Menopause and Its Effects on Mental Health

Unlike men, women; People experience periods of marked hormonal changes such as the beginning symptoms of puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, puerperium, and menopause. During these periods, women experience historical transitions between roles such as child, wife, businesswoman, mother, grandmother and so on. Menopause is a condition that should be addressed not only within medical boundaries but also within a biopsychosocial integrity. By definition, menopause is the cessation of ovulation and monthly bleeding due to the depletion of the number of eggs in the ovaries. The condition, which generally covers the age of 45-55, covers approximately one-third of a woman's life span. Hormonal changes during these periods cause various mental and physical complaints. The duration and severity of complaints may vary from person to person.

Symptoms:

We can list the symptoms under four main headings:

1.Vasomotor (hot flushes, night sweats, facial flushing). ) symptoms,

2.Psychological (irritability, malaise, self-dislike, forgetfulness, feeling of distress, lack of sexual reluctance) symptoms,

3.Physical (fatigue, sleep disorders, dry skin, headache) symptoms,

4.Urovaginal (vaginal dryness, frequent going to the toilet, etc.) symptoms.

In this period, women face physical, psychological and social changes. A woman grows old, retires, her children grow up and leave home, she loses her husband, health problems begin... All of these are perceived as a crisis that needs to be adapted to, and changing social and social factors and hormonal changes can cause various psychiatric conditions. The resulting disorders can cause deterioration in the person's functionality and quality of life.

Risk Factors:

  • Entering menopause at a young age,

  • Unemployment, rapid and sudden hormone changes,

  • Severe physical symptoms,

  • Psychological symptoms that have occurred during menstrual periods in the past presence,

  • A history of postnatal or past-life depression,

  • Cultures where youth and reproduction are at the forefront,

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  • It can be listed as poor social support.

  • What can be done? :

    It is vital to understand this period well, recognize problems early and intervene in order to increase women's quality of life and functionality. Informing and supporting women more about menopause, which is a natural process of the life cycle, and its effects will help them go through this process in an enjoyable and functional way. If there are psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, depression, sexual dysfunctions, anxiety disorders or sleep disorders that are added during this period, appropriate drug treatments and cognitive behavioral practices may need to be added to the treatment.

     

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