{"id":37001,"date":"2025-04-23T07:00:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T07:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=37001"},"modified":"2025-04-22T19:48:28","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T19:48:28","slug":"how-menopause-affects-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/how-menopause-affects-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How menopause affects mental health","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

When girls go through puberty, hormones tell the ovaries to start making estrogen and releasing eggs, and the menstrual cycle begins.<\/p>\n

When a woman approaches menopause, the process happens in reverse. Hormones alert the ovaries to stop producing estrogen, which brings an end to periods.<\/p>\n

Perimenopause, or the transition to menopause, can begin eight to 10 years prior to menopause. Menopause itself generally starts between the ages of 45 and 55.<\/p>\n

The lack of estrogen causes physical symptoms we typically associate with menopause \u2014like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. But because fluctuating and declining hormone levels also affect brain chemistry, menopause can also cause cognitive issues like forgetfulness and brain fog, as well as mental health problems like mood swings, anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n

Rest assured, it\u2019s not all in your head. These experiences are common, and support is available.<\/p>\n

Hormonal changes and brain chemistry during menopause<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Estrogen is a hormone that not only affects a woman\u2019s reproductive system \u2014 it also plays a role in the production of serotonin, which regulates behavior and cognitive function.<\/p>\n

When hormone levels drop, you may experience mood swings and feel like you can\u2019t control your emotions. The hormonal fluctuations can trigger or worsen anxiety and depression, making you feel irritable, angry and sad.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome patients going through menopause tell me they cry or get irritable for no reason, or sometimes don\u2019t feel like themselves,\u201d says Brittany Little, ARNP<\/a>, a menopause-certified practitioner with MultiCare Capital Women’s Integrated Primary Care<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s important to note that not all women will experience these symptoms. Many of my patients have very limited or no perimenopause\/menopause symptoms.”<\/p>\n

\u201cMenopause can make you think you\u2019re losing your mind and like you\u2019re not in control of your body anymore.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cognitive changes are a natural part of aging that are intensified by the hormonal changes of menopause. You may have brain fog, difficulty remembering things or trouble concentrating. It can be hard to manage day-to-day tasks.<\/p>\n

Sleep problems caused by hormone changes can also affect mental clarity and well-being. And when you\u2019re not sleeping well, you may be too tired to exercise or make healthy food choices. Activity level and nutrition are also closely connected to mental health.<\/p>\n

You may feel like you\u2019re not functioning at the level you\u2019re used to, which may make you feel more anxious and\/or depressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMenopause can make you think you\u2019re losing your mind and like you\u2019re not in control of your body anymore,\u201d says Terry Silvestrin, ARNP<\/a>, a board-certified nurse practitioner and certified menopause clinician at MultiCare. \u201cSuddenly, you can\u2019t spell, add or multitask. These changes can affect who you think you are and what you\u2019re capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s more than just hormones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Life stressors and other symptoms of menopause can compound effects on mental health.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many changes you may be experiencing during this particular time of your life that cause additional stress,\u201d says Silvestrin. \u201cYou may become an empty nester; you might be caring for your parents; you might be going through a career transition.\u201d<\/p>\n

There can also be a sense of grief around your reproductive years coming to an end. And the lack of open conversation in society about menopause can contribute to feelings of isolation.<\/p>\n

Then there are other aspects of menopause that can impact how you feel about yourself, like weight gain, lower sex drive and changing appearance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of these factors can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence and therefore your mental health,\u201d adds Silvestrin.<\/p>\n

Coping strategies and support<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The good news is getting medical care and making lifestyle adjustments can help your mental well-being as you navigate menopause.<\/p>\n

\u201cMenopause care is not a one-size-fits-all approach,\u201d Little emphasizes. \u201cIt\u2019s very personal, and we determine a personalized plan based on your symptoms, medical history and any other contributing factors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which supplements estrogen and progesterone levels, is effective in managing vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes) and vulvovaginal symptoms (like vaginal dryness). With improvement of these physical symptoms, mood concerns often improve as well.<\/p>\n

Little notes the standard recommendation of MHT use is to start within 10 years of the onset of menopause, with a duration of five years. It should not be taken beyond age 60.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind tools that work for you to help mitigate anxiety so that stress is manageable and not managing you.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For some, antidepressants are another option to consider in menopause management.<\/p>\n

“In addition to helping with anxiety and depression, antidepressants can help with other symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and sleep,\u201d Little says.<\/p>\n

Therapy and counseling\u00a0are valuable tools that provide a confidential space to explore feelings, develop coping strategies and process the changes associated with menopause.<\/p>\n

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, is a well-established approach for managing anxiety and depression by teaching practical skills to modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Little says CBT can also be helpful for cognitive issues like brain fog and forgetfulness.<\/p>\n

The following lifestyle factors support overall mental well-being and can have a positive impact on mood, anxiety and stress management:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Getting\u00a0regular exercise<\/li>\n
  • Maintaining a\u00a0balanced diet<\/li>\n
  • Prioritizing\u00a0good sleep\u00a0hygiene<\/li>\n
  • Incorporating mindfulness practices like\u00a0yoga, meditation and breathing exercises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s all about quality of life,\u201d says Silvestrin. \u201cFind tools that work for you to help mitigate anxiety so that stress is manageable and not managing you.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Thriving during menopause and beyond<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. Some experience subtle shifts, while others face more intense physical and emotional symptoms.<\/p>\n

    If you find yourself struggling with mood changes, anxiety or cognitive difficulties, it\u2019s important to reach out to your doctor or other health care provider for guidance.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOnce menopausal, this is for the rest of your life, which may be up to a third of your lifespan,\u201d adds Silvestrin. \u201cSo do not suffer or lose your way. Get information, options and help to regain your confidence, patience and who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    When girls go through puberty, hormones tell the ovaries to start making estrogen and releasing eggs, and the menstrual cycle begins. When a woman approaches menopause, the process happens in reverse. Hormones alert the ovaries to stop producing estrogen, which brings an end to periods. Perimenopause, or the transition to menopause, can begin eight to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":451,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,115],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-behavioral-health","category-womens-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow menopause affects mental health - MultiCare Vitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hormonal changes in menopause cause physical symptoms as well as cognitive and mental health challenges. 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