Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness are two possible results. Our waning estrogen also can lead to difficulty sleeping, apparently because estrogen has an effect on the brain's biological clock. But hormones are only part of the explanation for the mental and emotional changes of perimenopause. For many women, midlife is an incredibly stressful time. Demanding careers, caring for children or teenagers, coping with physical changes, planning for a secure financial future, changing relationships, and looking after aging parents are just a few of the typical tasks facing midlife women.
Stress can lead to or worsen emotional and physical symptoms.
However, there are several ways to improve your mental and emotional health. In one study of women who'd experienced surgical menopause, HRT either improved mood and mental function, or prevented these from getting worse. If you don't want to use HRT, there are other ways to help yourself to good mental and emotional health.