Menopause causes many psychological changes in women. Anxiety, irritability and depression are some of the common psychological changes occurring in women, during menopause. Know the main cause of depression in women in menopause and find tips for dealing with it.Menopause can occur anytime during the age of 45 to 50 years in females. Some medical conditions, surgeries or medical treatments may cause menopause to occur early in life. This phase can cause havoc of psychological changes in them.
This phenomenon is common in all females. This phase marks the closing stages of menstrual cycle. As the menstrual cycle stops forever, the reproductive period ends as well. After menopause the ability of women to conceive and give birth to babies is ceased. This is caused as a result of decrease in the production of reproductive
hormones which affect the production of eggs thereby ceasing the fertility. Although, fertility is ceased, with the advancement in the assisted reproductive techniques, women can get pregnant even during their menopause.
Menopause is a gradual and natural process which takes place in three stages namely perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. As mentioned before, during these phases all women have to undergo a lot of psychological changes. Let us take a look at the psychological changes that take place in women due to menopause and what they can do about it.
What are the psychological changes associated with menopause?
Anxiety, irritability and
depression commonly arise during the climacteric (around menopause time) and are usually the group of
symptoms which are worse in the pre-menopause period i.e. a few years before periods cease. Women may also experience other symptoms like mood swings, aggression, tiredness, tension, lack of concentration, sadness etc.
Why does depression occur?
Falling estrogens levels may reduce dopamine receptor sensitivity or reduce available tryptophan for serotonin synthesis, leading to reduced activity of central nervous system transmitters and consequent depression. Other causes of depression may also occur at the time of menopause. These include loss of reproductive potential, a perceived loss of femininity, marital disenchantment, the 'empty nest' syndrome and career disappointments.
What can women do to deal with psychological changes?
Here is what women can do to deal with the psychological changes that take place due to
menopause.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly can help to deal with the symptoms of menopause. Exercising under the supervision of expert can provide better results. Joining a gym is also a good alternative. Simple exercises like jogging, brisk walking, swimming or cycling can also work wonders.
Eat Nutritious Food
Eating nutritious foods is equally important to help yourself adjust to the psychological changes that are going on inside you. Following a strict diet is not necessary but eating healthy is a must. You can indulge in your favourite foods once in a while as food is also considered as a very good mood booster. Include foods rich in iron, calcium and fibre in your diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is also a must.
Follow Your Hobbies
Do you think that you have been busy enough until now to follow your favourite hobbies? This is the right time to start following your favourite hobbies. Getting involved with hobbies can help you to divert your mind from the stress, pressure and tension that is caused due to menopause.
Meet Your Close Friends
Spending time with friends is also one of the best ways to deal with anxiety and mood swings. Most of our friends are of our age only and they may have similar concerns. Meeting such friends will help you to understand how they are coping with such issue. During this time you may find a solution to your problems or if you and your friends can together chalk-out a solution than there will be nothing like it.
Your family can also be a great support for you during this time. Spend quality time with your family members. Go out on vacations with them if possible. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. These ageing problems are passing clouds and as time passes everything will be perfectly alright.