Depression
The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also influence the happy hormone, serotonin. So when hormone levels drop during perimenopause, serotonin levels also fall.
Other menopause symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, an increase in cortisol (your stress hormone), and brain fog can also contribute to feelings of depression.
On top of this many women are also experiencing other stressful life factors at this time, such as caring for ageing parents, career pressures, teenage children or children leaving home, as well as other ageing related health issues - all of which become much more challenging to deal with when trying to manage perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms.
These changes play a big part in the increased sense of emotional turmoil that many of us feel during menopause.
Some mental health experts say that women are twice as likely as men to develop depression during this time of life.
And tragically UK suicide rates amongst women are highest between age 45 and 49**.
I’m not telling you this to scare you, but to let you know that you are not alone, your symptoms are very real and it's worth taking the time to really look after yourself.
The good news is that the majority of women report increased well being and happiness levels post-menopause! And that has certainly been my experience, because I learnt how to really look after myself.
No. 1 Magnificent Menopause Tip for Depression: Low impact exercise
Exercise helps to boost your happy hormones. Low intensity weight bearing exercises will boost your metabolism without stressing your nervous system.
This can be easily done at home with bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, wall push offs, tricep dips, planks and core exercises.
Do a little each day, maybe 5 mins and then build it up. I like to call it movement snacking!
Apart from helping combat depression it will also boost your metabolism to help lose body fat, increase bone density, build muscle mass to make you look more toned, strengthen your pelvic floor and improve brain function! What’s not to like.
Try out these exercises on my ‘Menopause Fitness’ infographic, specially designed to focus on strength and wellbeing in menopause (click on the image for a larger mobile view!)
Build them into your daily routine, just a little at the time, maybe while you are doing boring jobs around the house, take a break and movement snack!
You will start to see a difference in no time.
If you want more advice about movement for menopause or personalised fitness plans, get in touch!
How else can I help?
Menopause symptoms affect many of us dramatically. Both physically and emotionally it can have a significant impact on anything from relationships, work, family life, hobbies and most fundamentally your sense of self.
However, it can truly be the most powerful and liberating time of your life. It may seem impossible to believe right now, but trust me - you can use its challenges to fuel your personal, physical and spiritual growth during this next phase of life.
From Nutritional Protocols, Yoga and Qigong, Menopause Coaching and Workplace Training, I can offer step by step guidance to steer you through menopause’s choppy waters.
First Watch my Menopause Masterclass and after that you will be directed to a booking page where you can Book a 20 minute Free Discovery Call and tell me what is going on for you.
If you would like to find out more and take the next step check the links below.
What to do next?
Join my Facebook Group where you can access a community of people going through the menopause transition.
Sign up to the newsletter for my latest articles about menopause nutrition, movement and more.
Visit the Natural Menopause Method website page to find out more about the work I do to help women navigate their menopause journey.
If you are struggling with symptoms at work or you would like to improve the conversations and provisions around menopause in your workplace then visit the Menopause in the Workplace page where you can find information about the packages and presentations I offer.
The symptom quiz has been designed for women going through perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause. It is not a substitute for advice provided by your general practitioner or other healthcare provider. You should not take any action based on the content of this quiz and its results or top tips, without first seeking medical advice.