Menopause and Emotions: How to Boost Your Mood

Menopause is the natural end to your childbearing years, a time when your periods stop for good. However, a host of changes can occur at this time.

As experienced gynecologists at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we know how overwhelming and confusing the side effects of menopause can be, especially the unpredictable mood swings that are common for many women.

In addition to offering compassionate support as you enter menopause, we also offer menopause treatments designed to stabilize your mood and alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Why menopause can bring about mood changes

As you begin your journey to the end of your periods, your body stops producing high levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. 

Estrogen, in particular, plays a large role in your moods, as the hormone is responsible for regulating the feel-good hormones that influence your moods, such as serotonin and dopamine. With less estrogen, you may experience unexpected mood swings and persistently feel irritable.

Estrogen also helps your brain to function. Declining estrogen levels can lead to forgetfulness, difficulties concentrating, and brain fog. These can have a negative impact on your emotional health and cause negative thoughts and moods.

Adding another layer of frustration to the picture is the physical changes menopause can cause. Many women experience changes in their vaginal health, such as vaginal dryness, itching, and irritation. These issues can cause problems with sexual wellness, such as loss of libido and painful sex.

While menopause-related mood swings and other symptoms can take a big toll on your quality of life, help is available. At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we offer comprehensive care and hormone replacement therapy.

Replacing hormones can reduce mood swings

The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to rebalance your natural hormone levels by replacing lost hormones. We offer customized hormone replacement therapy to meet your needs. We can recommend the right delivery method to supply your body with a steady dose of hormones using:

• Pills
• Creams
• Pellets
• Patches

Based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history, your provider will customize the dosage and type of hormone to ensure optimal results. Within weeks of starting treatment, your mood, clarity, and overall emotional health should begin to improve, and your other menopause-related symptoms should begin to subside.

Your provider at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group will recommend how long you should stay on hormone therapy to achieve the best results.

Other tips for boosting your mood during menopause

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, you can make changes to your usual lifestyle and diet to help stabilize your mood.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is engage in daily exercise. Not only can exercise keep you fit, but staying physically active releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals your brain produces. You should also compliment the benefits of exercise with a healthy diet.

As you undergo the many changes of menopause, seeing a professional therapist may also help. Through therapy, you can learn to cope with life changes and stress, which can help support your mental health and boost your mood.

If you need help coping with the mood swings of menopause, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.