What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle and is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. This usually occurs around the age of 50.

During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, which has a wide-ranging impact on both body and mental well-being.

The Influence of Estrogen During Menopause on Mental Well-Being

Low estrogen levels

During menopause, estrogen levels are structurally low, which has direct consequences for the brain and emotions.

Symptoms associated with this include:

• Depressive feelings and mood swings.
• Decreased motivation and energy.
• Irritability and lower stress coping skills.
• Feelings of anxiety or panic attacks.

Impact on neurotransmitters

Serotonin : Low estrogen levels reduce the production of serotonin, which increases the risk of depressive symptoms.

Dopamine : A lack of dopamine can lead to feelings of emptiness, less pleasure in daily activities, and low self-esteem.

GABA (calming neurotransmitter) : Estrogen supports GABA, and a decrease in it can increase feelings of anxiety.

Cognitive changes ("brain fog")

Many women report difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and difficulty maintaining focus.

This “brain fog” is influenced by the decline in estrogen, which normally supports cognitive functions.

Other Mental Symptoms of Low Estrogen Levels During Menopause

Sleep disorders

Estrogen influences the regulation of melatonin and other sleep-related hormones.

The result is often poorer sleep quality, which contributes to fatigue and irritability.

Reduced stress resistance

The decreased estrogen levels can disrupt cortisol regulation, making women more likely to become overwhelmed by stress.

Sense of loss

Psychologically, menopause can bring up feelings of loss, such as the end of the fertile phase or adjusting to a changing body.

Implications for mental well-being

Social isolation

Mental health issues can cause women to withdraw, which can increase feelings of loneliness.

Underexposure among aid workers

Many healthcare providers still miss the link between hormonal changes and mental health issues, leading to underdiagnosis or one-sided treatment (such as prescribing antidepressants).

How support can help

Hormonal therapies

Bioidentical hormones can help some women to compensate for the loss of estrogen and relieve symptoms. This can only be done by/with a GP or specialist.

Nutrition and supplements

Natural solutions, such as phytoestrogens (from soy products, for example), can have a mild estrogen-like effect.

Lifestyle adjustments

Stress management, regular exercise and sleep optimization can help reduce mental complaints.

Support for professionals

Working with a hormone expert, such as Joyce from LunaVital, can help women better understand their symptoms and find effective solutions.

Why guidance is important

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but its impact on mental well-being is often underestimated. With the right guidance and knowledge, women can not only alleviate their symptoms, but also learn how to embrace this new phase of life positively.

At LunaVital we help women better understand their hormones and find solutions that fit their unique situation. 🌿