Menopause: An Emotional Rollercoaster

Menopause: An Emotional Roller Coaster

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause can cause more than those pesky hot flashes. They can also make a woman feel like she is in a constant state of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Unfortunately, these emotional changes are a normal part of menopause.

Some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include:

Irritability
Feelings of sadness
Lack of motivation
Anxiety
Aggressiveness
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Mood changes
Tension

If you are feeling irritable and sad there is a good chance it could be related to menopause, but the above listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a number of conditions that can cause you to feel down right irritable. Tell your doctor how you are feeling. He or she can make sure a more serious condition is not causing you to feel this way.

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SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland ClinicSOURCE: North American Menopause Society. The National Institutes of Health Edited by Jaswant S. Chaddha, FACS, FACOG, MD on January 01, 2007
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