Everything you didn't know about menopause | GMA3

Menopause and Mental Health

In this section, the speakers discuss the importance of having conversations about menopause and mental health. They also talk about how women can cope with emotional challenges during menopause.

Importance of Having Conversations About Menopause and Mental Health

• Women are now opening up about what was once a taboo topic to talk about.

• Validation of this conversation is key because there have been so many years which is always thinking that we were alone in this.

• It's a great time in mental health and medicine because there are so many options for treatment and therapies.

Coping with Emotional Challenges During Menopause

• Hot flashes, anxiety, and depression are common symptoms during menopause.

• Women can go through perimenopause starting at age 40 that can be the 10 years before you actually cross that finish line and enter into that next stage of life.

• Using humor has helped some women sort through those emotional feelings they're feeling.

• Estrogen and progestin receptors head to toe folks so in the brain it can affect your mood it can affect the way you think.

Emotional and Mental Health

The value of women is often tied to their ability to procreate, and menopause has historically been seen as the end of a woman's usefulness. Partners can help by being understanding and supportive, but women should also be their own advocates and seek treatment options.

Partner Support

• Men should understand that they know less about what their partner is going through than she does.

• Partners should be open with each other about what the woman is experiencing.

• Building a community of support with other women going through menopause is important.

Self-Advocacy

• Women should talk openly with their doctors about symptoms related to menopause.

• Women should seek advice from friends who have gone through menopause for treatment options.

• Women should set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Menopause can be a difficult time for women, but having a supportive partner and community can make it easier. Women should also be proactive in seeking treatment options and advocating for themselves.