I Wish Someone Had Told Me This About Menopause Before It Ruined My Life

Menopause is a natural part of life — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

We recently received a letter from a reader who wanted to break the silence around something many experience but few talk about openly.

Here’s her letter.

“At 3am, I was crying over peanut butter in the kitchen, exhausted. My husband asked if I was okay. I told him to stop breathing so loud. That’s when I knew menopause wasn’t just hot flashes.

Mood swings, brain fog. Nobody talks menopause can quietly wreck your relationship.
And our marriage? We weren’t fighting—we were fading.

I whispered, ‘I don’t feel like me.’
He said, ‘I know.’

You’re not crazy. You’re not alone.”

Thank you for sharing with us!

Menopause and your mental wellbeing

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can affect not only your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. It’s common to experience a range of emotional and cognitive shifts during this time, including:

• Irritability and anger
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Forgetfulness
• Low self-esteem
• Loss of confidence
• Persistent low mood or symptoms of depression
• Difficulty concentrating, often called “brain fog” or losing words
• Sleep disturbances are also a frequent issue during menopause or perimenopause. Poor sleep and fatigue can intensify other symptoms, such as anxiety, mood changes, and trouble focusing.

Treatment options according to experts

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect your mental health as well as your physical wellbeing.

Everyone’s experience with menopause is different, so finding the right approach for you is important. Some treatments that may help ease psychological symptoms include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Counselling
• Mindfulness practices

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and staying active can also make a big difference. Gentle activities like yoga, walking, or guided mindfulness can help boost your mood and overall wellbeing — and many resources are free and easy to access.

You’re not alone in what you’re experiencing — support is available, and things can get better with the right help. Taking small steps to care for your mental health during menopause can make a big difference in how you feel each day.

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