To think menopause is wrecking my friendships

[ArtfulGoldWriter]

EVERYONE irritates me! I am on HRT and my physical symptoms are ok- ish in terms of mostly managed at say 90%.

it’s my general mental health that seems to be the issue- people just get on my nerves- I feel like I can’t connect with people in the same way that I used to be able to. I feel terrible!

I have some lovely friends but don’t feel so much that I can interact with them in the way that I used to be able to- it’s awful.

Anyone else experienced this? I also want to interact in different ways- I prefer 1-1 and often going for walks rather pub or big get togethers.

i dont feel the same about stuff and it feels so weird! I prefer being at home a lot of the time! I’ve just been on a hen do and it was lovely but it’s also broken me for a week after 🤪

How long have you been on HRT? It can take months to see the full effects. Also, sometimes they need to adjust things. I would just give your practitioner a call and explain these types of symptoms. And you are one step ahead in that you actually recognize them and are aware of situations you can and cannot handle.

If your friendships are with women of the same age, you may just share a bit about your symptoms (but avoid announcing that you are annoyed by them) and you may find that they are experiencing the same thing, but keeping it to themselves as well, and you can find comradery in that shared experience.

Ha, I’ve been on HRT for two years and I feel exceedingly antisocial most of the time. Most people irritate me.

I do absolutely treasure my really close friends though, women with whom I feel I can really be myself. I agree that spending time with one or two good friends is much better than big groups (although to be honest I’ve always felt that way). Nothing wrong with that.

The best thing is to find a friend who’s also having a tough time with the menopause - I find being with someone who really understands so you can laugh/cry/swear about it together hugely reassuring.

There's so much for us women to deal with, my moods were all over the place, one minute happy, the next ready to loose my mind with frustration and anger!!

I've been on HRT for 10 months, and it has definitely helped, but it did take 3-6 to notice a change.

The feelings of being antisocial and easily annoyed during perimenopause are very common and are primarily linked to the significant hormonal fluctuations happening in a woman's body, especially the decline in estrogen.

Estrogen is a key hormone that influences various brain functions, including mood regulation. It's closely linked to the production and activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Then we have Serotonin often called the "happy hormone," serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, serotonin levels can also fall. This drop can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, and sadness.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can impact cortisol levels. Higher or fluctuating cortisol can exacerbate feelings of stress, anger, and irritability. So much going on for women trying to navigate the perimenopause. Check out https://menopausestudio.co.uk/