Menopause and Mental Stability
It can get tough!
Women who experience menopause can suffer from mental illnesses. Most commonly known as the period when a woman is no longer able to have children, menopause is defined as the natural decline in reproductive hormones. It is when the function of the ovaries ceases and is indicated by the absence of a menstrual period for 12 months. Physical symptoms include but are not limited vaginal dryness, weight gain, heart palpitations, breast pain, trouble sleeping, joint irritation, back pain, bladder issues, dry skin and spontaneous rises in body temperature. The psychological symptoms for some are more difficult to deal with and can have a negative effect on the psyche. The condition occurs when women are between the ages of 40 and 60. This time period is full of ups and downs and involves various emotional stressors. Menopause combined with typical midlife occurrences can lead to cognitive ailment.
The change in reproductive hormones can often times seriously change the woman’s everyday behavior and outlook on her life. The transition into menopause begins with abnormal bleeding. This immediately attacks contentment of the woman. Knowing that she is entering a permanent stage of infertility, she may be subject to mood swings, self-esteem issues, and all around difficulty to see things clearly. Things that might have once been a symbol of happiness can have an adverse effect. A woman takes pride and joy in her reproductive years and it can be challenging when that period is interrupted. With bad timing, it can appear to be linked to other life struggles. It may occur when women are facing battles like resentment towards aging, divorce, memory loss, losing a loved one, career issues, getting newly married, or wanting to have kids. Going through similar circumstances while experiencing menopause can cause anxiety, depression, and even an attention deficit disorder. Lower levels of estrogen may make the woman feel like lesser of a woman. All of these complications can take a toll on the woman’s psyche.
Menopause changes a woman’s life in so many ways. The physical symptoms are well known but the psychological toll is underestimated. We often overlook how distressing it may be for our mothers and grandmothers. It is important to assist women in this transition as much as we can. A strong sense of family and faith will make it easier to avoid psychological trauma. I have attached a video that defines menopause and gives more insight on how it affects women. Do you see menopause having a negative effect on anyone you know?
Additional information can be found at the links below.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3410299/
Why-menopause-bring-migraine-misery-women-Hormone-changes-trigger-crippling-headaches-10-DAYS-month.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause
