Menopause and Anxiety
The different stages of menopause result in varied and ranging symptoms. The perimenopause stage is known to change moods and trigger irritability while producing hot flashes and night sweats. The postmenopause stage can result in long-term health issues like osteoporosis due to drop in estrogen levels. But no matter the stage of menopause you are in, one constant exists: stress.
The bad news is that reducing stress in your life won’t erase the unwanted symptoms of menopause. It can’t return your body and mind to their previous states. What reducing stress can do is prevent symptoms from worsening. Stress, tension, and anxiety seem to intensify whatever issues currently present in your life. If your menopause is bad, stress will make it worse. By reducing stress, you can redistribute your energies towards managing menopause directly. Here’s how:
1. Assess Your Stress
How do you know when your stress is high? How can you tell when it is reduced? Many have the physical symptoms of increased muscle tension and rigidity. You might find yourself fidgeting and pacing the room. Mentally, people will feel keyed up or drained of emotional energy. Maybe your mind constantly moves in the direction of worry as you fear the worst will happen. You may not like to consider these symptoms, but paying more attention to them will aid in your endeavors to reduce them. Do your best to separate the symptoms triggered by stress from the symptoms sparked by menopause. Be aware of when and where symptoms overlap.
An effective treatment plan usually involves a few different menopause therapies – pharmaceutical, traditional and self-guided.
