Every woman will experience menopause and mental health, but how do they impact each other?
International Women’s Day brings a focus to the importance of women’s health, but women’s health and mental health should be something we talk about all year round. Including the issues that specifically affect women such as menopause.
We will all have influential women in our life, whether this is a family member, a friend, or a colleague, who will experience times in their life where they need support with their physical health and mental health. The first step towards learning how to support someone is by understanding what they are going through.
Firstly, what is the menopause?
Menopause is a natural aging process for women. Women can also experience early menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause. Today, there are an estimated 13 million women currently experiencing menopause transition in the UK with 1 in 100 women experiencing menopause before the age of 40.
There are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause, but it is not commonly known the impact that menopause transition can have on women’s mental health, not just physical health. Many women will experience mood swings, low mood, low self-esteem, anxiety, and problems with memory or concentration (brain fog), which can often be the first signs of menopause.
Menopause glossary
Menopause – Menopause is when a woman has not had a period for 12 months due to lower hormone levels. This is a natural ageing process in a woman’s body, but many women will experience menopause symptoms differently.
Early menopause – Menopause between the ages of 40-45.
Perimenopause – The time leading up to menopause which continues 12 months after a woman’s final period. During this time, women can experience menopause symptoms.
Postmenopause – The time after menopause and 12 months without a period. Post menopause, women may continue to experience menopause symptoms.
How can menopause impact mental health?
Frankie Hill, DCEO at Mind in Bradford shares her thoughts around menopause and mental health:
It’s very much about the impact on women’s mental health, anxiety, not understanding yourself and suddenly feeling like you are unable to cope with things that you always have successfully managed.
Frankie Hill, DCEO at Mind in Bradford
It’s not recognising yourself, being unable to concentrate and feeling like you are failing where you were once successful. Not wanting to be sociable when you once were and finding social situations overwhelming.
I’ve heard women say they felt they were getting early memory problems. It’s really frightening and not just a case of being a bit forgetful. When it comes to self-help, one of the most empowering things you can do is talk to others.
Remember, it’s not just you and you don’t need to go through this on your own. You have a right to seek professional help from the NHS, but don’t forget to ask for help from those around you.
Menopause and Mental Health Awareness Workshop
Dr Ella Russell, Yorkshire Menopause Doctor
On Wednesday 10th April, Mind in Bradford have organised a free event in collaboration with Yorkshire Menopause Doctor.
Dr Russell will be talking about the connection between menopause and mental health and the way you can support yourself or others experiencing menopause. She has over 25 years clinical experience supporting women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The event runs from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and will be held at Mind in Bradford, BD1 4QU, wheelchair access is available.
UPDATE: This event is now fully booked, if you would like to attend a future date register your interest below.
The Menopause Charity have created a library of information, including a symptom questionnaire where you can monitor symptoms you are experiencing and how these change over time and with treatment.
Listen to The Dr Louise Newson Podcast where each week a special guest joins the podcast for the lowdown on the latest research and treatments, bust myths and share inspirational stories about perimenopause and menopause.
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