As women age, their bodies undergo several changes. At roughly 12 years of age, they go through puberty, resulting in the onset of changes in their body and the start of their menstrual cycles. Another era of change comes at around 46 years of age when the average Indian woman experiences menopause – five years earlier than their Western counterparts. The menopausal transition impacts every woman differently and can be a complex, even overwhelming, process. But this period is not just about physical symptoms – it’s also about the effects on a woman’s mental health. We spoke to our experts who explained the impact of menopause on mental health.
Menopause and Its Physical and Mental Impact
Menopause is a natural phase of life in women, which is marked by the stopping of periods and the start of physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, joint and back pain, vaginal dryness, and more. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), menopause-related hormonal changes can have an impact on one's social, mental, emotional, and physical health. Individual differences in the symptoms during and after the menopausal transition are significant. During menopause, women may be challenged by psychological and cognitive symptoms, such as depression, mood swings, irritability, sleep loss (and resulting fatigue), anxiety, reduced attention, and forgetfulness.
The Emotional Toll of Menopause
Mental health and emotional symptoms manifest in several ways. For instance, 56% of women reported experiencing depression and 38% reported anxiety as severe menopausal symptoms, according to Abbott’s India-based survey with Ipsos. The Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles also indicated that women with no history of depression were nearly twice as likely to experience depression in the menopause transition compared with premenopausal women.
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The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Dr Meeta Singh, Director and Head of Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tanvir Hospital, Hyderabad, Past President of the Indian Menopause Society said, “Women may experience mental health challenges during menopause which can affect how likely they are to follow lifestyle and therapy recommendations. Raising awareness on the need to focus on mental health is an important step to encouraging women to have open discussions with their doctors as well as loved ones.”
Navigating the Challenges of Menopause
Menopause can be an emotionally heavy and tricky phase to navigate. Life’s pressures during this stage don’t make it any easier. In their 40s, women often find themselves juggling many responsibilities– whether at work, raising younger kids, sending older kids to college (and learning how to cope with an empty nest), or caring for ageing or ill parents. As they transition towards menopause, some women may experience emotional or cognitive symptoms which, if left unmanaged, can stand in the way of living a fulfilling life.
Workplace and Home Impact
Dr Singh added, “Around 73% of working women surveyed reported feeling the need to take frequent leave from work, and more felt a lack of concentration in this setting. Symptoms, especially when experienced in the workplace, can be bothersome and potentially even keep women from advancing their careers. This can make women feel more isolated and disengaged, and weigh on their mental health.”
She further said, “At home, 65% of women surveyed reported feeling lethargic and unable to pay attention to their families due to challenges associated with menopausal symptoms. This can be a time of low motivation and greater stress – with hormonal fluctuations (like declining levels of estrogen) amplifying emotions. Some also experience difficulty sleeping, which can amplify negative effects on their mental health.”
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Seeking Support and Professional Help
Since such symptoms can impact women’s lives in many different ways, it is especially important to support and treat them with empathy, so they feel less alone during this journey. Confiding in loved ones, whether family members or close friends, or talking to a doctor can help women overcome these possible challenges.
Empowering Women During Menopause
Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott, India said, “For women, navigating menopause can mean dealing with challenging symptoms, including some related to mental health. While this can be a difficult time, women shouldn’t have to go through this alone. We’re helping women understand the holistic ways in which they can seek the care they may need to manage their symptoms. By encouraging them to have open conversations, more women can embrace menopause and lead their lives more confidently.”
Taking Control of Your Mental Health
If you are approaching menopause or experiencing challenges as you live with it, you should consult a doctor, so you can seek appropriate care and continue doing the things you love. Our experts suggested that you consider what you need for your mental health. Monitor your mood and seek professional help if your psychological symptoms become severe and begin interfering with your daily life. Also, find time for yourself. Don’t feel like you need to deal with it alone as it can be helpful to learn about the experiences of others going through this life stage, such as in the stories told by women, for women. You can also share your experiences and talk about any concerns that come with menopause – with your family, friends, or your doctor.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any complications during this phase.]
