The menopause refers to a natural biological process when a menstruating person’s ovaries start to produce less reproductive hormones, and periods come to an end. The average age for the menopause is 51, but it can naturally happen much younger. It is a time of significant physical, hormonal and emotional change, and although the menopause refers to a physical process, the emotional, social, and behavioural impact from it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and their general wellbeing.
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by the menopause can include mood swings, fatigue, hot flushes, trouble sleeping, lack of concentration, loss of interest in sex, vaginal dryness, aches and pains, urinary tract infections and headaches. Changes in mood due to hormonal changes could include sadness, lack of concentration, irritability, lack of motivation, a quick temper and stress.
Although the menopause is not a psychological disorder, rates of depression double during this transitional period. Many people also report elevated feelings of anxiety, and some evidence suggests panic attacks are more likely to occur during and after this transition. Hot flushes can also be mistaken for panic attacks. While they both can include panic, sweating and heart palpitations, only panic attacks cause breathlessness.
The perimenopause refers to the period prior to menopause, and this can last several months or in some cases, years. Symptoms during this time can include problems sleeping, hot flushes, irregular periods or changes to period flow as well as mood swings. In most cases the first indicator of the onset of menopause, will be a change to a person’s mood.
Cultural factors
How a person reacts to the menopause will also be affected by external influences, such as how supported they feel and what other changes may be happening in their life. For example, the menopause may happen alongside other changes such as children growing up and leaving home or elderly parents needing more care and attention.
It has also been shown that cultural factors can impact a person’s individual experience. In cultures where older people are valued and respected, menopausal symptoms appear to cause less problems for the individual. In societies where youth is valued, the menopause can bring with it experiences of loss, sadness and an affect on self-worth and sense of identity.
Help and Support
Experiences of the menopause will be unique to the individual, and not everyone will experience severe symptoms or a negative impact on their mental health or wellbeing. However, if you feel the menopause is negatively impacting on your quality of life, there is help available. Your GP should be your first contact.
NICE is clear that the low mood experienced during menopause is predominantly caused by a change in hormone levels and therefore anti-depressants should not be prescribed in the first instance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be offered by your GP, to help address the decrease in oestrogen. Talking therapy, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can also help to address low mood, anxiety, stress, energy and sleep issues. In a randomised, controlled study of 600 participants it was also proven to reduce night sweats and hot flushes.
Find out more about how CBT can help you by calling or emailing us.
You can also find out more on the NHS website.
