China News Service, Shanghai, October 18 (Reporter Chen Jing) October 18 is World Menopause Care Day. Professor Qiu Jianying, Dean of the School of Psychotherapy of the National Center for Psychiatric Disease (Shanghai Mental Health Center), told reporters that day, when many menopausal women go to the hospital, they will first complain of symptoms such as hot flashes, palpitation, and stomach pain, but will not take the initiative to mention anxiety. The gynecology department can do preliminary screening; when the patient's emotional symptoms are severe, he should be referred to a psychiatric specialist to complete the diagnosis. Don't just persuade yourself to "just be more cautious".
"Obviously nothing major happened, but I'm always worried." "I can't help but get angry at the smallest thing, and blame myself after getting angry." "Frustration, chest tightness, trouble sleeping, and repeated inspections can't find any major problems." Professor Qiu Jianying pointed out that if you are experiencing this, please don't rush to scold yourself "Why did it become like this?" In fact, this is not because you are being pretentious, nor is it just because you have reached your age. She pointed out that the emotional problems of menopausal women are the result of the superposition of multiple biological, psychological and social factors. The occurrence of mood swings does not mean that your personality has deteriorated, and you do not need to endure it silently. Only through scientific assessment and timely intervention can we get through this stage safely.
Professor Qiu Jianying said that the overall prevalence of anxiety and depression in women is 2 to 3 times that of men. This difference begins to appear in adolescence, and the peak incidence of emotional problems reaches the perimenopausal period. The expert told reporters that menopause is a high-risk window period for women's mental health. Not only are hot flashes, night sweats, and joint aches common during perimenopause, but emotional distress such as stress, anxiety, and upset are also common. His team's research found that more than one-third of people who visit menopausal outpatient clinics are depressed, most of whom suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression, and relatively few are simply depressed.
According to reports, from a physiological perspective, the endocrine hormones in perimenopausal women will fluctuate drastically, such as estrogen and progesterone levels. Professor Qiu Jianying pointed out that estrogen can directly affect neurotransmitters related to mood regulation such as 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The fluctuations of hormones can not only cause physical discomforts such as hot flashes, palpitation, and fatigue, but also interfere with mood regulation functions. Physical discomfort and emotional problems interact with each other, easily forming a vicious cycle of "physical discomfort-emotional deterioration".
Professor Qiu Jianying reminded that women at this stage often have multiple roles, including supporting the elderly and caring for their children, and some also shoulder important responsibilities in the workplace. The realities of an empty nest, retirement, and physical aging can also impact your sense of self-worth. If women have pessimistic views about menopause and aging at this time, it will be easier to amplify their feelings of anxiety and depression.
Many women confuse "menopausal mood swings" with "anxiety disorders." Being temporarily upset and easily irritable when things happen are mostly normal mood swings, and most people can adjust themselves. Professor Qiu Jianying reminded that if nervousness persists and has interfered with work, housework, interpersonal communication, or frequent palpitations, insomnia, excessive worry, or even panic attacks, it is no longer an ordinary menopausal reaction and requires timely medical evaluation.
The expert pointed out that anxiety disorders have different clinical subtypes and different course requirements. For example, diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder require symptoms to persist for at least 6 months. Don't wait until life becomes untenable before seeking medical attention.
In the interview, the expert pointed out that if symptoms such as anxiety and upset occur during menopause, don’t panic. This can actually be treated. Treatment emphasizes individualization and is divided into two major directions: drug intervention and psychological treatment. For menopausal women with physical diseases such as breast cancer, Professor Qiu Jianyin reminded that drug selection should also consider metabolic pathways and drug interactions. It is recommended to carry out a multidisciplinary joint assessment to take into account tumor safety and mood improvement.
"Psychotherapy is also indispensable." Professor Qiu Jianying said that the relationship between husband and wife, family pressure, and the perception of aging can all be sorted out and adjusted in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is slow to work, but the improvements are more lasting and can also help reduce the risk of relapse. The expert admitted that in reality, stigma and insufficient resources for psychotherapists still hinder many women from receiving psychological intervention.
In addition to medical intervention, adjusting your lifestyle in daily life and giving yourself more care is the basis for physical and mental management of menopause. Professor Qiu Jianying gave several simple and feasible suggestions, including leaving some alone time for yourself and adjusting a healthy life schedule. She said, take care of your body and mind, accept ups and downs; human nature is inherently difficult, be gentle and kind to your unique self. Menopause is not a downhill journey in life, but a new starting point for taking care of yourself again.
