Psychological Effects of Menopause on Women

For a women midlife can be full of challenges. Depression risks are found to be at peak when women are marching towards menopause. Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, despair feeling and anger are some common psychological symptoms which are reported by women dealing with menopause. While there is no solid medical evidence to prove the connectivity of these symptoms with menopause, reports suggest menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping issues, fatigue and night sweat can bring in these psychological changes in women. Hormonal changes can also lead to these problems.

Women and Menopause

It is best in interest of women to be aware of menopause symptoms so that they can deal with them easily. Mostly women having emotional difficulties can have hormonal problems as well. Talk openly about your condition with your doctor. It might be that hormonal changes along with menopause symptoms is causing psychological problem. Quality of life is an important contributor to these symptoms you need to make sure you have active lifestyle.

There are many other factors which can contribute to menopause symptoms like:

• Suffering from depression before menopause
• Stress increase
• Smoking
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Feeling anxious about menopause
• Taking aging way too seriously
• Severe menopause symptoms
• Not having a job or active and healthy lifestyle
• Absence of happy relationship
• Financial crisis
• Lower self esteem
• Absence of proper social support
• Feeling disappointed about your condition

You need to understand that menopause is a natural process and it comes with aging. There is no way to avoid it. Best you can do is to prepare yourself to properly deal with it. Discuss with your doctor about ways which can be best to treat depression related to menopause.

What to do

If you are finding it too difficult to deal with mood swings affecting your life quality then here are few suggestions for you.

• Sleep properly. Try to get as much sleep as you can. Keep your room dark and cool. Ensure that you are going to bed on time every day and waking up at the same time. You bed should only be used for sleeping and not for meals, watching TV or sitting.
• Physical activity is a must. Workout at least for 30 minutes daily.
• Challenge your personal limits and look for more hobbies to engage your time. This will also help you to tackle depression and live a more meaningful life.
• Having open discussion with family and friends will help you to ease up your stress. Counseling and women support groups are best places to share your insecurities and doubts.
• Going for menopause therapies can also help you to deal with the related symptoms. Ask your doctor about using antidepressant.

Menopause conditions are normal and last for small duration. You just have to prepare yourself and not feel anxious about it. This is the best solution to deal with emotional and psychological effects of menopause easily.

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.

http://www.womenscenter.com/

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women. http://www.womenscenter.com/