Inflammation and mood swings: unravelling the link in perimenopause
Perimenopause brings about more than just hot flashes. It is a unique transition period in women’s life accompanied by profound hormonal changes in a woman’s body. This article explores the often-overlooked role of inflammation during this transitional phase, its impact on long-term health, and ways to prevent undesirable health complications.
The beauty of women’s bodies is a marvellous orchestra of hormones, with estrogen at the core. It influences both physical appearance and the menstrual cycle. In addition, estrogen acts as a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It gives women unique protection from cardiovascular and neurological diseases. However, during perimenopause, the rapid decline of estrogen can lead to inflammation, which increases the risk of unfavourable health complications, from mood swings to cognitive decline.
What is chronic inflammation, and how does it affect women’s health
Inflammation is the body’s protective response to injury or infection. During menopause, hormonal shifts can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation. It is not protective at all. Low-grade inflammation is long-term and harmful.
Inflammation can manifest in various areas of the body, including the brain, leading to discomfort, mental fogginess, puffiness, feelings of depression or anxiety, itchy skin, and many gut problems. It can also disrupt our circadian rhythm, disturb sleep, and harm our microbiome, among other detrimental effects. Inflammation also affects the metabolism, making it easier to gain weight. So it’s no surprise then that after the age of 35, when female hormones start to drop, we become more inflamed with less energy. How can we prevent it?
Managing inflammation in perimenopause
So what can be done to reduce inflammation, increase energy levels, and prevent negative outcomes?
Sleeping as an antioxidant. When we sleep, our body releases melatonin, which is not just a sleeping hormone, but also the most ancient and potent antioxidant. Antioxidants can neutralize damaging molecules released during the inflammatory process.
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Measure your ketone levels. Ketones also reduce inflammation. They are released when we are exercising or not eating for a while and our glucose runs out. But it’s highly individual. Ketone-measuring devices can help to estimate whether you get enough ketones.
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Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Scientists agree: a balanced diet with whole grains high in fiber, polyphenol-rich vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods reduces inflammation, while sugar, highly-processed carbs, and imbalanced omega-3/omega-6 foods increase it.
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Monitor your sex hormones. The rapid decline in hormones can cause health problems. With hormonal replacement therapy, for example, bioidentical one, you can prevent these damaging changes.
Avoid smoking, even passively! Cigarette smoking is associated with earlier menopause. Components of tobacco smoke decrease the number of receptors for female hormones and affect hormone synthesis. Smoking can accelerate menopause and worsen negative symptoms. Also, try not to be in smoky rooms. Even if you don’t smoke, breathing cigarette smoke can be harmful.
So understanding the role of inflammation during the menopausal journey is crucial for maintaining overall health. By carefully listening to our bodies and aligning our choices with scientific knowledge, we empower ourselves to navigate this stage of life with greater well-being and vitality.
