The Emotional Side of Menopause
by Dr. Shawna Darou, ND in Functional Medicine / Perimenopause
I’ve been meaning to write this article for months, as it’s a pattern I’ve observed in the many women I work with through perimenopause and menopause. Most people come to see me for the physical symptoms they are experiencing – changes in menstrual flow (light, heavy, irregular), body aches and pains, night sweats, weight gain, brain fog, sleeplessness, itchy skin, hot flashes, and more. And yes, all of these physical symptoms are due to the rapidly fluctuating hormones associated with menopause.
The Emotional Side of Hormonal Change
The other side of this life transition that I’ve observed so many times is the emotional changes. It’s as though your life’s emotional baggage has come up to the surface all at once. In some cases, it’s about relationships, your role in your family, and often past trauma. I want to normalize this part of the perimenopause and menopause experience– it’s as if your body is giving you a push to address what isn’t working in your life, so you don’t carry it forward into the next phase.
You may be experiencing increased anxiety, depression, anger, or irritability. You may become aware of codependency in your relationships, or notice boundaries that need to be made. It may also feel like a return of past depression or mood disorders. Through menopause, women often feel an urgency to make meaningful changes in their life and health.
Menopause: The Archetypal Decade of Metamorphosis
Many people describe the 50s as the archetypal decade of metamorphosis. After decades of caregiving in your 30s and 40s – supporting family, children, friends, and colleagues – menopause often shifts the focus back to yourself. It’s a time to create balance, find what brings you joy and meaning, and redefine your sense of self.
If you’ve been moving at full speed through your 40s, neglecting your emotional or physical needs, the perimenopause transition can feel rocky. Around the late 40s or early 50s, as your hormones begin to fluctuate and your periods become irregular, something big starts to shift. It’s normal for emotions and past trauma to surface during this time.
Supporting Your Emotional Health During Menopause
So, what can you do about the emotional rollercoaster and the need for change?
Build a Strong Health Foundation– Eating well, prioritizing sleep, moving daily, and practicing stress-reduction techniques form a stable base physically and emotionally.
Understand Your Perimenopause Type – Take a look at my blog Thriving through Menopause to understand different patterns and how to support your body.
Support Blood Sugar and Reduce Inflammation– Stabilizing blood sugar and addressing inflammation are key for both emotional and physical well-being.
Consider Hormonal Support– In some cases, herbs or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)may help reduce dramatic fluctuations and support emotional stability.
Seek Emotional Support– Working with a therapist can help you process sadness, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues that have surfaced.
Embracing the Transition
The main purpose of this article is to share that emotional changes during perimenopause and menopause are normal and expected. The need for extra support and the feeling of being on the edge of a major life transition are part of shedding old layers and emerging with renewed self-awareness, joy, and meaning.
What’s Next?
Menopause is a natural, transformative phase — one that combines both emotional growth and physical changes. Normalizing these experiences is key. If you need support, we can create a personalized plan addressing both physical wellness and emotional wellbeing.
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FAQs – Emotional Side of Menopause
1. Are emotional changes normal in menopause?
Yes. Increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, and resurfacing past trauma are common during perimenopause.
2. Can hormones alone explain these feelings?
Fluctuating hormones play a role, but emotional changes are also influenced by metabolic health, stress, and lifestyle factors. Learn more in [Why Brain Fog is a Metabolic Problem]
3. How can I support my emotional health naturally?
Focus on nutrition, movement, sleep, stress reduction, and consider professional guidance for hormonal or metabolic support. See [Metabolic Health: The Key to Aging Well].
4. Do all women experience this emotional shift?
Not all, but many notice changes in their 40s and 50s as hormones fluctuate.
5. When should I seek professional help?
If emotions feel overwhelming or interfere with daily life, work with a therapist or healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan. Check [Why Treating Metabolic Dysfunction is the First Step] for more on holistic support.
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