Stating that changes in mood can be seen during menopause, which is an ordinary but important turning point in women's lives, experts point out that complaints such as feeling of depression, anxiety, restlessness, forgetfulness and decreased attention, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual desire can be seen in many women.
Experts point out that the support of family and friends is important during menopause and recommend continuing the activities that enjoy life.
Üsküdar University NP Etiler Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol made evaluations regarding the menopause period and the psychology experienced during this period.
"Menopause refers to the end of menstrual cycles in women," said Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol, "When a woman does not menstruate for 12 months without any other reason, she is considered to have entered menopause. Although it is a natural process that usually starts in the 40s and 50s, it can be seen earlier in some women."
Psychiatric disorders may occur during this period
Stating that the menopause period is one of the important biological and psychosocial transitions in women's lives, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol stated that psychological problems may occur in some cases during this period and said the following:
"In fact, menopause is not a period in which psychiatric disorders increase significantly. However, the menopause period is more psychologically risky in women who do not have a natural menopause (for example, women who enter menopause surgically by removing the ovaries for medical reasons), women who enter menopause early, women with previous mood disorders, women who have experienced postpartum depression, women with sleep disorders, women with high life stress, women who experience physiological menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. Therefore, psychiatric disorders may emerge with menopause in women with these characteristics."
Feelings of depression and anxiety may be observed
Pointing out that various psychological complaints can also be experienced during menopause, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, "Although the risk of psychiatric disorders does not increase, various psychological complaints are common during menopause. Changes in mood, especially feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness, forgetfulness and decreased attention, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual desire can be seen in many women. Complaints related to mood, attention and memory may increase due to physically uncomfortable hot flashes disrupting sleep quality at night."
Sexual desire and self-confidence may be negatively affected
Noting that menopause may be met with fear and a sense of loss in some women, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, "Some changes in the body caused by entering menopause (weight gain, hair loss, vaginal dryness), as well as mental problems due to hormonal changes, can negatively affect sexual desire and self-confidence. In some women, sexuality can be experienced more comfortably due to the elimination of the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, menopause is not a period in which sexual desire is expected to decrease."
Fragility may increase during this period
Stating that important events experienced during menopause can affect menopause psychology, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, "It is known that negative life events have negative effects on human mental health. Due to the high psychological vulnerability during menopause, it is possible for women to be more affected by negative life events."
Social and individual prejudices cause anxiety
"Menopause is a natural transition in women's lives," said Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol, "Social and individual prejudices about menopause can cause women to fear and worry about menopause. In most cultures, menopause is associated with concepts such as "the end of womanhood", "aging", "infertility". In reality, the loss of fertility does not mean the loss of femininity. Fertility is only a part of being a woman. Women who cannot have children for biological reasons or who do not have children because of their choices are not "missing women". For this reason, it is important to obtain information from healthy data sources (e.g. health professionals) about what menopause is, what is experienced during this period, what is normal and what is abnormal."
Activities that enjoy life should be continued
Stating that psychological difficulties can also be experienced if this period overlaps with other situations, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, "On the other hand, if there is a menopause period, the psychological difficulties experienced may increase because it can intersect with periods when children leave home, job changes (such as retirement). Therefore, one of the best preparations for menopause is to maintain activities that will allow you to enjoy life. Examples include taking up new hobbies or maintaining old ones, being open to new experiences (e.g. traveling, meeting new people), and regular exercise to maintain physical health."
Family and friend support is important
Noting that family and friend support is of great importance during menopause, Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, "The physiological and psychological changes that the person will experience during this period should be approached supportively. The complaints of the person should be taken into consideration and it should be ensured that the person applies to professionals when necessary."
