Written by Emma Thompson - January 27, 2023
Menopause is a difficult period for many women, as it brings both physical and psychological changes. It is well known that the hormonal fluctuations associated with the menopause can lead to increased anxiety, depression and even hot flashes. However, could menopause also cause psychosis?
The answer is complicated as there are several factors that contribute to psychosis. For example, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a mood disorder which affects some women and can cause psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. This condition is thought to be caused by the hormones released during premenstrual phase of her menstrual cycle. So it seems plausible that hormonal changes during menopause could play a role in causing psychosis in some women.
However, there is not enough research to say definitively if menopause does or does not cause psychosis in all cases. Many of the studies that have been done on this topic have focused mostly on post-menopausal women who already suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. These studies have found that these conditions may worsen or become more severe during menopause due to the hormonal fluctuations associated with this period of life.
It's important to note that not all post-menopausal women experience an increase in mental health issues; many report improved emotional well-being once they enter into the later stages of their lives. There are also lifestyle factors which can play an important role in how a woman experiences her transition into menopause; for example, maintaining healthy eating habits, getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly can help ease any potential psychological distress she may be feeling.
It's difficult to draw conclusions about whether or not menopausal hormonal changes can contribute to psychosis due largely to lack of research evidence specifically looking at this issue. Even when considering only those studies which do include post-menopausal populations, most results suggest only a weak connection between hormone levels related to menopause and psychosis risk; however there still remains much uncertainty surrounding this conclusion due largely again to variability in study design and difficulty controlling for other contributing factors such as preexisting mental health conditions or lifestyle choices.
Given these limitations, it’s important for healthcare providers and laypeople alike to keep an open mind when discussing possible connections between menopauses risk of developing psychosis - particularly if their patient has pre-existing conditions such as PMDD or anxiety disorders - while also considering other elements which may impact their risk including lifestyle choices like diet, exercise and adequate restorative sleep each night time habits .
If you're reaching out for help during your transition through menopause and would like more information about potentially reducing your risks associated with developing psychosis – especially if you have underlying mental health problems – then please visit HGH Pro clinic today! Our team of experienced specialists offers comprehensive care-plans tailored specifically towards addressing individual needs