Mood swings, short-term memory loss, and difficulty thinking
straight are common complaints from midlife women. However,
while many of these symptoms are attributed to menopause, there
are other contributing factors to consider as well. Hormones:
During reproductive years, most women become accustomed to their
own hormonal rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted during
perimenopause, mood changes may result. Timing: The timing of
menopause may coincide with a multitude of midlife stresses like
relationship issues, divorce or widowhood, care of young
children, struggles with adolescents, return of grown children
to the home, being childless, concerns about aging parents and
caregiving responsibilities, as well as career and education
issues. Aging: Getting older in a society that values youth can
be very demoralizing. Midlife women often experience changes in
self-esteem and body image. Women may begin to consider their
own mortality and dwell on the meaning or purpose of their
lives. Although achieving optimal