During menopause, your body undergoes significant changes. The declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone can lead to a range of symptoms. These physical and emotional changes can cause heightened emotions. Hormonal fluctuations may also contribute to feelings of low mood. What can help?
I used to be the life of the party, but now I have to drag myself out of bed. My social life has also taken a backseat.
Your sex hormones influence your brain and, consequently, your emotions. Both oestrogen and progesterone play a role in this.
Oestrogen stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. When oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline during menopause, it impacts the amount of serotonin in your brain. This can make you feel down, sad, or indifferent. You may also experience crying spells and feelings of grief.
Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain. When progesterone levels drop, you may feel restless or tense, even without a clear reason. Additionally, progesterone is needed for the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into T3. While this is a technical process, a decrease in progesterone can impair thyroid function, making mood swings, low mood, or feelings of agitation more likely.
Sadness and grief can manifest as crying spells, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. You may also feel indifferent. Know that you are not alone. Research shows that 40 per cent of women in menopause experience feelings of low mood or depression. The likelihood of mood-related symptoms is higher in the years leading up to menopause and the first few years after your last period. If you experienced low mood or mood swings before menopause, you are more likely to face them again during this phase.
Other factors can also influence your mood and contribute to feelings of low mood, such as hot flushes, poor sleep (whether due to night sweats or not), and low energy levels. You are also more susceptible to stress during menopause.
Understanding what is happening in your body and why it is happening can foster greater self-awareness and compassion. This is important because it motivates you to take better care of yourself and be kinder to yourself. And we could all use a bit more of that.
It’s important to note: menopause can trigger or worsen feelings of low mood and grief, especially if you have previously struggled with depressive feelings. However, menopause itself does not cause depression. During menopause, you may sometimes feel sad for no apparent reason, but for many women, this feeling is amplified by life events during this stage. Think of the loss of a loved one, parents needing caregiving, or children leaving home. Visible changes in your body and the ageing process can also impact how you feel.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
There are various ways to effectively address menopause symptoms. You don’t have to endure them. You can support your body naturally with healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest. Supplements can also help. Hormone therapy (HRT) may be another option. Below are the different ways to reduce low mood.
When your hormonal balance changes during menopause, it 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.
When taking medications or supplements, a balanced lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications, making supplements and medication more effective. Here’s what experts recommend for feelings of low mood:
During menopause, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in your body fluctuate and largely disappear once your periods stop completely. This can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, or low mood. For severe symptoms, hormone therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment. By replenishing the missing hormones, symptoms decrease. This helps restore balance in your body, giving you more energy and peace in your daily life.
Hormone therapy is always prescribed by a doctor and tailored to your personal situation to ensure the treatment is safe and effective.
I was overwhelmed by negative thoughts during menopause. Hormone therapy helped me feel like myself again.
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 all women going through menopause. Supplements can also target specific symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and low mood.
The effectiveness of supplements varies from person to person, depending on factors like lifestyle and health. The quality of the product also determines its efficacy. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.
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