PLAINS TALK Meg McKeon, LISW WHEN MENOPAUSE AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH Menopause can be a stressful time for many women, but for those with certain mental disorders, it can be more complicated than usual. While clinical trials have yet to find a connection between depression and menopause, fluctuations in the levels of the hormone estrogen during perimenopause can cause dramatic mood swings that may include excessive emotional highs and lows. This is normal and should not be confused with a mental health issue. However, women previously diagnosed with conditions líke bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders may experience exacerbations in their symptoms caused by low estrogen levels that can continue into and after menopause. This may require a change in the type or level of medications the patient is taking. Research suggests that women who have severe PMS in their younger years or postpartum depression may have more severe mood swings during perimenopause. Women with a history of clinical depression also seem to be particularly vulnerable to recurrent clinical depression during menopause. Plains Area Mental Health welcome people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Call our office today at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our address is 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Carroll. Helping People Cope With Everyday Living. P.S. For women with pre- existing mental disorders, supplementing estrogen during perimenopause may be advised. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center Ming Ppe Cape Ede tng www.plainsareamentalhealth.org PLAINS TALK Meg McKeon, LISW WHEN MENOPAUSE AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH Menopause can be a stressful time for many women, but for those with certain mental disorders, it can be more complicated than usual. While clinical trials have yet to find a connection between depression and menopause, fluctuations in the levels of the hormone estrogen during perimenopause can cause dramatic mood swings that may include excessive emotional highs and lows. This is normal and should not be confused with a mental health issue. However, women previously diagnosed with conditions líke bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders may experience exacerbations in their symptoms caused by low estrogen levels that can continue into and after menopause. This may require a change in the type or level of medications the patient is taking. Research suggests that women who have severe PMS in their younger years or postpartum depression may have more severe mood swings during perimenopause. Women with a history of clinical depression also seem to be particularly vulnerable to recurrent clinical depression during menopause. Plains Area Mental Health welcome people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Call our office today at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our address is 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Carroll. Helping People Cope With Everyday Living. P.S. For women with pre- existing mental disorders, supplementing estrogen during perimenopause may be advised. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center Ming Ppe Cape Ede tng www.plainsareamentalhealth.org