Recently, I may have shocked a few people when I discussed the important role of hormones on mood. I explained how these chemical messengers can impact emotions so intensely that variations in their levels can lead to extreme irritability, even rage. These outbursts can occur anytime a biological woman’s hormones fluctuate; however, they are more common during perimenopause. This is the transitional time of changes in hormone levels that leads up to the cessation of all menstrual periods (menopause).
In my latest article, originally published on Rupa Health, I briefly review the several reasons why hormones can have such a radical impact on mood. I then discuss in detail how the shift into menopause alters the brain. Finally, I explain how to support women during this phase using a naturopathic, functional, and root cause medicine approach.
You can watch the video and/or read the accompanying article to learn more about:
- The 3 ways menopause affects the brain. These include the impact of hormones on neurotransmitters, a temporary decline in memory and cognition, and various brain structural changes.
- Functional medicine lab tests for assessing menopausal women with cognitive symptoms
- The adjustments a woman can make to maintain brain health during menopause (changes in lifestyle, using specific essential oils, incorporating various herbs and supplements, and hormone replacement if necessary)
Although menopause can change the brain in unexpected, and sometimes distressing ways, it is usually only temporary. One can decrease the negative mental effects during this transition with a personalized naturopathic and functional medicine approach. In this way women can move into the next phase of their lives with better preservation of cognitive function and a more balanced mood and mindset.
Access more details on how menopause affects the brain and action steps to support cognition here.
Even if you are not a biological woman, understanding this topic will help you appreciate how hormones can alter the brain.
Please feel free to comment and share your own experiences about how hormones have impacted your emotions below.
Naturopathic Medicine Resources for Mood and Hormone Support
- Free resources and more education on essential oils and mind-body wellness are available to you here.
- If you are struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help: National Mental Health Hotline
- Stay Connected! Sign-up for my weekly newsletter.
- Stay tuned for an upcoming opportunity that can support you in holistic mind-body-heart-soul healing.
Many blessings.
Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
