As if physical symptoms weren’t already enough, perimenopause and menopause bring with them a higher risk of mental health issues such as menopause anxiety, triggering menopause panic attacks.
But what does that actually mean? What’s the connection between perimenopause, menopause and mental health? Why is menopause anxiety so common? And how can you manage it?
Let’s dive into how to look after your mental health during perimenopause and menopause.
Unfortunately, the mental health problems that can come with perimenopause and menopause often go unrecognised and ignored.
The transition into menopause and menopause itself can be exceptionally turbulent and challenging. However, as we’ve seen in countless other female health conditions, menopause and perimenopause have often been disregarded and under-researched.
This is dangerous: especially when it comes to the mental health side of perimenopause and menopause.
Perhaps you’re thinking “surely, if so many women were struggling with their mental health, there would be more research into it. Maybe it’s just not that common.”
Unfortunately, that’s incorrect.
Statistics have shown that roughly 70% of women do experience some mental health issues during menopause including menopause anxiety and suffering with menopause panic attacks.
In fact, the challenges in mental health that come with perimenopause and menopause is actually so widespread that some researchers have coined an entire new term to describe it: menopause distress.
Mental health symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be severe and persistent. But just like menopause and perimenopause, every experience is different. Some women may not suffer from any mental health issues throughout. Others may find the mental health consequences of menopause and perimenopause debilitating, experiencing a menopause panic attack frequently.
The good news, though, is that these symptoms do tend to lessen and even go away once your body gets used to new hormone levels. Plus, there are things you can do to look after yourself, as well as professional help being available if you need it.