Irritability

Irritability and Menopause

In addition to myriad physical effects, emotional symptoms are a common feature of the menopausal transition. In fact, up to 50 percent of all peri-menopausal women experience disturbances in mood, including irritability.

While several factors can contribute to irritability in our daily lives, hormonal fluctuations characteristic of menopause are often the prime cause of it and other negative emotional states during this major life transition.

One of the most important things to remember is that it can be a normal part of the menopausal process. Many women find it helps to learn more about irritability during menopause, because a greater understanding of its symptoms and causes can help determine the most appropriate way to manage it and mitigate its effects.

About Irritability

Many menopausal women find that they are more easily irritated by the daily stresses and strains of life than they once were. Many women understand that their effective reactions may be out of proportion to their triggers, but still have difficulty avoiding it.

Irritability is defined as an excessive response to stimuli.

Symptoms of Irritability

• Increased stress
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling on edge
• Lashing out in anger or frustration
• Less tolerance for people and events
• Reduced patience
• Over-reacting in situations

While most women know the signs and symptoms of irritability, they are unaware of the underlying causes of this negative effect.

Causes of Irritability

During the menopausal transition, the primary underlying cause of irritability is hormonal imbalance. During menopause fluctuating estrogen levels have a direct, though complex, effect on the brain’s regulation of mood and emotion. Thus, changing levels of estrogen in the body can increase the risk of experiencing irritability during menopause.

Menopause-related hormonal changes can also have an indirect influence on irritability. Other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disorders, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, and more, can cause or contribute to irritability.

In addition to natural hormonal changes in menopause, certain lifestyle and medical factors can cause or contribute to irritability.

Treatment of Irritability

Treating it usually begins with making some positive life changes.

These can include:

• Taking time for oneself; either alone or in the company of positive, calming people
• Pursuing pleasurable calming hobbies or other activities
• Utilizing stress reduction techniques including breathing exercises, meditation, tai chi, visualization.
• Eating healthy
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining open communication with close kin

Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms:

1. Lifestyle Changes
2. The Manna Menopause Support Supplement, with 100% natural phyto-estrogens.