When a woman enters menopause, her menstrual cycle stops, but the entire process takes time to end. After a year without a menstrual cycle, it is considered that the person has reached menopause, and this stage marks the end of a woman's capacity to get pregnant. 

Perimenopause is the term used to describe the transitional period preceding menopause. A woman's ovaries produce fewer mature eggs during this transition period preceding menopause, and ovulation becomes erratic.

Progesterone and estrogen production both decline at the same period, and a significant decrease in estrogen levels is the primary cause of menopausal symptoms. One of these symptoms is menstrual mood swings that affect millions of women worldwide. Although menopause can occur in your 40s, the average age at menopause is around 50.  

What is Menopause?

When you reach menopause, your menstrual cycles stop permanently, and your ovaries stop generating eggs at this point. Menopause typically begins between the ages of 40 and 50, but some may experience it sooner as a result of a medical condition or treatment. 

The hormone estrogen is used in many ways in a woman’s body; when your estrogen levels drop, you may experience a range of symptoms, including menstrual mood swings. Many women have moderate symptoms that may be managed with small lifestyle adjustments, but some women's symptoms might be more severe and need treatment. These symptoms might last for several years and even begin before the menstrual cycle ends, and there might be minor to severe effects on a person's quality of life because of it.  

Menopausal Problems

When menopause starts, the first symptom you notice is irregular periods. They may become scanty or infrequent and happen at irregular intervals. However, women experience other physical issues during menopause that are called menopausal problems. 

1. Hot flashes

Hot flashes during menopause are common and can last for several years even after menopause. An abrupt sensation of heat in the upper body or throughout is called a hot flash, and it's also possible for your neck and cheeks to flush. You can get red spots on your arms, back, and chest, and shivering and profuse perspiration may ensue. Hot flashes might be extremely light or intense enough to wake you up at night or disrupt your concentration at work. The typical duration of a hot flash is between 10-30 minutes, and they may occur once or twice a week, a few times a day, or several times an hour.

2. Menopause mood swings

Your emotions might be impacted by the hormone changes that occur during menopause and affect your daily life. Physical menopausal symptoms might also exacerbate emotions by causing tension and exhaustion. It is a time when experiencing depression and anxiety becomes common, and hormonal fluctuations and sleep disorders may increase these problems. 

Menopause mood swings can get worse by feelings of sorrow related to decreased libido or the end of fertility. Menopause-related emotions of anger and exhaustion are prevalent, although they may not always signify depression. Nonetheless, if a person's poor mood lasts more than a few weeks, they should consult a doctor, who may offer advice on the best course of action. It is advisable for anybody experiencing mood swings issues or any other menopausal changes to speak with a healthcare professional.

3. Bladder control

Some women have problems passing urine, lack of control over urination, frequency of urination, urgency and irritation. Visiting a physician is the first step in addressing this issue.

4. Vaginal dryness

A woman’s vagina may get drier after menopause, which can make sex painful for a woman. A loss of libido is also common during menopause; however, there is no connection between vaginal dryness and a lack of libido. It is possible that difficulty having sex can worsen a woman’s mood swings.  

5. Sleep

Some women start experiencing problems with sleeping when they go through menopause. They may have trouble falling asleep or waking up early, and hot flashes at night worsen this condition. Additionally, one could find it difficult to get proper rest if one keeps waking up throughout the night.  

6. Changes in the body

Because of estrogen level changes, your waist can grow, and you acquire fat and lose muscle. It's also possible for your skin to become thin in addition to stiffness and aches in your joints and muscles. You may experience memory issues, but medical professionals are still researching these alterations and their correlation with hormones. Furthermore, some women may have headaches, palpitations in the heart, and aches and pains. The frequency and intensity of these menopausal symptoms in women are unexpected due to the potential role of fluctuating hormone levels.

Exploring the Link between Menopause and Mood Swings 

Estrogen levels decrease as a woman approaches menopause, resulting in several physiological changes, and menopausal mood fluctuations are directly linked to several of these changes. For instance, the reduction in estrogen may have an impact on the body's regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, two chemicals that may be connected to depression and other menopause mood. Reduced estrogen levels have been associated with irritation, exhaustion, stress, and difficulties focusing. Additionally, in menopausal individuals, researchers have detected increased levels of monoamine oxidase A, a brain protein, and symptoms of mood swings have been linked to this protein. 

Final Remarks

It can be difficult to decide how to treat the menopause mood because it can be quite severe in some women. Long-term improvements in one's mood and general health can be achieved by eating a balanced diet and exercising often. There are therapies and resources available for women experiencing menopausal symptoms to help them ease through the transition period.

Schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist to go over your treatment plan and to learn about options that will help you throughout the menopause period.