Maniac or Menopausal?
Menopause, which literally means the “end of monthly cycles,” is the point in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods permanently stop, signaling the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although this can vary. The word itself comes from the Greek “men,” meaning month, and “pausis,” meaning cessation.
This transition, while natural, is often accompanied by a range of physical and emotional changes. Beyond the well-known symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, menopause also brings emotional shifts that can deeply affect a woman’s sense of self.
Take my friend Sarah, for example. In her early fifties, Sarah found herself in the middle of an important work meeting, suddenly flushed, sweating, and feeling completely out of control. Afterward, she broke down to me over coffee, sharing how these changes made her feel like she was “losing herself.” She joked about how she used to feel sharp and confident, but now felt like she had “morphed into a hot mess.” What she didn’t realize was that, alongside the physical symptoms, the emotional rollercoaster she was on was entirely normal. Her fluctuating hormones were leading to mood swings, irritability, and a general sense of unease, common symptoms of menopause.
Mood swings are one of the most common emotional challenges during menopause. As hormone levels — especially estrogen — fluctuate and decline, many women experience increased anxiety, irritability, or depression. Sarah explained, “It’s like I wake up some days and don’t even recognize myself! I could be on top of the world one minute and ready to cry the next.” While it can feel disorienting, it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of the process. Finding support through healthcare providers, friends, or loved ones can help women feel less alone as they navigate these emotional changes.
Menopause can also bring a sense of loss, as it marks the end of fertility. This can be particularly emotional for women who have tied part of their identity to motherhood or who see menopause as closing a door on a part of life they may not have fully experienced. Even for women who have had children, there can be a sense of finality that’s difficult to process. Sarah mentioned feeling nostalgic for her younger years — not because she wanted more children, but because menopause reminded her that life was changing in ways beyond her control.
Body image and self-esteem can also be affected during menopause. With changes like weight gain, skin aging, and thinning hair, many women feel disconnected from the body they once knew. Sarah confided, “It’s like my body doesn’t feel like my own anymore,” noting that, while she always took pride in looking polished, menopause had challenged her sense of control over her appearance. The societal focus on youth can make this even harder, but it’s important to remember that beauty and value don’t fade with age. Embracing these changes can actually lead to a sense of empowerment and wisdom.
On the brighter side, menopause can bring a sense of freedom for some women. “Once I stopped focusing on all the changes and started focusing on myself, it became less about loss and more about finding freedom,” Sarah shared. Menopause can mean relief from monthly cycles and worries about pregnancy, allowing many women to rediscover themselves and prioritize personal growth.
While menopause brings emotional challenges, it also offers the chance for self-reflection and renewal. With support and self-compassion, women can navigate this new chapter with grace, finding new strengths in themselves along the way.
