The connection between estrogen and your emotional well-being
Menopause is an important stage of life that doesn’t just bring physical changes – your feelings and mood can also change. The hormone estrogen, which you may already have associated with your reproductive health, plays a crucial role in your emotional well-being. You may have noticed mood swings, anxiety attacks or even moments of inexplicable sadness during menopause. These emotional changes are normal and understandable. In this newsletter, we explore how estrogen affects your feelings and provide tips to help you better manage these changes.

How estrogen affects your mood
Estrogen is more than just a reproductive hormone – it directly affects how your brain regulates your mood. One of its main tasks is to promote the production of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps you feel happy and balanced. Estrogen also makes your brain more sensitive to serotonin, so your mood tends to be stable when estrogen levels are high. However, during menopause, when your estrogen levels drop, this balance is disrupted. That’s why you may experience emotional ups and downs, sometimes for no clear reason.

Effects of falling estrogen levels
During menopause, the body naturally reduces estrogen production. Unfortunately, this decline can affect not only your reproductive system, but also have a major impact on your emotions. Changes in estrogen levels can cause you to feel more irritable, anxious, or even depressed. These feelings are not in your imagination, but are directly related to the hormonal changes in your body. It is important to remember that these emotional swings are perfectly normal and can be managed well with the right attitude.

Common emotional symptoms of menopause
a. Mood swings
Do you sometimes feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions? One moment you feel great, and the next you’re overcome with sadness or frustration, with no clear trigger. These mood swings are among the most common emotional symptoms of menopause. Fluctuating estrogen levels are responsible for these rapid emotional changes.

b. Anxiety and Depression
Have you noticed that you feel more anxious or even get into depressive phases? Anxiety is common during menopause and makes you feel constantly worried or overwhelmed. You may also experience moments of deep sadness when things that used to give you pleasure now seem far away. Both anxiety and depression are related to the drop in estrogen and the associated changes in the brain. It is important to recognize that these feelings are normal and can be managed with the right treatment.

c. Irritability and anger
Do you find yourself snapping at others over little things? Many women experience increased irritability and even outbursts of anger during menopause. These feelings can come seemingly out of nowhere and be frustrating—not just for you, but also for those around you. It’s important to recognize that this irritability is part of your body’s hormonal changes and does not reflect your personality. Understanding why it occurs is the first step in getting it under control.

Hormone therapy and alternatives can help you find your emotional balance
If you are struggling with emotional symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an option for you. HRT can help restore estrogen levels in your body, which in turn can stabilize your mood. Some women find this treatment to be very effective in alleviating both the physical and mental symptoms of menopause. However, hormone replacement therapy is not suitable for all women, as it can carry health risks, such as an increased risk of breast cancer or heart disease.
If you prefer to try other options, there are also non-hormonal treatments that can be helpful. Some natural remedies such as phytoestrogens (found in foods like soy and flaxseed) have a mild estrogenic effect. Herbal supplements such as saffron can also provide some relief.

Your lifestyle can support your emotional well-being
Even small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on how you feel during menopause. For example, regular exercise – whether it’s walking, swimming or yoga – can improve your mood by naturally increasing serotonin levels in your body. Exercise also helps to regulate sleep, which is often disturbed during menopause and can exacerbate emotional symptoms.
Diet also plays a role. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or flaxseed, can have a positive effect on your mood. Drinking enough fluids and avoiding too much caffeine or alcohol can also help keep your emotions in better balance. By providing your body with the right nutrients, you give yourself the best chance of feeling emotionally strong during this time.

Support for mental health issues
You don’t have to go through the emotional ups and downs of menopause alone. Talking to a mental health professional can make a big difference to how you deal with mood swings, anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can show you how to change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to help you stay emotionally balanced.
In addition, joining a support group – in person or online – can be a great way to connect with other women going through similar experiences. Sharing your feelings with others who understand can reduce your sense of isolation and help you get practical advice on managing your emotional health.

Manage your emotions with confidence
The emotional changes that come with menopause are real, but they don’t have to define your entire life. Understanding how estrogen affects your feelings can help you take charge of your emotional well-being. There are many ways to manage the emotional ups and downs of menopause, whether it’s through hormone treatments, lifestyle changes, or professional support. You are not alone in this journey, and with the right knowledge and support, you can navigate these changes confidently and mindfully.