The link between stress and menopause is well documented. It can become a vicious cycle of worsening menopausal symptoms leading to increased stress. Jump off that debilitating merry-go-round and find natural menopause relief with a few simple changes to your diet, activity levels and outlook on life.
The journal Menopause found in a study of over 400 women between the ages of 37 and 47 that those who reported the highest stress levels had as much as five times the hot flashes as those who women who reported less anxiety. Even women who reported only moderate anxiety levels suffered three times more hot flashes than those who lived with less stress.
More bad news connecting stress and menopause came from a study in the Maternal and Child Health Journal that reported vaginal dryness, a common symptom of menopause due to decreased estrogen, was associated with high levels of psychological stress (not physical stress).
Stress reduces the secretion of all sex hormones like estrogen. Women going through menopause are already experiencing a dramatic drop in estrogen production, which causes hot flashes, insomnia, depression and vaginal dryness. Being stressed out about life situations and menopause symptoms can be debilitating and greatly affect one’s quality of life.
The Dangers of Chronic Stress
It is well known that chronic stress is not good for you. It is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, more illness and diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke and even cancer. It makes chronic illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis and diabetes worse as well.
Add the dramatic physical changes of menopause to an already stressed out life, and you get a recipe for disaster. Your personal relationships, career, and over all sense of wellbeing can be negatively affected. The good news is natural stress and menopause relief is available with a little effort on your part.
Your diet has so much to do with how you feel each day. Weight gain is a common side effect of menopause, so paying attention to what you eat can help you manage your stress levels and menopausal symptoms.
Foods rich in probiotics like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, along with probiotic supplements help keep your GI tract functioning smoothly and your immunes system strong. Suffering less sever colds, urinary tract infections (also common during menopause), gas pain and bloating will greatly reduce your stress levels.
Being chronically run down and feeling ill is very stressful. Boosting your immune system with a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, omega-3 rich foods and staying well hydrated will relieve stress and menopausal symptoms like fatigue, depression and hot flashes.
Weight gain and insomnia are common menopause complaints. Exercise can offset these two unpleasant symptoms and help you reduce your stress levels. Making time every day for some physical activity is critical to managing your stress levels and menopause symptoms.
You don’t have to spend hours at the gym or run a marathon, either. A brisk walk or a few laps in the pool is all you need. Being outside to exercise has many health benefits and makes working out less of a chore and something to look forward to.
Your outlook on life makes a huge difference when it comes to managing stress and menopausal symptoms. Menopause and stress are a fact of life for all women. Accepting that and making plans to deal with both are critical for keeping your spirits high and warding off depression and other mood disorders.