“Oh, she’s grumpy! Must be menopause,” people utter. This is not entirely false and yes, there is a link between emotions, hormones and menopause. However, is it well understood by the community? Why do women of menopausal age experience a change in the way the feel? Why do some women of middle-age suddenly become sad and angry?
When a lady in her mid-forties or early fifties becomes hot tempered and emotional, many are usually quick to assume that it’s due to an inevitable life-changing event – menopause.
Understanding this link could actually help menopausal women in our society feel better during this phase life. So, to shed the light on this, Dr. Kim-Lei Wong from Dr. Kim Wong Specialist Clinic talks about menopause and stress.
1Twenty80: HOW DOES A WOMAN KNOW SHE HAS REACHED MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Kim-Lei Wong: Menopause occurs when estrogen in the body starts to fluctuate. A whole year’s cycle without your period will indicate that you have reached menopause and the last day of your period will be your menopause date.
1Twenty80: WHY ARE MOOD CHANGES OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Kim: Estrogen plays an important role. It increases levels of serotonin which helps with happiness and sleep.
When estrogen levels are low, serotonin levels decrease too and this affects a lady’s sleep, temperament and could cause depression. It all depends on the sensitivity of a lady. Not all women experience this. About 60 to 70 percent or 2/3 of women are affected by anxiety during menopause.
1Twenty80: WHAT CAUSES STRESS DURING MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Kim: A woman might feel a lack of motivation, sadness, aggressiveness and low libido. Stress is actually one of the symptoms and it is caused by discomfort that a woman may feel. Also, low libido equates to less sex and this could also be the cause of a lack of ‘happy hormones’ (serotonin). Hot flushes, palpitation, irritability and all these symptoms will affect a woman’s state of happiness during menopause too.
1Twenty80: WHAT CAN WOMEN DO TO RELIEVE STRESS DURING MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Kim: Let’s start with your daily life. If you have a hectic schedule, reduce your workload or if you’re easily irritable, it’s time to get involved in exercises that help with relaxation such as mediation and yoga. In general, spending time with family and a healthy diet is also important. Consume easily digestible food and have a good sleeping pattern too.
Try to make yourself comfortable and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. The woman’s partner, children and family members need to be understanding as well.
Besides lifestyle changes, Menopausal Therapy is also available which addresses early and late symptoms of menopause.
The Malaysian Menopause Society (MMS) for example, brings awareness about this issue. The more aware women are of this, they are able to control it better.
1Twenty80: HOW CAN A HUSBAND AND FRIENDS HELP DURING THIS STAGE OF LIFE?
Dr. Kim: It’s important to be understanding and provide moral support, instead of going head on in an argument.
Remember, symptoms such as being temperamental is short term and she is feeling this way not because of something you did wrong but due to menopause. So, spend more time with her and do not make matters worse. If an argument is about to spark, choose to avoid it.
1Twenty80: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A HEALTHY MIND DURING THIS STAGE?
Dr. Kim: It is very important as menopausal women are prone to depression. If your mind is not healthy, it could lead to depression. Women need to be aware of their state of mind.
1Twenty80: WHAT HAPPENS IF STRESS IS NOT MANAGED WELL DURING MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Kim: It can lead to a nervous breakdown or even worse. If you need help, see a gynaecologist. Research has shown that Menopause Therapy has helped with some mental disorders. Estrogen is a therapy for bipolar disorder and depression. It could also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and hair loss that’s due to estrogen deficiency. There are also natural ways to manage menopause symptoms such as by consuming chamomile, red clover, St. John’s Wort, Black Cohosh and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis).
Your gynae will conduct a blood test to confirm if you’ve reached menopause. Women who are experiencing perimenopause can also experience similar symptoms.
Many do not see a gynae unless something is wrong and it’s important to understand that menopause symptoms will never come to an end. There are also late menopause symptoms such as Alzheimer’s Disease, losing your teeth, osteoporosis, incontinence and vagina atrophy.
