Mental health responses

Mental health and emotional wellbeing can change during menopause. Hormones directly influence the emotions. Physical changes and potential discomforts during menopause are stressful for some women.

The lives of women also often change at the age when menopause occurs. It might be that the focus changes between career, relationship and family. Less responsibility for children may mean more responsibility at work. Women's self image can also change. Many women better recognise their own strengths and demand their rightful place in society. Cultural traditions and views of women play a role here, too. In some cultures, older women have a higher status in the community than those who are younger. On the other hand, change can also be unsettling, for example when a woman's role as a mother becomes less important. Caring for your own parents can be an additional challenge at this age.

All these changes can influence mood and emotional wellbeing every day, and be unsettling for the woman.

These responses, feelings, and mental health issues can be related to menopause:

• More annoyance, anger, grief, fear and worry: change often leads to feelings that are stronger than usual. Some women feel generally irritable, dissatisfied or disappointed. If a woman's self-confidence is strongly dependent on superficial attractiveness, signs of the menopause can cause her to doubt her own worth.
• Depression: there is no evidence that menopause causes depression. Previous depressive episodes are more likely to recur during menopause, however.
• Disturbed sleep: hormones can cause disturbed sleeping patterns. Hot flushes and night sweats are also possible causes. Disturbed sleep can cause affected women to be less resilient. As a result, general mood and emotional wellbeing may deteriorate.
• Changes to sexuality: hormonal realignment is rarely the reason for changes in women's sex lives. Sometimes, however, the desire for sex also changes during menopause. This can also be due to changes in relationships. Often, it is liberating not to have to worry about unwanted pregnancy any longer. Sexual experiences can be enhanced as a result.

Being informed about menopause leads to feeling more secure. Exchanging experiences with others who are affected can help. Seek psychological support if emotional distress is affecting your quality of life. Even without physical or emotional discomfort, a conversation with your gynaecologist can be helpful.

However, menopause not only has its challenging aspects, it also offers opportunities. After menopause, you still have an entire third of your lifetime ahead of you! Perhaps your body and soul need more attention during this time, but there are also advantages and opportunities. Menstrual periods finish, and with them the worry about unwanted pregnancy. Those who see these natural changes in a positive light can re-evaluate and rebalance their priorities and activities in life. There are many reasons to embrace menopause confidently and with joy!