Menopause and Mental Health

"Menopause" may appear to be just another term for many of us; however, this period is very crucial for women around the age of 45-55, sometimes even earlier. This is the stage where menstruation (i.e., periods) usually stops. When a woman goes through this particular phase of her life, she in a way might be relieved that she would no longer need to purchase tampons, pads, and other things. However, the hormonal changes during this time can cause significant discomfort to them. "So to all the ladies out there, going through this phase, I am sorry for your discomfort, and I hope that with this blog post, I will be able to get educated alongside with educating your family members so that we are all connected on an empathetic level."

Hormonal imbalances during the menopausal period are widely regarded as significant contributors to various psychological disorders and mood disturbances in more than 50% of women. Upon entering menopause, individuals frequently seek information online regarding their symptoms and potential underlying causes. While this inclination is understandable, it is imperative to prioritize professional guidance in such matters. In this discussion, I aim to delineate the causes of menopause and its effects on the body.

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is characterized by a gradual reduction in menstrual flow. It is essential to note that the symptoms associated with menopause can vary considerably from one individual to another:

➻ Some women may experience anxiety, while others may endure significant mood changes, including mood swings.

➻ Common symptoms include insomnia and, in some cases, severe sleeplessness.

➻ There may be a sudden increase in facial hair growth accompanied by hair loss.

➻ Symptoms can also manifest as vaginal dryness and discomfort, along with a diminished sexual drive.

➻ Individuals may face a heightened risk of experiencing depressive episodes or being diagnosed with depression.

➻ Additionally, joint pain and other forms of physiological discomfort are prevalent during this stage.

Addressing these symptoms with professional support is crucial for managing the challenges associated with menopause.

(M & MMD) Menopause and Major Depressive Disorder

Around 20% of women experience major depressive disorder (MDD) during the menopausal transition period. The risk of developing MDD is higher in women with a history of depression. For many individuals, depression may present as a manifestation of profound sadness. This condition can be categorized into various episodes, which may occur with or without accompanying psychotic features. Some of the primary symptoms observed in women during the menopause phase include:

- Fatigue or lack of energy

- Increased sleep duration

- Diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed

- Fluctuations in appetite, which may involve overeating or undereating.

Impact of Depression during menopausal phase:

During the menopause transition, women often experience significant fluctuations in hormonal levels, which can greatly affect their emotional health. This period is frequently associated with an increase in depressive symptoms, such as excessive crying and heightened irritability.
The alteration in hormonal balance may lead to pronounced feelings of sadness, primarily due to the decline in serotonin levels, often referred to as the "happy hormone." As serotonin decreases, women may find it increasingly challenging to manage stress, resulting in a sense of hopelessness. This emotional slump can also contribute to a reduction in physical activity levels, further exacerbating the situation.

(M & SSD) Menopause & Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

"Mood fluctuations" and "hormonal changes" are widely recognized as common symptoms of menopause. However, these changes are not solely associated with anxiety and depression; they may also contribute to the development of “late-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SDD)”. Though not as prevalent as MDD, a significant number of women develop late-onset SDD. Some of the prominent symptoms of these disorders include:

- Delusions: The presence of false beliefs or judgments that are not based in reality.  

- Hallucinations: The experience of perceiving stimuli that do not exist in reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not present.  

- Disorganized Speech: An incoherent or fragmented manner of speaking that affects communication.  

- Blunted Affect: A reduction in emotional expression through your facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical movements. 

- Catatonic Posture: A state in which individuals may remain in unusual or immobile positions for extended periods.

Impact of Schizophrenia During the Menopausal Phase:

Traditionally, schizophrenia is often diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 25; however, this perception may require re-evaluation in specific contexts. 

• The interplay of hormones and emotional fluctuations during the menopausal phase can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. 

• This phenomenon is sometimes simplistically referred to as "women going crazy". In reality, it is essential to acknowledge that schizophrenia can profoundly affect individuals, rendering them vulnerable without necessarily being recognized as such.

• The combination of stress and hormonal changes may increase the risk of women experiencing episodes of psychosis. In this context, psychosis refers to a state where individuals lose contact with reality, often entering a trance-like condition during which they perceive their surroundings as authentic.

In addition to the various emotionally turbulent disorders to which women may be susceptible, they may also experience certain common conditions. These include "insomnia," characterized by a lack of sleep at night, and physiological changes such as "hot flashes," which involve sudden skin flushing, heat in the chest, and excessive sweating. Anxiety is another disorder that may develop, often arising from stress and emotional dysregulation.

Things to do when you or someone you know is going through a similar phase

While the list of potential conditions is extensive, there are effective ways to support the women in your life as they navigate these challenging phases:

• Psychoeducate yourself about “menopause’’. 

• Be patient with them, this phase is also new to them. 

• Recommend them to a professional when necessary. 

• Try out some relaxation techniques (breathing, listening to calming music). 

• Inculcate a healthy diet in their lifestyle.

The terms "overwhelming" or "confusing" might be on your mind right now. Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, and the best we can do is to be there for them and provide the support they need.