Gefühlssache: Wechseljahre oder Psyche: Was ist eigentlich los mit mir?

Wechseljahre oder eine Depression - what's really going on with your mental state? When someone notices psychological changes during perimenopause, they might quickly start to blame it on hormones. However, the truth is that bodies and minds are not as separate as we sometimes think. Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, also affect the brain, so it's possible that hormonal changes can influence mood and overall well-being.

Dr. Konstantin Wagner, a gynecologist and author, advises against jumping to conclusions that "it's the hormones." On the other hand, hormonal changes should not be ignored either. The key is to observe and understand patterns rather than focusing on individual bad days. For instance, if symptoms first appeared along with changes in the menstrual cycle, fluctuate, or are accompanied by typical perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes or sleep disturbances, a depression might be present.

Anxiety or depression can often coexist with perimenopausal symptoms, and it's important to address both at the same time. Keeping a small symptom or cycle diary for a few weeks can help identify these connections. Wagner recommends focusing on changes and patterns rather than just the individual bad days. A good lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper sleep, adequate nutrition, limited alcohol consumption, and effective stress management, can significantly improve both physical and mental health.

However, it's not accurate to say that if you just live healthy enough, you won't experience perimenopausal symptoms. Hormonal issues or psychological problems may have different causes, but the question should be: What has changed, what is causing the problem, and what do I need now? We don't need to label everything as perimenopause, but it's a good time to take changes seriously and not let them control us.

Dr. Wagner is a gynecologist in Kassel and has written several books. He is active on social media as @gynaeko.logisch.