Before we talk about menopause, it’s important to look back at the preceding years to fully understand why menopause is particularly difficult for women who have been stressed.
A consequence of being stressed over the course of years prior to menopause includes the constant physiological activation of your nervous system. A significant activating hormone is cortisol. When we’re stressed we produce cortisol and adrenaline, which activate our bodies. This type of activation was intended for our survival as it enables us to run or fight to deal with physical danger. Since most dangers are relatively brief, our bodies were not designed to remain activated for long.
Over time the continuous over-production of cortisol leads to harmful effects including potential bone loss, weight gain, headaches, fatigue, hampered immune response, and an impaired ability to focus. Many of my clients have been subjected to the ravages of stress for decades prior to entering menopause.
Unfortunately, menopause begins a life change process that further stresses an already stressed body. As estrogen levels drop, you’re likely to experience hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, weight gain, thinning hair and dry skin.
As one might expect, after the preexisting wear on your body from the years of stress, menopause can feel like a devastating experience.
If you continue to experience stress, the continuous activation of the fight-or-flight response will cause further complications.
You can’t prevent menopause, but you can reduce the negative effects on your physical and emotional health by learning how to reduce anxiety, thereby minimizing the harm to your body. Doing so makes a profound difference in how you experience life during and after menopause.
It’s time to take care of yourself.
The best to you.