From Hormones to Happiness: Dr. Samantha Whiteside's Approach to (Peri)menopausal Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing and cognition can be significantly affected during the (peri)menopausal transition in women. (Peri)menopause refers to the period of time leading up to menopause (the cessation of menstruation) and the year following it. This transition is characterized by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels, which can have various impacts on mental health and cognitive function.

1. Mood Changes:- Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability in some women.- Depression and anxiety: (Peri)menopause can increase the risk of developing or exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hormonal changes may contribute to these mood disorders.
2. Sleep Disturbances:- Insomnia: Many women experience sleep disturbances during (peri)menopause, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
3. Cognitive Function:- Memory and concentration: Some women report difficulties with memory and concentration during (peri)menopause. This is often referred to as "menopausal brain fog." Estrogen plays a role in cognitive function, and its decline can affect memory and attention in some individuals.

There are a variety of ways that mental wellbeing and cognition can be helped during the (peri)menopause years and here at ROC Clinic Aberdeen Dr Samantha Whiteside (WhitesideWellbeing) does a very comprehensive assessment of many areas of a woman’s life so that she can formulate a multi-faceted plan to help women in the ways most appropriate to them.

There are many ways in which a woman can help support and nourish herself during these years. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can influence mental wellbeing and cognitive function during (peri)menopause. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help improve mood and cognitive function. More specifically a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health during menopause. Some women find that certain foods like soy and flaxseed, which contain phytoestrogens, may help manage menopausal symptoms.

Regular physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can also help maintain bone density and muscle strength which can decrease during menopause. Improving muscle strength can reduce the risk of falls and improving bone density can reduce the risk of fractures, which can be a significant cause of morbidity in post-menopausal women. Some women find that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help (peri)menopausal mood disturbances and cognitive changes. HRT is a treatment option for low mood and certain progestogens can help with anxiety and sleep problems.

Many women benefit from psychological support. Talking to a therapist or counsellor to manage the emotional and psychological aspects of (peri)menopause can be a very important part of managing the (peri)menopausal years. In cases of severe mood disturbances or depression, anti-depressants may also be needed and can be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Dr Samantha Whiteside (WhitesideWellbeing) , one of our British Menopause Society Specialists is also a GP and counsellor so can help women in a variety of ways through the (peri)menopause years. She is also trained by the British Menopause Society to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions for the management of hot flushes and night sweats. This CBT programme has also been found to have a beneficial effect on low mood, anxiety and sleep.

If you have any concerns about your mental wellbeing or cognition during the (peri)menopause years, contact ROC Clinic Aberdeen and ask for a consultation with Dr. Samantha Whiteside, she can do both remote or face-to-face consultations so geography is no barrier.