October is Menopause Awareness Month

Menopause is a natural transition that all biological females go through, typically between ages 45 and 55yo. Menopause is when you have officially gone 12 consecutive months with out a period. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause which can begin several years earlier. During this time our bodies start to produce less estrogen and progesterone which triggers a wide range of emotional and physical changes. While many of us have heard about hot flashes and night sweats, how it impacts our mental health as widely been missing from the conversation.

• Anxiety and Depression: Women with a history of severe PMS or postpartum depression are at higher risk of experiencing increased depression, anxiety, and panic during this transition.

• Brain fog and Forgetfulness: You may experience difficulty concentrating, forgetting your words, and short-term memory loss. These can all feel incredibly frustrating and perhaps a little scary.

• Poor Sleep: Night sweats and increased anxiety can disrupt your sleep. Chronic sleep loss can contribute to the anxiety and depression, as well as irritability and exhaustion.

Navigating the Transition: If you're struggling with your mental health during this time, you're not alone! You don't need to tough it out alone either. Making some minor lifestyle changes, such as tweaking your diet and adding in physical activity, effectively managing your stress, starting psychotherapy, and medical interventions like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can make a significant difference. Use this month as an opportunity to prioritize your mental health. If you feel your quality of life is being impacted reach out to a provider who specializes in women's mid-life health.