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.
\u201cAnd it\u2019s such a relief to hear women talk about it now,\u201d said Dr. Lulu Zhao with Cleveland Clinic\u2019s Women\u2019s 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.
\u201cDuring this time, these unstable sex hormones really wreak havoc on the brain,\u201d Zhao said.
It can lead to irritability, being distracted, and even clinical depression or anxiety.
\u201cThe midlife is a tricky time for women, Mandy, you know, we have a lot of demands. We\u2019re 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,\u201d 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\u2019s okay to not be 100 percent. Stay engaged in activities you find rewarding and enjoyable.
\u201cEven if you don\u2019t really feel like doing them, by the time you\u2019re done doing them, your mood is lifted,\u201d Zhao said.
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