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While wisdom may be associated with age, there are also some negative aspects of getting older. Stubborn weight gain, unpredictable mood swings, and disruptive hot flashes are all common complaints of women who are going through menopause. It is not surprising that while these physical changes are occurring, unwanted changes in your emotional and mental health may also occur.
During menopause, women come to the end of their reproductive cycle. Periods stop when the ovaries cease to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. For most women, this progressive decrease in hormone production does not go unnoticed. Many women experience a roller-coaster of emotions and anxiety throughout perimenopause and menopause. This stage of life can be extremely challenging as it is often during the same time that women are caring for aging parents or becoming empty nesters.
Hormonal changes alone can affect how you feel. Yet, when they are combined with your middle-aged life stage, roller-coaster emotions can undoubtedly take their toll on your mental health. Many women experience the following emotional distress symptoms:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Depression (significantly associated with weight gain)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Mood swings
- Tension
Boosting Mental Health During Menopause
It is important to make healthy lifestyle choices before and during menopause to prevent unnecessary strain on your mental health. A healthy diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and other addictive substances, as well as staying social can all boost your mental health.
However, some women find that lifestyle changes are not enough to manage their menopause symptoms – and that is okay. At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A., our physicians offer safe and effective menopause treatments in Cobb County and the surrounding areas. Contact us today.