What is the menopause?
The menopause is a natural biological process signalling the end of fertility. It often brings about significant mental health challenges alongside physical symptoms. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression are common due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in oestrogen levels.
While experiences vary, some women find this transition more difficult than others. Genetics, prior mental health history and support networks all influence this. Common treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, and talking therapies. Lifestyle adjustments, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, also play crucial roles in maintaining mental wellbeing.
Recognising the potential impact of the menopause on your mental health is important. Seeking support when needed can significantly improve your quality of life during this phase. With proper management and support, you can navigate the menopause with resilience and enhanced mental wellbeing.
50% of women feel menopause has affected their home life
On average women experience 7 different menopause symptoms
Hot flushes (79%) and night sweats (70%) are the most common symptoms
22% of women experience unexpected sleep problems
20% have difficulty with memory and concentration
What causes it?
While menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, various factors influence when it begins and how it progresses. Genetics play a significant role, with family history often influencing the onset of menopause. Additionally, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and medical interventions can impact it.
Genetic predisposition, autoimmune disorders, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may trigger early menopause in some women. A surgery like a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, can cause early menopause if it also affects the ovaries.
Certain lifestyle factors and medical interventions can delay the onset of menopause. Women who lead healthy lifestyles, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity may experience menopause later. Additionally, certain hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies may temporarily delay menopause onset.
What are the symptoms & effects?
Physical Symptoms
The menopause’s physical symptoms last for an average of 4-5 years but may persist for up to 10 years in some cases.
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep issues
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Changes in libido
- Hair thinning or loss
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms may vary in duration and intensity, with some women experiencing them throughout the menopausal transition.
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating/brain fog
- Memory lapses
- Decreased self-esteem
The symptoms of menopause can have a significant impact on both your work and personal life. You may notice reduced productivity and concentration at work. Daily activities and responsibilities could feel more difficult. You could experience increased pressure on your personal relationships and find it more challenging to maintain social connections.
How can it be managed?
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Managing the menopause effectively can involve a range of strategies to suit individual needs and symptoms.
Group Support
Group support provides a sense of connection and community with other women experiencing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can alleviate feelings of isolation and offer you valuable emotional support. These group sessions may be offered in-person or online. Healthcare professionals or support organisations often facilitate them and they can provide valuable resources and guidance.
Talking Therapies
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling or other talking therapies can offer a safe space to explore emotional and psychological symptoms associated with the menopause. Talking therapies address the underlying thoughts, emotions and behaviours contributing to mood swings, anxiety, depression and relationship issues that can be caused or exacerbated by the menopause.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or antidepressants to manage severe or persistent symptoms. HRT can alleviate hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness by replenishing your declining hormone levels. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may help alleviate mood disturbances and anxiety. You should always discuss the use of medication for menopause symptoms with your GP or healthcare professional.
What to Avoid
- Self-medicating with alcohol or recreational drugs can exacerbate mood swings and worsen mental health symptoms.
- Ignoring symptoms or attempting to carry on without seeking professional help. This can prolong distress and negatively impact overall well-being.
- Relying solely on lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments or herbal supplements. Alone, these may not provide sufficient relief for severe symptoms.
You should seek medical advice from a doctor if your symptoms are significantly interfering with your daily life or persist for an extended period.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution focused hypnotherapy for menopause offers valuable support, particularly in managing stress, which can significantly impact this phase from perimenopause to post-menopause. By reducing stress levels, hypnotherapy helps ease the impact of hormonal changes on your body.
Your hypnotherapist will tailor sessions to your specific needs, providing a personalised approach to your symptoms. Hypnotherapy for menopause addresses both the physical and psychological aspects, promoting overall wellbeing.
Hypnotherapy provides insights into how your brain and body respond to fluctuating sex hormone levels. You’ll gain greater understanding of these and the impact of the stress response. This empowers you to effectively reduce stress and alleviate common menopausal symptoms. Hypnotherapy for menopause also enables women to make positive lifestyle choices that further reduce symptoms.
Hypnosis for menopause can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. It enables you to enter a state of deep relaxation. Whilst in this state, your body can learn to respond differently to triggers. Your hypnotherapist can show you ways to relax that can help you control the physical reactions that cause hot flashes.
Solution focused hypnotherapy equips you with the mindset and tools to cope better with menopausal symptoms. It will empower you to navigate this life stage with confidence and vitality.
Our Menopause Specialists
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Emma Bancroft
Rainham, Kent
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
