Menopause, Energy and Low Mood

“I just don’t feel like myself.” 

It is something many women say around menopause. 

Sometimes the most difficult symptom isn’t a hot flush at all. 

It is tiredness. 

Motivation disappears. Exercise feels harder. Small frustrations become disproportionately irritating and ordinary tasks take more effort. 

Look at the whole picture 

Energy and mood are influenced by many things. 

During menopause these can include: 

  • poor sleep 

  • stress 

  • changing hormone patterns 

  • reduced activity 

  • changes in diet 

  • other health conditions 

That means the answer is rarely as simple as “it’s your hormones”. 

Rebuild the foundations 

When energy is poor it is tempting to do less and less. 

But gentle regular activity can be helpful. 

Walking is an excellent starting point because it requires no special equipment and can be adjusted to your own capability. 

Nutrition also matters. 

Rather than searching for a miracle food, concentrate on regular varied meals containing a sensible mixture of vegetables, fruit, protein, starchy carbohydrates and healthy fats. 

And remember hydration. 

Make room for yourself 

Women often arrive at menopause after decades of looking after other people. 

Children, partners, work and ageing parents can leave very little room for their own wellbeing. 

Making time for yourself is not selfish. 

It is maintenance. 

Low mood deserves attention 

Persistent low mood, hopelessness, loss of pleasure or thoughts of self-harm are not things to simply “push through”. 

Seek professional help. 

Menopause can coincide with significant emotional change, but support is available. 

Internal links 

Facebook post 

Sometimes menopause isn’t mainly about hot flushes. 

Sometimes it is: 

“Why am I so tired — and why don’t I feel like myself?” 

Our latest article looks at energy, mood, sleep and the importance of putting your own health back on the priority list. 

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