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MENOPAUSE: THEORIES
Posted under Women's Health by adminThe hormonal theory
Changes in hormones do affect the emotions; in some women this is pronounced, and in others it is hardly noticeable. This depends to some extent on how rapidly the hormone levels change and also of course on the general make up of the woman and how she reacts to it, but the menopause may be a time of instability. The actual level of circulating hormones also has an effect. The depression associated with hormonal changes at the menopause is similar to the emotional instability at puberty and postpartum depression which often occurs after delivery of a child. During pregnancy there are high levels of circulating oestrogens followed by a sudden drop at delivery; at puberty also there are changes in hormone levels.
The involutional theory
If her periods have gone it is thought that a woman feels that death is around the corner. I think that women who are well don’t feel like this. Death is something that ‘happens to someone else’ if you are on top of things. But, admittedly, in this youth-oriented society, depending on what you have valued in the past, changes at this time do perhaps suggest a loss of youth. Fortunately, more and more women realise that there is more in life than youth, and I feel that with the increase in the interests of women this will be less of a problem in the future.
The empty nest syndrome
I also feel that the ‘empty nest syndrome’ has been overplayed, although it is, of course, also a factor. But numerous women sit in front of me telling me that the last thing they want is another baby. Others tell me that they are fed up with waiting on a bunch of young adults who can well look after themselves. They want time to pursue their own interests. Those who don’t have these feelings and feel a loss at this time should view this period of their lives just as people view retirement, and prepare for new interests in their lives.
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