Perimenopause & Stress

The relationship between perimenopause and stress is complicated, and each condition can make the other worse. Working with your doctor to distinguish between the two is an important first step in treatment, but don't stop there. A healthy diet, good stress management techniques, and when necessary, medical intervention in the form of hormone therapy and antidepressants can all help you conquer perimenopause and stress.

Stress that Mimics Perimenopause

• Extreme stress is a physical condition as much as it is an emotional one. Physically, the symptoms of stress are similar to the symptoms that accompany perimenopause. Bloating and weight gain, headaches, tender breasts, mood swings, decreased sexual desire and missed periods can all indicate both stress and perimenopause. If you experience a disruption in your menstrual cycle, especially if you are over 40, work with your doctor to determine if the cause is stress or perimenopause.

Stress Linked to the Onset of Perimenopause

• During times of stress, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. According to Dr. Joseph Collins, this extra cortisol production comes at the expense of sex hormone production. Decreased estrogen production could cause the onset of perimenopause.

Stress During Perimenopause

• Many women experience stress during perimenopause. The physical symptoms themselves can be stressful, but emotional upheaval is also common. Some women feel that perimenopause is a sign of losing their youth and even a little bit of their femininity. Coming to terms with the process is frequently a source of stress.

  The problem is that this stress and perimenopause symptom cycle can be self-perpetuating. For the same reason that stress can lead to the onset of perimenopause, stress can make the symptoms of perimenopause more severe. The severity of the symptoms leads to more stress and the cycle continues.

Stress Management

• Stress management is key to avoiding both stress-related perimenopause and coping with the symptoms of perimenopause itself. Dealing with stress may be as simple as setting aside a little time each day to do something you enjoy, but if your stress runs deeper, seek help. Your doctor can advise you on your options, from stress management strategies to therapy and antidepressants.

Perimenopause Help

• Taking care of yourself during perimenopause can also help reduce your stress, which in turn will help your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber and calcium and exercising regularly is a good first step. Your doctor may also consider putting you on low dose birth control pills to help level out the hormonal ups and downs associated with perimenopause.