Menopause is a natural biological process, but it can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes that can be… challenging to navigate (and that’s putting it lightly).
While HRT can help some women, it’s not a one size fits all solution, nor is it easily accessible to everyone. In the meantime, your whole life might feel like it’s being turned upside down, and you might wonder what on earth is going on and why this is happening to you. Here are just some of the ways the menopause can make you feel like you’re losing it. Hang in there — it does (eventually) get better.
1. Your mood swings are off the charts.
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to sudden and intense mood changes. You might feel fine one moment and irritable or tearful the next. While these mood swings can be disconcerting, they’re a common menopausal symptom. Practising stress-reduction techniques and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage these emotional rollercoasters (or so your GP would have you believe!).
2. You can’t remember why you walked into a room.
Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating are common during menopause, so you might find yourself forgetting simple things or struggling to focus on tasks. What’s worse, this “brain fog” is often linked to hormonal changes and sleep disruptions. While frustrating, it’s usually temporary and not a sign of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
3. You’re sweating buckets for no apparent reason.
Hot flashes and night sweats can make you feel like your internal thermostat is broken. These sudden, intense feelings of heat can be embarrassing and disruptive, especially when they occur in public or interrupt your sleep. Remember, they’re a normal part of the menopausal transition experienced by many women.
4. Your sleep pattern is all over the place.
Insomnia or disrupted sleep is common during menopause. You might have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night, or find yourself wide awake at 3 am. Obviously, this can leave you feeling exhausted and irritable during the day. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a cool, comfortable sleeping environment can help (or you’ll just have to suffer through it, more like).
5. You’re suddenly anxious about things that never bothered you before.
Increased anxiety is a lesser-known but common menopausal symptom. You end up worrying more or feeling anxious about situations that previously didn’t faze you, which can be related to hormonal changes and life transitions often coinciding with menopause. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your GP or even a mental health professional.
6. Your interest in bedroom action has gone missing in action.
Changes in your desire for intimacy are normal during menopause. You might experience a decrease in libido or find that your sexual responses have changed. This can be due to hormonal shifts, physical discomfort, or emotional factors. Open communication with your partner and possibly consulting with a healthcare provider can help address these changes.
7. You’re irritated by the smallest things.
Increased irritability is a common menopausal complaint. Things that never bothered you before might suddenly feel intensely annoying. Your heightened sensitivity can be related to hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and the cumulative stress of menopausal symptoms. Practising patience with yourself and others can help manage your irritability.
8. Your body shape is changing in unexpected ways.
Weight gain or redistribution of body fat, particularly around the midsection, is common during menopause. You might feel like your body is betraying you as clothes fit differently and your shape changes. Remember, these changes are normal and often related to hormonal shifts and slowing metabolism.
9. You’re experiencing unexplained aches and pains.
Joint pain and muscle aches can increase during menopause. You might find yourself feeling stiffer or experiencing discomfort in areas that never troubled you before. While these aches can be frustrating, they’re often a normal part of the ageing process accelerated by hormonal changes.
10. Your skin and hair are behaving differently.
Changes in skin texture and hair quality are common menopausal symptoms. You might notice your skin becoming drier or more prone to breakouts, or find your hair thinning or changing texture. While these changes can be distressing, they’re often a normal response to decreasing estrogen levels.
11. You’re experiencing unexplained dizzy spells.
Some women report feeling dizzy or light-headed during menopause. These episodes can be alarming, especially if you’ve never experienced them before. They’re often related to hormonal fluctuations but should be mentioned to your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
12. Your periods are wildly unpredictable.
In the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), your menstrual cycle might become erratic. You might skip periods, have heavier or lighter flows, or experience longer cycles. The unpredictability can be frustrating and sometimes concerning, but it’s a normal part of the transition to menopause.
13. You’re feeling invisible or less feminine.
Source: Unsplash Some women report feeling a loss of identity or femininity during menopause. Society often equates youth and fertility with femininity, which can lead to feelings of invisibility or decreased self-worth. Remember, your worth is not determined by your reproductive status, and many women find this stage of life empowering and actually kind of liberating. (I know they’re rare, but they do exist!)
14. You’re experiencing unexplained heart palpitations.
Heart palpitations or a racing heart can occur during menopause, often in conjunction with hot flashes. While usually harmless, these sensations can be alarming. If they’re frequent or concerning, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
15. Your digestive system seems to have a mind of its own.
Changes in digestion, including bloating, constipation, or increased gas, are common during menopause. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. Dietary changes and increased physical activity can often help manage these digestive issues.
16. You’re experiencing unexplained itchy or crawling sensations on your skin.
Some women report feeling itchy or experiencing a crawling sensation on their skin during menopause, which can be related to hormonal changes affecting skin sensitivity. While uncomfortable, it’s usually harmless and can often be managed with moisturizers or antihistamines.
17. You’re having more headaches than usual.
An increase in headaches, including migraines, is common during menopause. These can be related to hormonal fluctuations and may coincide with other symptoms like hot flashes. If headaches are severe or frequent, consult with your healthcare provider for management strategies.
18. You’re feeling a loss of motivation or purpose.
Some women experience a sense of loss or lack of direction during menopause, especially if their identity was closely tied to roles that may be changing, like motherhood. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. Remember, this is a time of transition, and many women find new purpose and joy in this stage of life. If these feelings persist, consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor.
