Menopause Health

Women experience all kinds of changes during menopause, including depression, increased anxiety, mood swings, and other mental health issues. It is important for women and their loved ones to understand the changes that are taking place and to look for symptoms that indicate a problem that can interfere with living a quality life. Once identified, the symptoms are usually very treatable and will most likely pass with time.

The cause of mental illness during menopause is not always clear. Hormonal change is usually the catalyst for symptoms, but some women experience worse symptoms than others. Different lifestyles and external sources can intensify symptoms.
Examples include:

• History of mental illness
• Increased stress
• Smoking
• Not being physically active
• Isolation

Prescription medication may help some women. Others may simply need to address some of the external catalysts for the symptoms. Many women use a combination of help from healthcare professionals to beauty salons. You may benefit from a prescription drug treatment. You and your physician will work together to find what is right for you.

It is important to remember, however, that sometimes symptoms will completely disappear once the external source is removed. Stress, for example, can switch on anxiety, which may effect decision-making and bring on feelings of hopelessness, which may manifest itself in uncontrolled crying. Once that stress is removed and the anxiety is relieved, the mind can think more clearly and hope is restored.

If symptoms are effecting on your quality of life, it is time to seek help. After you contact your physician, take action yourself by trying a few simple things that can help relieve the symptoms quickly.

Some things to try include:
• Try to improve your sleep. Make sure you have a cool, dark, quiet place to rest a full night. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bed.
• Get active! 30 minutes a day of moderate activity everyday will always help.
• Talk to people. Friends, family, support groups, or counselors will help you see the world through different lenses, improving your outlook.
• Love yourself. Show yourself as much or more love than you show your best friend. Treat yourself like royalty.

Resource: WomensHealth.gov