Hormones calling
I almost went berserk at the FedEx office today while carrying a human-sized box. The lady smirked and told me the button to open the door is right in front of me, which I can’t possibly visualize as this package went clear above my head and I barely saw the door.
It seems hormones have been dictating our moods since our first period, moving right into pregnancy. And finally, how lovely is this – perimenopause and menopause. In the philosophy of Samantha of Sex and the City, welcome to Raisin-ville.
Husbands and significant others look at you and say, “Honey, you getting your period?” Translation: You’re being a complete pain in the neck and I can’t deal with you.
Of course, with mine it goes like this: “The full moon’s almost here, you need anything from the store?” I mean, what am I, a werewolf?
Here’s the scary fact: So many mental health issues (i.e. depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, impulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders) can stem from unstable upswings and downswings of hormones.
Sometimes we think, “Wow! I am literally on my last nerve and you want to cry at the drop of a hat, that Hallmark commercial, a song on your playlist or your bad hair day. Suddenly it hits you – right in the grocery store.
Did he have to puncture a hole in your melon and now you have to go back and get another one, or not give you credit on your coupon because, well, it expired. Oh, woe is him.
Better yet, you’re driving in your car and heaven help the vehicle in front of you or in back of you.
There goes the annoying (I-want-to-rip-your-face-off beep) as you’re adding a touch of lipstick to accentuate an oilier than normal face and can’t miss the zit forming in your T zone.
Shame on you, you missed the light turning green after what, a millisecond? The nerve of that (insert choice word).
You lay on your horn, and what does he see? A psycho woman screaming into her rearview mirror – not a pretty site – but let’s attribute it all to hormones, shall we? And a minor case of “road rage.”
Naturally, if it was during another part of the month you wouldn’t have acted so intensely, correct?
I have found with women I know that right before that time during periods of perimenopause and menopause, our sex hormone estrogen levels decline and we can easily become concerned about our mental status.
Obviously, some cases can become serious, requiring us to seek professional help or medication, but if you’re noticing this behavior, keep a log of your menstrual cycles and document what happens with your mood, as well as length and volume of flow.
You’ll have a better account to hand to your doctor should you seek help.
Dr. Alex Strand N.D., Ph.D., is a naturopath and a microbiologist in Santa Monica, Calif. He said, “Your moods and body may seem totally out of control. What is happening? Perimenopause and post menopause is most profoundly connected to two hormones: estrogen and progesterone.”
Nature has designed them to be partners in a delicate balancing act. When that balance teeters in either direction, a whole host of health problems ensue.
Dr. Nehama Dresner, M.D., is a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist. She said, “During the years of reproductive hormonal cycling, women are twice as likely, especially during childbearing years, to experience depression as men.”
Taking a multivitamin every day or a B complex vitamin helps, as B vitamins are efficient in keeping your nervous system healthy.
Vitamins such as C, E, A and Magnesium also are necessary and effective in maintaining your mental health. Look for food sources rich in these.
And remember, the next time you find yourself about to “lose it,” run a soothing bubble bath surrounded in aromatherapy candles, top it off with a glass of Chardonnay and know you’re not alone.
We are all misfits living in a world on fire.
Ciao Bella
Posted by Janel M. Harrison
on June 13, 2013. Filed under Columns,Girl-2-Girl,Opinion.
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