Menopause affects women’s mental health in many ways. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if my anxiety is a result of a hormone imbalance or is related to the “ism” in alcoholism. As a recovering alcoholic, in good standing with my Twelve Step program for more than six years, I am still prone to depression and anxiety even though my body is substance-free.
With this in mind, my family is also affected by not only my “isms” but also by my hormone imbalances. My two sons must seek family services because alcoholism affects anyone close to the afflicted person, even if they are sober.
Since both of my boys live with me, their menopausal mom, they have learned how to be patient and tolerant of my mood swings. Furthermore, I am working on being as patient as possible with my youngest son, who is also hormonal as he is in the thick of puberty. Thankfully, my oldest son is twenty, and he can help balance out the hormonal energy in our home! Let’s see what the experts have to say about menopause depression and anxiety.
Menopause depression and anxiety, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine research, they found that, “The same hormones that control your menstrual cycle also influence serotonin, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. When hormone levels drop, serotonin levels also fall, which contributes to increased irritability, anxiety and sadness.
Falling estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger mood swings that make you less able to cope with things you’d normally let roll off your back. For some, these hormonal dips can set off a depressive episode, especially for those who’ve gone through major depression in the past.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Sleep Problems
Life Changes,”.
Yesterday, I had a severe headache that required me to work from home, which gave me some anxiety about missing time at the studio, as my boss expects me to be there on certain days. I wonder if menopause also causes headaches?
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
How do you stop menopause headaches
My headache was so painful that it woke me up several times in the middle of the night and early morning. I finally remembered to take the acetaminophen when I got out of bed in the late morning hours. I noticed that the acetaminophen helped to relieve my severe headache, but did not eliminate it.
However, I noticed I received the most relief when I put on a new estrogen patch a day early, which probably indicates that when I see my gynecologist next, I must request a higher dosage of estrogen, as she started me out on the lowest dose.
After the last appointment with my gynecologist, I began a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that includes a low-dose estrogen patch that I change twice a week and progesterone once daily at night to protect my uterus from certain cancer risks.
The Mayo Clinic found the following with the correlation between menopause and headaches, “The hormones estrogen (ES-truh-jen) and progesterone (pro-JES-tuh-rohn) play key roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Hormones also may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.
Having steady estrogen levels can improve headaches. But drops or changes in estrogen levels can make headaches worse.
For some people, migraines improve once periods stop. But tension headaches often get worse. If your headaches continue, you likely can stay on your medicines or use other therapies.
Hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, is sometimes used to treat perimenopause and menopause. HRT may worsen headaches in some people, and it may improve headaches in others. Or it may cause no changes. If you’re taking HRT, your healthcare professional might recommend an estrogen skin patch. The patch provides a low, steady supply of estrogen.
If HRT makes your headaches worse, your healthcare professional might lower the estrogen dose. Or you might try a different form of estrogen or stop the hormone replacement therapy,”.
Does magnesium help with hormonal migraines?
While waiting to see if an increased estrogen dose will be more beneficial, lifestyle adjustments and treatments can also help alleviate some of the pain, headaches, and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon, as well as supplements, can make a big difference. Additionally, specific vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and Calcium are crucial for bone health and can help counter some of the effects of estrogen deficiency.
Currently, along with a healthy diet and increased exercise, I am taking the following vitamins and supplements:
- Vitamin E oil (topically)
- Turmeric (on food)
- Cayenne pepper (on food)
- Cherry root tincture
- Probiotic
- Women’s daily vitamin
- Melatonin
- Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc combo
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D3
I might need to increase my magnesium by taking it separately instead of in a combo. Maybe the experts can shine some more light on this subject? Let’s hear what they have to say.
For hormonal migraines and the use of magnesium, Healthline notes that, “Symptoms of low magnesium include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and more. Low magnesium is also linked to headaches. For this reason, magnesium oxide is sometimes used to treat and prevent migraines.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. It can improve bone health, stabilize blood pressure, and help maintain a healthy heart rhythm and nerve function.
Significant research has shown that people with migraines often have lower levels of magnesium than those without them.
A 2021 study found magnesium oxide to be as effective as valproate sodium at preventing migraine attacks without adverse side effects.
Magnesium oxide is frequently used to prevent migraines. You can take it in pill form, with a general recommended dosage of about 400 to 500 milligrams a day. Magnesium can be administered intravenously in the form of magnesium sulfate.
Because magnesium is a natural element and is necessary for our health, it may be a safe migraine treatment. This is especially true when compared to migraine medications, which can come with more severe side effects,”.
Again, I will run this by my doctor when I see her next, which thankfully, is soon.
Can menopause cause depression and anxiety
In conclusion, while menopause can be challenging, understanding its impact on mental health is crucial. Seeking support and treatment can help manage symptoms, ensuring a healthier and more balanced life.