Menopause and Anger

During Perimenopause, in the transitional period before menopause, women
experience a number of emotional problems and mood swings, including
anger, in addition to physical changes. According to experts, perimenopause
does not cause anger and other mood swings, but fluctuations in hormone
production during perimenopause trigger anger, depression and other mood
swings that are already pre-existing.

Many women, at a slightest provocation, would have waves of intense
emotions, such as anger go through them. Many would be intolerant of
behaviors that transgressed their own limits, and limits of others. Some
women would be focused on their sense of outrage and anger, and would
intervene, frequently on behalf of others.

Simple changes in your life style can lessen stresses, such as, anger and other
mood swings, during the period leading to menopause. Following an exercise
regimen is one good way of reducing anger during menopause. Exercise, a
great stress-reliever has antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety relieving)
effects.  Regular exercisers typically have fewer mental and physical health
problems, and brisk walks three times a week will help you during
Perimenopause to reduce the severity of anger and other mood swings.

Exercising also stimulates endorphins, hormones that reduce the sensation of
pain and affect emotions, such as anger, and boosts Serotonin levels.
Serotonin regulates cyclic body processes. In addition, exercise helps you
sleep better, and controls weight gain, which is normally associated with
perimenopause and menopause. It is far better to take out your pent up
emotions and anger on the jogging/walking track and the gym equipments,
than on your family, friends and colleagues!

If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before deciding on an
exercise regimen. It would normally take several weeks, as much as four
months, before you will see improvements in your mood swings and anger.

Effect of Diet on Anger During Menopause
For women in perimenopause and menopause, diet has a great effect on the
emotional aspects, such as anger. Diets rich in protein and especially Omega-
3 fatty acids, reduced intake of sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates, etc,
should be highly preferred. Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water fish and
flaxseed oil are the sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

To overcome anger and other anxiety and mood swings; women in
perimenopause and menopause should supplement their diet with:

• Amino acid tryptophan - a natural relaxant that reduces
  anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin levels.
  Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) - It works as a natural
  tranquilizer.
  DLPA (D, L-phenylalanine) - It bolsters mood-elevating
  chemicals in the brain and blocks a nervous system enzyme that
  amplifies pain signals. It is a more effective pain reliever in
  combination with GABA. 
  Tyrosene - It is a natural stimulant and very appropriate to
  get rid of mood swings.

In comparison to pre-menopausal women, women during
perimenopause and menopause have a double risk of experiencing
anger, depression and other mood swings. It has been found that,
it makes no difference to the above experiences whether you are
taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or not.