Lived Experience Forum

[NikNik]

Before we finish up I wanted to share some information on specific mental illnesses that can be impacted by menopause:

Schizophrenia

Some researchers have observed a worsening of the course of schizophrenia in women during the menopausal transition. There is research underway to understand what impact the decline of these hormones has on schizophrenia and what impact they were having before they started to decline. 

Panic disorder

New-onset panic disorder may occur during menopause, or pre-existing panic disorder may worsen. Panic disorder may be most common in women with many physical symptoms of menopause. In a cross-sectional survey of 3,369 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years, panic attacks were most prevalent among women in the menopausal transition. These attacks were associated with negative life events, functional impairment, and medical comorbidity.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

New-onset OCD, a relapse of OCD, or a change in OCD symptoms may occur during menopause. Fluctuations in OCD have been correlated with the menstrual cycle and with pregnancy, suggesting that hormone levels may contribute to the disorder. 

Bipolar disorder

Exacerbation of mood symptoms during menopause has been noted in women with pre-existing bipolar. Research has suggested that women with bipolar disorder have higher rates of depressive episodes during the menopausal transition. The frequency of depressive episodes in this population appears to be higher than during premenopausal years (as you mentioned @Mazarita).

The best way to manage this is to get educated as @Mazarita has said and work with your treating team on how to tackle potential exacerbation of symptoms related to pre-existing mental illnesses. Prevention and preparation are key!

[Mazarita]

Yes, @NikNik, my GP has helped me in really important ways, especially with the physical symptoms of menopause. I believe she is also paying more attention to my general health now than at times previous, which is appropriate given that it is a time when we become more vulnerable. I also make sure my psychiatrist and others supporting me know that I am menopausal, though there has been no real change to my treatment needed at this time.

[Shaz51]

Thank you for tonight @NikNik : for an interesting night   smileyhappy:

Thank you @Mazarita, @BlueBay, @CheerBear, @Former-Member 

[NikNik]

That's awesome @Mazarita I hope others can find great GPs and support team who provide the well-rounded support you did.

[Former-Member]

Sorry, got called away,
Perimenapause was about 4yrs. Post (after major shock) about another 4yrs

[Mazarita]

Thanks for a good discussion @NikNik and everyone.

[NikNik]

No worries @BlueBay - a big thank you to you all for sharing your own experiences about something that's not often talked about.

Rather than close this thread, I thought it would be helpful to keep it open so you and others can share tips and strategies to manage Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause.

I'll start by sharing this great table I found on managing hot flushes

Food and drink	Reduce your intake of: caffeine alcohol spicy foods Eat foods with phytoestrogens such as: soy tofu whole grains (e.g. oats, barley, brown rice) legumes (e.g. peas, beans, lentils)	Phytoestrogen may mimic the action of human estrogen in some women and may help, but there is limited evidence to show their effectiveness.
Environment	Have fans or air conditioning operating wherever you can Carry a small hand fan Use a water facial spray Have cool drinks available Wear layers of clothing so you can take off what you need to when you are hot	Thinking about your environment and having practical strategies to help you cool down makes coping with hot flushes easier.
Relaxation	Practise relaxation techniques – this might include paced respiration (slow breathing) and mindfulness therapy.	Relaxation (20 minutes per day) significantly reduces the intensity, although not the frequency, of hot flushes. Relaxation techniques also reduce tension, anxiety and depression.

You can find more resources here and here

[NikNik]

Thanks @Former-Member
If you get a moment, I'd love for you to share some tips and strategies you found helpful during these phases.

[NikNik]

Looking forward to additions to this thread over the coming week.
Good night all!

[Former-Member]

Things that helped me through menapause was
- during perimenapause, theres a tablet you can take first day of period, for 5 days, that reduces blood loss and cramps significantly. This was a godsend for me.
- I want to counselling, even a psychiatrist, but didn't help much.
Knowing whAt I know now, I wish someone introduced me to mindfulness and self compassion back then. And
- keep stress levels down
- self care (look after you)
- socialise, look after each other