Whether menopause is on the horizon or in full swing, you can expect hormone changes to cause more than just physical symptoms. Many experience various mental health changes during this life stage as well.
Though menopause isn’t always the culprit (mental and emotional struggles can happen at any age), logging your moods will provide a clearer picture of what’s going on. You can get a more accurate diagnosis from your healthcare provider and explore potential treatment options.
And if you’re ever struggling to feel like yourself, it’s time to speak with your provider.
In-app mental function tracking
Ovia makes it easy to track your moods, emotional changes, and mental function. Here’s a breakdown of what you might log in the app.
Mood changes
Hormone shifts can lead to mood changes at nearly any life stage, and menopause is no exception. Physical health issues during this time could also affect your mood, like an overactive thyroid gland, eating a poor diet, or not getting enough exercise. You can log all these lifestyle habits and more with Ovia.
Crying spells
You might also feel more emotional than usual during menopause. This could cause you to become readily upset, tear up easily, or cry more than you normally do.
Anxiety and panic attacks
Some people feel more stressed or anxious in their menopausal years. In some cases, it may lead to panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden and unexpected spell of extreme anxiousness, usually accompanied by physical symptoms like excessive sweating, shaking, a racing heart, or shortness of breath.
Low motivation and depressive symptoms
There are also higher rates of depression among menopausal women. The symptoms could be relatively mild, like low motivation and loss of interest in things you typically enjoy.
But if it goes on for longer than two weeks or you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider right away. Help is available and you do not need to feel like this.
Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems
Hormonal changes, sleep issues, and elevated stress levels could lead to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or even memory problems. If you’re having trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things, check in with your provider.
While these can be normal symptoms of menopause, a mental health professional can offer reassurance and work with you on possible solutions.
Sleep issues
Sleep issues fall somewhere in between mental and physical health — and they’re common during menopause. You might experience insomnia or trouble drifting off. Hot flashes, night sweats, or a frequent urge to urinate could also be keeping you up.
Start logging your mental health symptoms with Ovia today.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Menopause.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.
- “Menopause.” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. October 5, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause.
- “What Is Menopause?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause.
- Infantino M. “The prevalence and pattern of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in perimenopausal and menopausal women.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2008. 20(5):266-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2008.00316.x. PMID: 18460167. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18460167/.
- “Menopause and mental health.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/menopause-and-mental-health.
- “Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. November 25, 2019. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-menopause-causing-your-mood-swings-depression-or-anxiety/.
- Bilodeau. “Sleep, stress, or hormones? Brain fog during perimenopause.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-stress-or-hormones-brain-fog-during-perimenopause-202104092429.
- “Sleep Problems and Menopause: What Can I Do?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep-problems-and-menopause-what-can-i-do. “A Good Night’s Sleep.” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). November 03, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep#insomnia.
