Menopause and mental health

In recognition of International Women’s Day quickly approaching on March 8, it only seemed right to focus this week’s blog on women’s mental health. I feel very honoured to have been approached by Health Canada to provide a mental health seminar to their staff. When discussing ideas for topics, I have to admit that when I pitched the topic of menopause and mental health, I was unsure how this might be received. According to the Menopause Foundation of Canda, 54% of women still believe that this is a taboo topic. This is not surprising if we look at how menopause has been viewed across history:   1700’s-1800’s: “a tragic and catastrophic attack” with women being described as “dull, unattractive and cow-like” during menopause 1939:” a tragedy and a mental illness” 1970: “a psychological crisis”   Thankfully, Health Canada has an incredible team of mental health champions who were very receptive to this idea and I was given the green light to proceed.   Most of us are familiar with the menopause symptoms of night sweats and hot flashes but did you know that memory issues, anxiety, depression, nervousness, lack of concentration and irritability are also menopause symptoms?   Prior to the 1960s, women were expected to put up with their symptoms as doctors believed there was virtually nothing to offer.  In an attempt to help women “calm down,” they were often handed prescriptions for tranquilizers, fortunately, there are now better options.   Anxiety medication may help and there are typically two alternatives; MAOI medications are effective in reducing anxiety but have many adverse side effects. Benzodiazepines treat anxiety but not vasomotor symptoms of anxiety   In addition to, or instead of medication, research supports movement-based techniques such as yoga, Thai chai, walking meditation and martial arts and exercise reduce the body’s stress response. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation can be used to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety withing the body before they can become anxious thoughts.   Mindfulness techniques including meditation, practicing gratitude, journalling and self-awareness help reduce cortisol (stress levels) in the body and can shift focus from being controlled by anxiety to understanding it and taking steps to regain control over thoughts and emotions.   2025 A Happier You Psychotherapy Services All Rights Reserved