Menopause is a natural stage of life that every woman goes through, but experts say the physical and emotional changes that come with it can have a major impact on mental health and well-being.
Symptoms often include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, weight gain, joint aches and changes to hair and skin. But doctors say menopause can also bring significant emotional and psychological challenges because of shifting hormone levels.
“And it’s such a relief to hear women talk about it now,” said Dr. Lulu Zhao with the Women’s Behavioral Health Program at Cleveland Clinic.
Zhao said more women are becoming aware of menopause and the ways it can affect both the body and the mind.
“During this time, these unstable sex hormones really wreak havoc on the brain,” Zhao said.
According to Zhao, menopause can lead to irritability, trouble concentrating, anxiety and even clinical depression.
“The midlife is a tricky time for women,” she said. “We have a lot of demands. We’re juggling careers, family, our aging parents. So I do think this is a good cue for women to kind of step back, take stock of their lives and decide where they want to prioritize their energy.”
Experts say coping with menopausal mood symptoms starts with self-care, including eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Doctors say those habits have been shown to improve depressive symptoms during all phases of life.
Experts also encourage women to give themselves grace and understand it is OK to not feel 100 percent all the time.
Staying involved in enjoyable and rewarding activities can also help improve mood, Zhao said.
“Even if you don’t really feel like doing them, by the time you’re done doing them, your mood is lifted,” she said.
Zhao said women whose symptoms begin interfering with daily life, sleep or mental health should seek treatment.
She warned that ongoing sleep issues and persistent negative thoughts could signal a major depressive episode, adding that treatment can help.
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla.