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Irritability During Menopause

Irritability during menopause is experienced by a large number of women. Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone. She eventually stops menstruating altogether. Menopause is confirmed when she goes twelve consecutive months without a period. The transitional time into menopause can result in unpleasant symptoms for many women, both physical and psychological.

  1. The Facts

    • Menopause is a normal part of the aging process and marks the end of childbearing years. Symptoms are caused by reduced functioning of the ovaries as a woman ages, and menopause is associated with lower levels of hormones such as estrogen. Physical signs of menopause transition can last six years or more and usually occurs around the age of 51, but can occur earlier or later.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of menopause vary from one woman to the next. Some women have almost no symptoms, while others have multiple physical and psychological symptoms. The most well-known symptom is hot flashes, which are thought to be related to brain changes that regulate body temperature. Many women experience sleep disturbances and headaches. In the years prior to menopause, known as perimenopause, it's common to feel tearful, moody and anxious.

    Considerations

    • Experts disagree about what actually causes irritability during menopause. Moodiness may be related to gradual decline in hormone levels. Women who are experiencing insomnia feel irritable because of fatigue. Some women become emotional as they grieve the loss of their ability to bear children.

    Misconceptions

    • Although many women experience a variety of cognitive and emotional symptoms during menopause, it has never been proven that these symptoms are actually caused by menopause. Night sweats and insomnia can cause fatigue, which in turn can cause cognitive problems and irritability. Midlife stresses such as dealing with adolescents or caring for aging parents may also cause insomnia or emotional reactions. It's not clear whether irritability is caused by hormonal changes or by fatigue.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The discomforts of menopause can sometimes be relieved by lifestyle changes, such as eating right, exercising, weight management and quitting smoking. A healthy lifestyle can improve well-being during all times in life. Irritability, depression and mood swings may signify more serious problems, such as thyroid disorder or depression. If you are having trouble coping, report out of control feelings to your health care professional.

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