Menopause - Symptoms may be Worse From Stress
De-stressing Now May Help Improve Your Menopause Transition Later
Sep 14, 2009
Menopause is a natural process that has been happening for an untold number of years, yet it still remains one of the most mysterious of life's transitions. Why is it that some women breeze through menopause very easily, while others suffer with physical and emotional symptoms that even effect their friends and family? Why have doctors been unable to adequately help women through a life changing process that happens to every single woman who is fortunate enough to reach that stage in her life?
Menopause Disrupts Hormones
Although doctors can predict that the normal menopausal age is between 45 and 55, they can’t predict how exactly it will affect them. Everyone is different and everyone’s hormones are different. Menopause and menopausal symptoms are all about hormones. When menopause occurs, the ovaries shut down their production of hormones leaving a woman’s body nearly devoid of progesterone and with significantly less estrogen. Although the process of entering menopause can take years, menopause symptoms can start very suddenly. With hormone levels fluctuating, internal body temperature and mood levels get taken on a roller coaster ride that can start and stop without warning.
Menopause can be a Positive Experience
In some cultures menopause is a liberating and empowering time in a woman’s life. It signifies a change in responsibilities, moving away from child-rearing and towards a more relaxed and carefree time. It symbolizes an increased confidence, independence and greater wisdom. Unfortunately, menopause has a less positive perception in industrialized countries.
Menopause Symptoms are Worse in Industrialized Countries
Some researchers say that women in industrialized countries suffer much worse menopause symptoms due to high levels of daily stress. Causes of stress can be emotional, physical and environmental. Stress wears down the adrenal glands which must pump out hormones like adrenalin and cortisol in response to stress levels. When menopause occurs, many doctors believe that the adrenal glands are largely responsible for taking over the production of estrogen and progesterone. If the adrenals are weakened from long-term stress it could cause a condition known as Adrenal Insufficiency. In this situation, the adrenals cannot function well enough to produce the necessary amounts of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones to balance the system.
Menopause and the Thyroid Gland
Problems with the thyroid gland are thought to be connected to worsened menopause symptoms and low functioning adrenal glands. Whether the thyroid acts negatively on the adrenals or it is a separate problem varies. The functioning of the thyroid can be damaged by radiation, other types of environmental toxins and from autoimmune diseases. However, the thyroid itself is a rather mysterious gland that can appear to be functioning normally in test results when, in fact, it may not be.
While there is obviously no hard and fast rule about making sure your menopause experience is a blessing, it does seem clear that there are some things you can do to increase your odds. Taking good care of your self is vital. Avoid foods, like caffeine, and stressful situations that can tax your adrenals. Maintaining a healthy, happy and low stress lifestyle well before you approach menopause may help you lead a happier and longer life as well as a happier transition into menopause.
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