How Does Menopause Affect Your Mental Health?
As a woman ages, her ovaries decrease the production of reproductive hormones, usually around the ages of 45-55. Menopause is defined as when the woman does not menstruate for twelve continuous months and can no longer conceive a child naturally. Symptoms of menopause might occur around four years before the woman’s last period in a stage called “perimenopause.” Irregular periods and changes in blood flow are common symptoms.
The change in the body’s hormonal levels, such as decreased estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and active ovarian follicles, affects the fertility and menstruation cycle and the overall health of the woman. These symptoms can disrupt your daily activities and degrade your quality of life. In Jackson Heights menopause symptoms can be managed by treatment methods to balance your hormones.
1. Depression.
Low estrogen levels can cause mood swings, irritability, stress, loss of motivation, and sadness. Middle age can be stressful, and women might be unable to cope with all changes and stress along with menopause. This contributes to the development of depression and anxiety. Common symptoms include feeling restless, fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, loss of appetite, low self-esteem, and lack of focus.
2. Physical symptoms.
Symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, increased rate of heartbeat, sore breasts, urinary tract infections, headaches, painful joints, uncomfortable intercourse, and night sweats can lead to constant discomfort and pain. They affect the daily routine of women and affect their physical and psychological health.
Treatment Methods:
Healthy lifestyle habits.
Exercising can boost a person’s mood and benefit their physical health. Getting enough sleep helps the body get sufficient rest. Relaxation methods such as yoga and massages relieve stress. Maintaining a good and balanced diet is recommended. Reduce or stop harmful habits such as smoking. Seeking help from therapists and loved ones can improve the woman’s mental health. Therapists might also prescribe antidepressants in severe cases.
Hormone therapy.
Hot flashes are experienced by 75% of women undergoing menopause and can be relieved by estrogen therapy. It also helps with vaginal dryness and bone loss. The dosage depends on the severity of your condition and medical history. Estrogen or progestin is administered orally or through a skin patch or gel.
Vaginal creams.
For symptoms such as vaginal dryness and itchiness, vaginal creams might be prescribed by your doctor to improve lubrication and prevent thinning of the tissues. They help reduce the pain you experience during sexual intercourse and can be estrogen or non-estrogen-based.
