The term “March Madness” can mean something different depending on who you’re talking to. Many people will automatically think of the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournaments, as they’re starting to work on their brackets in the hopes of winning their office’s pool this year.
However, if you are speaking with a woman in perimenopause or menopause, “March Madness” can have a totally different connotation. If she is experiencing menopausal symptoms like mood swings, one minute she’s bouncing like a Globetrotter and the next minute her family is looking at her as if she made a three point shot for the other team. WTF is going on?
As if being grumpy isn’t enough, according to a six-year study published in Menopause, researchers found that women with the highest levels of stress were more than five times (I repeat, five times!) more likely than normally stressed women to report hot flashes. Mood swings and hot flashes, that combination is enough to make you want to turn in your final four tickets and hit the bar!
The good news is that you’re certainly not alone, and you can get your game back! Here are 4 simple tips to combat those mood swings:
Get Some Exercise
Throw on your high tops! MsFLASH Research Network found working out had a positive effect on depression in both perimenopausal and menopausal women. A study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland found that high-impact exercise can help postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis maintain bone health and physical function. According to research published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, exercise significantly reduces feelings of anger, confusion, fatigue, tension, and vigor. Are you convinced yet? Take a walk, pop in a yoga DVD, jump on your bike, or put on your favorite tunes and dance around your kitchen! You don’t need to be in the final four to warm up for the game of life.
Relieve Stress
Those perimenopause or menopause bouncing moods can be alleviated in other ways. For example, take time out of your busy day for yourself and do something that celebrates you — get a manicure, take a long bath, or get a massage. In fact, massage has been found to be helpful in alleviating a number of stress-causing issues like anxiety, insomnia, headaches and other aches and pains. You may also want to explore easing stress through meditation.
Consult a Medical Professional
Sometimes you may find you need some additional help to take care of the ups and downs you’re experiencing during perimenopause or menopause. Be sure that you have a winning coach (menopause gynecologist) to help guide you in your perimenopausal or menopausal journey. If you don’t have one, check out my Menopause Specialist Directory. Your menopause gynecologist can help evaluate whether your mood swings are linked to menopause or if you are suffering from some other medical issue. The treatments recommended will depend on this evaluation.
Ask for Help.
Get off the bench and get back in the game! Share your issues with your “coach” and fellow “team members” so that you don’t go mad this March.
Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
Enter our March Giveaway: Exercise your pelvic floor with the Intensity Health and Stimulation Device and Pour Moi gel combo!
