Who Should Have a Pap Test and How Often
A Pap test is a routine screening that detects cervical cancer in its earliest stages. Read on to learn who benefits from the test and how often they should be scheduled to protect your cervical health.
How Menopause Affects Your Mental Health
Menopause marks a major milestone in a woman’s life. However, its effects on mental health are often overlooked. While hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms people think of when they think about menopause, its impact on mental health can be just as challenging.
The practice of A. Michael Coppa, MD, is committed to helping women navigate this transition with exceptional menopause care and effective solutions.
Perimenopause: when symptoms often begin
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but for many women, symptoms resulting from hormonal decline start much earlier. Perimenopause is a transitional phase that occurs before menopause.
During this time, ovarian hormones wind down. Since your body and brain have relied on these hormones for many years, the decline of these reproductive hormones tends to cause a range of symptoms.
Perimenopause typically starts around age 45 and lasts anywhere from a few months to 10 years. However, for some women, perimenopause symptoms can begin as early as the late 30s or early 40s.
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate unpredictably, creating a hormonal roller coaster that can leave women feeling completely out of sorts.
Because periods tend to be regular during this time, women are often unaware that the symptoms they may be experiencing are related to hormonal changes.
The link between menopause and mental health risks
While some women breeze through perimenopause, it’s crucial to know that for other women, this transitional phase puts them at a serious risk for anxiety and depression. In fact, suicide rates among females in the US are highest among women ages 45-64.
Emotional instability and heightened hormonal fluctuations, combined with life stressors common at this stage of life, can amplify the risk of depression and anxiety.
Staying informed and working closely with an OB/GYN can make a difference. Treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), targeted medications, and lifestyle changes, can help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
The role of estrogen in mental health
Estrogen doesn’t just regulate menstrual cycles, it also plays a complex role in influencing how the immune system manages inflammation, including in the brain. During the reproductive years, estrogen serves as a neuroprotectant – protecting the brain from inflammation.
As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, neuroinflammation can increase, which researchers have identified as a key factor in menopause-related depression.
The impact of low progesterone and hormonal imbalance
Progesterone, often referred to as the “calming hormone,” also declines during perimenopause, leading to increased irritability and difficulty managing stress.
Hormonal imbalances may also contribute to anxiety. This puts women going through the perimenopause and menopause transition at a much greater risk of mood disorders.
What’s more, women with a history of depression or anxiety who were previously therapeutically well-managed may find their mental health suddenly more challenging to manage.
Empowering your mental health during menopause
While research is ongoing, we know that menopause presents unique challenges to mental health.
At the practice of A. Michael Coppa, MD, we specialize in guiding women through every stage of life with personalized, compassionate care.
If you’re experiencing emotional challenges during perimenopause or menopause, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The practice of A. Michael Coppa, MD, provides personalized, compassionate care and finds effective solutions so that you can thrive and live well throughout the menopause transition and beyond.
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