Menopause, a new stage

During menopause we can suffer some emotional alterations, they are important symptoms to consider and treat.

What is the reason for these emotional symptoms?

Menopause is the time when menstrual cycles stop occurring: the ovaries' production of estrogen and progesterone decreases and they stop releasing an egg each month. It marks the end of the reproductive years. It is a gradual process of decreasing hormonal levels called perimenopause. The typical duration of perimenopause is seven years, although it can last even longer Menopause is linked to several symptoms that we have surely heard about, but of which we must also know that they do not affect all women equally, they may be non-existent or very mild for some while they can significantly affect the quality of life of others. others. Some of the most common symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats, dry skin, hair loss, vaginal dryness, joint pain or more fragile bones. But during this period we also suffer emotional alterations that can significantly affect our quality of life . The cause of these emotional symptoms are also estrogens, hormones that affect the central nervous system, and due to their reduction during menopause can lead to a reduction in the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences our mood or sleep. sleep regulation.

The most common emotional disturbances are:

- Alterations in mood and mood swings: this is the most common symptom and causes us to go from euphoria to sadness or anger for no apparent reason. - Irritability: Due to being in a state of greater sensitivity or susceptibility. - Anxiety: This state can intensify when we also suffer from hot flashes or night sweats. - Sleep problems: both in terms of falling asleep and its quality. Poor rest increases other symptoms such as irritability. - Difficulty concentrating: caused by stress, anxiety or insomnia. - Low self-esteem: it occurs in those women who experience menopause as a traumatic stage. Many times we think about looking for a solution for the more functional symptoms, but it is equally or more important to try to minimize the psychological effects that it can cause. Before looking for solutions to the emotional disorders that menopause can cause, the first thing to do is accept it. It is a new stage, a natural stage in our life. From there, build your self-esteem, do activities that make you feel good, and connect with your friends and family. And if you think that on your own or with the help of your environment you cannot cope with the emotional symptoms, consult a psychologist. To promote our self-esteem we can never forget our diet . A balanced diet will make us feel better and better. During menopause it is important to enrich the diet with foods rich in calcium such as dairy products, legumes, vegetables or whole grains. Let's also not forget fish that will provide us with omega 3 essential fatty acids, very useful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to diet, it may be useful to use some supplementation with supplements that help us better cope with emotional symptoms. Supplements that contain ashwagandha, a natural adaptogen that helps regulate our mood, can be very useful.