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Menopause and Mood Swings
By Cathy Taylor
Menopause can bring on mood swings that make you not recognize yourself.
You know, where the slightest request from your husband can cause you to go
off. Or perhaps the cries of your child for a new Playstation game makes you
lose it. For me, I would be standing in a grocery story line and see a small
child and begin to weep uncontrollably. Typically mood swings can't be
explained rationally.
These kinds of lightning fast changes in how you feel play a significant role in
the menopause game and are often one of the first things women notice that
causes her to suspect something is not right! Sometimes it is a very circuitous
route to discovering that you are in perimenopause. Characteristics of
menopausal mood changes can include extreme irritability, blatant rage,
concentrated anxiety, depression, indifference as well as nervousness.
Menopause and mood swings work together because changes in hormonal
levels (most notably, dropping progesterone and estrogen levels) are
beginning to take shape inside a woman's body. Hormone levels affect the
level of serotonin in the brain which can cause depressive symptoms. These
changes may make women feel unreasonably insecure about themselves
and their current role in life, which contributes to more feelings of
worthlessness.
Other factors that trigger mood swings in menopause sufferers are the
symptoms they face. Tinnitus (whooshing and ringing sensations in the ear
due to nerve damage as a result of aging & hearing loss), incontinence (or
other abnormal bladder behavior), and hot flashes also add to the overall
crankiness a menopausal woman faces.
Mood swings can be significantly reduced by following a course of action
such as a weekly exercise regimen. Exercise, specifically meditation, deep
breathing and yoga, have been proven to relieve mood swings. Besides,
exercise is the ultimate anti-aging activity - women who move their bodies
consistently report looking and feeling younger. And, many women have
reported the benefits of soy products as well as a natural progesterone cream
to relieve symptoms.
Another healthy objective is to have a steady social support group to turn to.
Menopause sufferers find that soothing words from their family and friends,
some confirmation that the sky isn't falling down and that she is certainly not
alone, is a tremendous help to their overall well-being.
The third course of action is to follow the right diet. Caffeine loaded drinks like
coffee and soda can lead to symptoms you want to avoid such as breast
tenderness. They will only excite your body's nervous system leading to
restless sleep that can make you cranky throughout the day. Drink certain
decaffeinated teas that increase serotonin levels in the brain, like
passionflower and chamomile, which will also relax and help provide blissful
sleep.
Here's a tip for some that don't have a lactose issue - grab the milk bottle in the
refrigerator and warm it up. Tryptophan, a component found in warm milk, is
known to increase serotonin in the brain and can help you rest better. A
multivitamin and mineral supplement may also help load your body with the
right nutrients, balancing things out. Be sure to check with your doctor about
what types and amounts are appropriate for your body.
You can avoid menopause mayhem and eliminate mood swings and the
sudden onset of crying by following the above advice - feel refreshed mentally
and emotionally for a better day
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not
intended as medical advice.
About the Author
Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to http://www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.ht
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