World Menopause Day exists because we all need to talk about the menopause and all its associated symptoms much more openly.
Fluctuating and falling hormone levels have a massive effect on mental health and wellbeing, because all hormones work together to regulate everything going on in our brains and bodies. When it starts to work differently it feels different, and that can be really horrible.
Oestrogen regulates mood hormones like serotonin, so it's no surprise that decreasing oestrogen has a negative impact on mood and can cause brain fog and forgetfulness. Progesterone is responsible for sleep quality, which explains the disrupted sleep, low energy and mood swings. Ovaries also produce testosterone which is needed for quality sleep, concentration and libido, which all suffer when testosterone levels drop. HRT works because it boosts these hormone levels back up.
Going through perimenopause and menopause can feel like you're not yourself, you have no motivation or energy, you are easily irritated, you can have intrusive thoughts, or even anxiety or very low mood. Recognising when this is happening it so important.
As a society we have a horrible tendency to tell people to put a brave face on it, power through, hide how we're feeling. That needs to change.
In the past, menopause was a time to be celebrated. Menopausal women were recognised for their wisdom, experience, confidence and leadership. We need to return to that, and in order to do so we need to be empowered to know how to help ourselves, how to support each other, and how to speak up when we need help, support, medication or a bloody good rest!
There are many things we can do to help ourselves, and there are some things we have to speak up about and get help with.
So if you're struggling, please know that you are not alone. You don't need to soldier on or hide, there is support out there. If you'd like to try reflexology, give me a call or book online.
Comments