Are you going through menopause and find yourself suddenly crying over random things? Are you more emotional than before, or do you feel sad or gloomy for no apparent reason? You're not alone. Hormonal changes can have a big impact on your emotions and overall well-being. Thankfully, there are things you can you do to feel better. Why does menopause affect mood and what can you do to feel more balanced and resilient during this transformative phase of life?
I've always been emotional, especially before my period. But since perimenopause, tears seem to come from nowhere and I can't control it. I cry over the smallest things. - Tina (age 49)
Low mood, irritability and crying spells are common symptoms experienced by menopausal women. They can develop early on in perimenopause, even before your menstrual pattern changes. This is because the risk of developing depressive symptoms is especially high when levels of sex hormones fluctuate most – which is during perimenopause. If you suffered from depression and mood problems before perimenopause, you may be more susceptible.
Crying spells can be a symptom of mental health problems, such as depression. Studies do show that about twice as many women as men experience depression and that menopause may increase a woman's risk of depression. However, it is important to note that frequent crying spells do not automatically indicate depression.
Women's ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone in the years leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, the stage before menopause, hormones fluctuate dramatically, causing changes in the body. Both hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of mood and emotional stability.
Oestrogen, for example, stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. When oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause it can profoundly impact your sense of well-being. This can manifest as sadness or uncontrollable crying – sometimes with no identifiable trigger.
Progesterone stimulates the brain to produce a calming neurotransmitter. A decrease in progesterone levels can contribute to symptoms of stress, irritability or anxiety. In addition, progesterone can affect the conversion of thyroid hormones T4 to T3. Low T3 levels can affect thyroid function. Thyroid dysfunction may lead to mental health symptoms, such as mood swings, anxiety and low mood, or make existing symptoms worse.
Menopause isn’t just a time of physiological and emotional challenges, it intersects with major life transitions as well. For instance, children moving out of the family home (empty nest syndrome) and caring for sick and/or elderly parents. These major life events can contribute to feelings of melancholy or depression. It's only natural that you might find yourself dealing with these feelings. Also, dealing with ageing and physical deterioration, and the lack or loss of (sexual) intimacy in relationships, can also negatively affect mood and bring about emotions such as sadness or irritability.
Hormonal changes can also trigger a variety of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and mood swings.
The tips below can help to get you on the right track. Give it some time, and don't hesitate to reach out to a professional if you’re struggling.
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If the above tips do not provide sufficient relief, then you could consider hormone therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treats symptoms of menopause by replacing lost hormones. One reason why menopause is often misdiagnosed is that many women – and GPs too – are not aware of the condition or the symptoms associated with it. Medication, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed for depression. However, an antidepressant will not help if a hormonal imbalance is the root cause of the problem.
I had mood swings and was insecure, tearful, gloomy, edgy and exhausted... HRT has given me my life back. - Iris (age 60)
Depression is a long period of feeling low, hopeless or lethargic. These feelings are crippling and affect daily life. A mood swing is a sudden change in mood from one extreme to another (for instance, from happy to sad). These feelings are typically short-lived and less intense than depressive feelings. Menopause can trigger or intensify mood swings and crying spells (especially if you are prone to depression). That said, there is no evidence that menopause causes depression.
Menopause guidelines are clear that antidepressants should not be used as a treatment for low mood or crying spells caused by hormonal changes. If your mood changes are related to perimenopause or menopause, evidence suggests that hormone therapy may improve mood. Contact your GP or a doctor of your choice for more information.
High-quality supplements can support your mood. MenoPrime is a hormone-free dietary supplement that provides support for symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes and irritability*. This supplement has been specially developed for menopausal women, based on scientific research.
*Health claims pending approval by the European Commission.