Menopause can bring about a number of physical changes including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping.

Many women also report that they don’t feel like themselves and want to know: Does menopause affect my mood?

To find out how menopause can impact your mood and emotional state, read on.

Does Menopause Affect My Mood?

If you’re wondering – Does menopause affect my mood? – then you are not alone. In fact, many women who experience mood swings during menopause want to know how and why they occur.

Rapidly declining estrogen levels in menopause can affect mood in several ways.

To start, estrogen helps to regulate a number of chemicals in the brain that affect mood. These include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

In addition, estrogen plays a significant role in brain functioning, including cognition. As such, decreased estrogen may result in forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and feeling fuzzy. Unsurprisingly, these symptoms can cause frustration and impact a woman’s mood.

The physical symptoms of menopause, including sleep disturbances, loss of libido, and anxiety about aging, can adversely affect mood and state of mind as well.

How to Alleviate Menopause Mood Swings

The good news is that not all women will experience mood changes and/or swings with menopause. For those who do, there are a variety of at-home treatments that can boost mood and help you feel like yourself again. They include:

• Regular aerobic exercise
• Healthy diet full of nutrient-dense food
• Sleep hygiene – getting enough quality sleep
• Stress management with yoga, meditation, or walks

When Should I Seek Help from a Menopause Specialist?

In the event that you are experiencing extreme mood changes, that add anxiety and interfere with daily life, they you may want to consider seeking professional help from a menopause specialist.

Learn More About Menopause and Mood

If you are concerned about menopause-related mood changes, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist Dr. Melinda Hall.