a doctor and can be a good option for those who cannot or do not wish to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the symptom without affecting your hormonal balance, allowing you to address your complaints in a targeted way and support your body.
During menopause, your body’s processes for generating energy, building muscle, and repairing skin change. You can support these processes naturally with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause. Supplements can also target specific symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and feelings of irritability or impatience.
The effectiveness of supplements can vary from person to person, depending on your lifestyle and health. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.
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