Mood swings are a major change that women experience throughout perimenopause and menopause, due in large part to the hormonal level changes. Some women liken these feelings with PMS—only constant. Other women compare their menopausal emotions with puberty—only now, they’re more experienced. These feelings are closely related to the drop in levels of estrogen, ad run the gamut of emotional highs and lows, including:

• sadness, or the blues
• lack of motivation
• fatigue
• irritability
• anxiety
• nervousness
• aggressiveness
• tension
• mood swings

More severe emotional difficulties, such as clinical depression, are not a symptom of menopause, and should be treated as a separate condition.

You can help to control these emotional aspects of menopause by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise—two options that always have the potential to cheer you up. Relaxation techniques such as those you find through yoga are sometimes helpful in dealing with stress and anxiety associated with menopause. Creating a support network with family and especially other female friends who are experiencing similar changes as you will help to foster a sense of emotional balance. Try to avoid “fixing” emotional issues with alcohol or drugs such as overuse of prescription anti-anxiety medicines or tranquilizers. Your provider will discuss the option of antidepressants with you.

If you’re having difficulty finding a balance between all of the menopausal emotions, consider seeking help from a professional counselor and your provider.

Click below to read about related topics.

Introduction
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Sleep
Cognition & Memory
Emotions