Emotional Signs of Menopause

In addition to the self-imposed worry that women place on themselves as they begin to show signs of menopause and aging, the body's hormones are raging, creating imbalances that affect mood and emotional health. Changing energy levels, poor concentration, lowered sex drive and anxiety are all emotional signs of menopause.

Libido

• Vaginal dryness is a result of lower estrogen levels and can cause women to lose interest in sex, because of the pain involved and the inability to achieve orgasm.

Memory

• Short-term memory loss is another side effect of lower estrogen levels, causing some women to panic when they forget important things, such as where they parked the car or why they made a phone call.

Depression

• Lack of sleep, confusion and constant hot flashes can bring on depressive feelings in women who have not developed healthy coping skills.

Irritability

• Reduced serotonin levels occur in some women during menopause, which can cause bouts of sadness and irritability.

Stress

• Chronic stress caused by trying to deal with the physical changes during menopause can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, exacerbating the symptoms even more.

Energy

• Energy levels are usually lower when night sweats interrupt sleep. Fatigue and low energy add to the feelings of incompetence and lower self-confidence.