Aggression and Anger in Menopause

We’re going to talk about another very common menopausal symptom and that’s aggression or anger, that just seems to have come from nowhere and you turn into some sort of She-Witch.

It’s not a mental illness and women have found that antidepressants don’t help, so what can you do about it?

Why Is This Happening?

Your hormones are changing, so there are real chemical reactions at play that can affect your mood in the form of irritation at the slightest of things, to full blown anger because the butter has been put back in the wrong place in the fridge…

Or even flipping out because you’re in a REALLY BAD MOOD and that stack of plates in the cupboard are looking all too perfect, when your life isn’t

So It’s Not Just Me

No. You’re not on your own with this… up to 70% of women describe one of their main emotional problems during the early stages of menopause as irritability, being less tolerant and far more easily annoyed at the slightest of things that didn’t even bother them before.

Does Anything Help?

• Have a mindfulness app on your phone and listen to this as often as you need to, to slow things down.
• Deep breathing techniques really help… breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of 5, hold for a count of 4 and then breathe out through your mouth for a count of 7. Like you’re getting rid of all that grey anger, really get it out, get rid of it!
• When you’re brewing for an outburst, take 5 big, deep, slow breaths to calm down.
• Remove yourself from the situation you’re in. Walking away is better than confrontation and easier to explain afterward!
• Get plenty of rest so you’re less stressed.
• Exercise really does help.
• Drink lots of water.
• Scream into a cushion or pillow – it’s better out than in!
• Listen to some music that instantly raises your mood and makes you happy.
• A healthier diet really does help with eating little and often so you’re blood sugar levels don’t drop.
• Reduce your sugar and caffeine intake as this revs up your nervous system.

How Do I Know When It’s Going to Happen?

There might be some triggers that set you off, so when you feel you’re brewing, or even if you’re clearing up the mess because you smashed something. Write down what you think the trigger was, as you might start to see a pattern and be able to avoid it in the future.

This is Affecting My Life

Either explain to your loved ones, write a letter, or show them this article to try and explain that it’s not actually you and to try and understand and that you will get over it, it’s just the menopause and to be honest, you hate it as much as they do.

Hopefully, it will open the lines of communication up and you’ll get their support, rather than everything turning into an argument, again!

If it’s getting way out of hand and frightening you, especially if it’s bordering on the physical and you can’t control it, then definitely go to your Doctor.

You might want to discuss with them about HRT with Bio-identical Hormones which are more natural, but not enough is known about their safety and long-term side effects, but it’s still another option for you.

Is There Anything Natural I Can Try First?

Yes, you could try….

• Valerian Root (but has sedative qualities, so good for sleeping too)
• Passiflora
• Magnesium with a Vitamin B complex
• Chamomile and Peppermint Teas
• Hops
• John’s Wort
• Lavender
• Foods rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Tai-Chi/Yoga/Meditation

But remember, you MUST talk to your Doctor first if you’re on any medication, just in case a certain supplement interferes with what you’ve been prescribed.

I hope this has helped some of you and please join our free closed Facebook Group where we’ll help you through this really difficult time. Also, no question is a daft question!

Shelley x

Closed Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/MenopauseHelp/

Remember you can listen to me on TheWayForward on UK Health Radio and I am on their website www.thewayforward.org.uk

www.menopausehelp.org