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8. Perimenopause Leads to Depression
There’s really no way to sugar-coat it: perimenopause involves emotional strain. A changing body, unpredictable moods, a shifting self-image, and worries about the discomforts that lie ahead are fodder for anxiety. However, that path doesn’t have to end in depression.
Up to 20% of women experience mood swings in perimenopause, and some experts suspect there’s a higher incidence of depression in these years, but biological changes can’t take all the blame. It may be that less activity, slight weight gain that can come with changing hormones, and poor sleep quality are really what leads to mood imbalance. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to tip the scales in your favor, from regular exercise to social support.
The best step to a better transition is breaking through the myths and stigma surrounding menopause. It’s important to monitor your own body and mind, rather than get hung up on what you “should” expect and when. Look inside yourself and reach out to the strong women around you to find the strength to overcome the challenges. After all, you’ve been through major hormonal shifts before, and you can certainly do it again — with grace, positivity, and energy.
Read more about anxiety during perimenopause over at NewLifeOutlook.
Resources
Daily Rx (Menopause Myths and Misconceptions)Healthful Elements (Easing into Menopause)Women to Women (The Top Ten Menopause Myths)Medscape (Meta-analysis Suggests That Smoking is Associated with an Increased Risk of Early Natural Menopause)More (Menopause: Puberty All Over Again?)
The changes in the female hormones during this time can cause a range of different symptoms. The following are symptoms of perimenopause.
