HOMETOWN HEALTH: Menopause and mental health, how hormonal changes affect the brain – WDBJ7

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Menopause is getting more attention as a natural stage in life that affects both physical and mental health.
While physical symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain are well-known, the hormonal changes during menopause can also have a profound impact on mental well-being.
“And it’s such a relief to hear women talk about it now,” said Dr. Lulu Zhao with Cleveland Clinic’s Women’s Behavioral Health Program.
Physical symptoms may include hot flashes and night sweats, problems with sleep, inability to lose weight, joint aches, and hair and skin changes.
The way menopause causes significant shifts in hormones can also impact mental health.
“During this time, these unstable sex hormones really wreak havoc on the brain,” Zhao said.
It can lead to irritability, being distracted, and even clinical depression or anxiety.
“The midlife is a tricky time for women, Mandy, you know, 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,” Zhao said.
Coping with menopausal mood symptoms starts with self-care. Doctors say eat a balanced diet and get adequate sleep and exercise. These things have been shown to improve depressive symptoms in all phases of life. Zhao also says give yourself some grace, it’s okay to not be 100 percent. Stay engaged in activities you find rewarding and enjoyable.
“Even if you don’t really feel like doing them, by the time you’re done doing them, your mood is lifted,” Zhao said.
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