Irritability and Our Hormonal Changes
Can the menopause really cause irritability? The simple answer is yes it can! We can all have those irritable days where we feel more impatient, frustrated and angry.
Did you know that irritability is one of the symptoms that can creep into your PeriMenopause, with up to 50% of women transitioning into the menopause experiencing it.
As strong Women in Business with lots of responsibilities we are so used to being in control of our emotions. When you start to feel that control slipping away it can be very frustrating. The impact of irritability, along with the other 39 symptoms can be challenging for many women. With 51% reporting they take time away from their business or career due to perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
MY IRRITABILITY STORY
I suffered daily with irritability. My irritability impacted my patience both at work and in my business. I had to be extremely mindful about how I came across to others to ensure all my relationships remained intact…
WHAT CAUSES IRRITABILITY?
Yes you’ve guessed it, the declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your system are to blame as it plays havoc with emotions. These hormonal fluctuations have an impact on the chemicals in our body. Levels of oestrogen correspond closely to levels of serotonin, an important mood-regulating neurotransmitter.
Studies carried out have shown that when our levels of oestrogen decline, less serotonin is produced in the brain. Serotonin has a significant influence on our mood, and when it decreases, we are more likely to feel irritable.
A decrease in oestrogen can also have an indirect impact on our mood as it is responsible for other symptoms of menopause. Hot flushes, sleep disorder, memory lapses are just some of the symptoms that can be hard to manage and are often the reason behind our increased stress and irritability.
HOW TO MANAGE IRRITABILITY
Feeling overwhelmed by our sudden feelings of irritability, especially if we do not know what has caused them, can be really disempowering as we move through our Midlife-Journey.
Fortunately, there are some great ways to help us manage these feelings which will help to save our Midlife-Mind and Midlife-Relations.
Using my MidLife Resilience System will help you regain control over your health. Above all, it will give you the tools to feel empowered as we move through our PeriMenopause and Menopause Transition.
MIDLIFE-FOOD
- Food – Eat meals that include whole-foods, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, high-quality protein, dairy/alternative products, phytoestrogens and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
- Probiotics – To nourish the brain-gut loop for neurotransmitter release and balance mood.
- Magnesium – plays a role in mood regulation. Its deficiency can make women more susceptible to irritability.
- Zinc – Deficiency may cause emotional imbalance, leading to increased irritability, ensure you have this in your diet.
- Vitamin D – This is a natural mood lifter. Get adequate levels as a lack can contribute to low mood and irritability.
- Sugar, Caffeine & Alcohol – Limit intake as act as triggers for mood levels by increasing cortisol & brain impact.
- Water – Drink at least 2 litres a day, ours brains need it to function & clear “brain fog.
MIDLIFE-SELFCARE
- Sleep – Lack of sleep can cause us to feel more irritable, so it’s important to get good quality sleep. Ensure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night to help your body repair and feel refreshed.
- Calm – We devote our energy to what’s going on around us, including family, friends, work and the wider world. Therefore it’s important to take time-out to reflect and reconnect with ourselves with a calming activity.
- Move – Daily exercise is a happy hormone producer. It’s a great way to keep you from having unpredictable changes in mood. It gets your blood flowing and your brain starts to produce more endorphins that can lift your mood.
- Others – Create a support network to share how you are feeling. This helps bring reassurance that you aren’t alone. Socialising can also provide a boost of happy hormones.
IRRITABILITY SUMMARY
Studies carried out have shown that when our levels of oestrogen decline, less serotonin is produced in the brain. Serotonin has a significant influence on our mood, and when it decreases, we are more likely to feel irritable.
Irritability is one of the symptoms that can creep into your PeriMenopause, with up to 50% of women transitioning into the menopause experiencing it.
Use my MidLife Resilience Coaching Boost below or watch my Video to help manage irritability issues, focusing on Food and Selfcare, so you Feel Stronger.
KEEPING WOMEN IN BUSINESS…
Are you a Woman in Business who wants to manage your irritability issues before they impact You, Your Family and Your Business?
Do you want to know more about the “40 Changes To Accept Over 40″ that happen as you transition through PeriMenopause and Menopause?
Therefore you have two choices to learn more about My Mission of Keeping Women In Business through their Hormonal Changes & Business Growth:
- Book a Complimentary Consultation worth £125 including your own MidLife Resilience Assessment to understand where you are on your own PeriMenopause & Menopause Transition…
- Or register to join The Women in Business MidLife Club with 4 Membership Options starting at £51.00 per month. I have created a Club where you focus on building a Strong Body & Strong Business with only one monthly fee – saving you time and money…
