Why is menopause always in a bad mood

The bad mood during menopause is mainly related to factors such as hormone fluctuations, autonomic nervous system disorders, psychological adaptation disorders, decreased sleep quality, and changes in social roles. The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause in women directly affects the emotional regulation function of the brain, and is accompanied by physical symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which increase psychological burden.

1. Hormonal fluctuations

Ovarian function decline leads to a sharp decrease in estrogen secretion, affecting the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis feedback mechanism. A decrease in estrogen levels can lower the concentration of neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain, and this biochemical change directly triggers symptoms such as low mood and irritability. The phenomenon of worsening emotional symptoms after common menstrual disorders in clinical practice.

2. Autonomic nervous system disorders

Imbalance of autonomic nervous system regulation can lead to symptoms such as paroxysmal hot flashes and palpitations, and night sweats can interfere with the sleep cycle. Recurrent physical discomfort forms a vicious cycle, with about 60% of menopausal women experiencing anxiety due to persistent physical symptoms. This physiological psychological interaction can amplify negative emotional experiences.

3. Psychological adaptation disorders

The psychological gap caused by the loss of fertility, combined with signs of aging such as changes in appearance and decreased physical fitness, can easily trigger value anxiety. Some women have difficulty adapting to changes in family structure such as their children leaving home and their parents getting old. Failure to adjust their psychological expectations in a timely manner can lead to sustained low mood.

4. Decreased sleep quality

Estrogen deficiency affects the thermoregulatory center, leading to increased nighttime awakenings and fragmented sleep. Lack of deep sleep can affect the emotional regulation function of the prefrontal cortex, manifested as poor morning mood. There is a significant correlation between long-term sleep disorders and depressive symptoms.

5. Social Role Transformation

Career development bottlenecks and reduced family responsibilities create a role vacuum, and some women feel useless due to decreased social participation. The stigmatization of menopause in traditional beliefs also increases psychological pressure, and this socio-cultural factor can reinforce negative emotional experiences.

It is recommended that menopausal women maintain regular exercise such as Tai Chi, yoga, and other soothing activities. Accumulating 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week can help with endorphin secretion. Pay attention to supplementing soy isoflavones, B vitamins and other nutrients in diet, and control caffeine intake. Establish new social circles to shift attention and learn emotional management techniques such as mindfulness meditation. If emotional disorders persist for more than two weeks and affect daily life, it is necessary to seek professional evaluation from a gynecology or psychological department in a timely manner. If necessary, hormone replacement therapy or anti anxiety drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Family members should provide full understanding and support to avoid attributing emotional problems solely to personality reasons.