Written by Clare Widzgowski
Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, has many physical and emotional symptoms that can affect daily living. Depression, irritability and low mood are common symptoms of menopause. Social support systems have been shown to positively impact health in a variety of ways, but some women report feeling more introverted and less social in perimenopause. Introversion in perimenopause is caused by a few factors that are tied to other symptoms of menopause.
- Fatigue
When you’re too tired, you don’t really want to hang out with your friends, go out of the house or be social. Sleeping problems are common in perimenopause due to fluctuating hormones disrupting sleep patterns and waking you up with night sweats. Creating a regular sleep routine can increase your sleep quality, so you are rested and ready to be social.
- Mood Swings and Depression
Depression, mood swings and anxiety are common menopause symptoms that can also cause social withdrawal and introversion. Depression symptoms can be debilitating and depression affects 20-40% of perimenopausal women. Mood swings can also lead to introversion because it can be highly unpredictable what mood or mindset you are in that day and how that will affect those around you. Speak with your healthcare provider if your depression and mood swing symptoms are becoming too difficult to manage.
- Irritability
Irritability in perimenopause is linked to the decline in estrogen, as most symptoms of perimenopause are. This means that you may be less likely to put up with certain things that you would have tolerated in the past, such as family members or friends. Estrogen regulates chemicals in the brain that regulate your feelings and emotions. Irritability can make you feel guilty for feeling annoyed with your loved ones and may cause introversion.
- Embarrassment
There are many physical changes during perimenopause that can be embarrassing for women and may cause them to withdraw socially. Perimenopausal women can experience digestive issues, weight gain, acne due to hormonal imbalance, dry or itchy skin, and body odor. These changes are all natural and common parts of perimenopause, however it can be difficult for some women.
If you’re feeling more introverted in perimenopause, don’t worry. It is a common symptom that accompanies many of the other symptoms you may be experiencing. As difficult as it may be, social support is critical during the menopausal transition. Social support during this time has been shown to reduce menopausal symptom frequency and severity.
Join our online community here to build an online support network of other women in perimenopause. We’d love to have you!
Disclaimer: At It’sFetch.co we strive to provide valuable and reliable health information through our blog. We believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. However, it is important to understand that the content on our blog is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified medical professional.
Sources:
Arnot, M., Emmott, E. H., & Mace, R. (2021). The relationship between social support, stressful events, and menopause symptoms. PloS one, 16(1), e0245444.
Cartmel, M. (2018, November 8). Menopause and mental health: Finding yourself in isolation. Gennev – Integrated care for menopause. https://www.gennev.com/education/social-isolation-menopause-mental-healthDurward, E. (2020, December 1). 4 surprising emotional symptoms of Menopause. A.Vogel Talks Menopause. https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/menopause/videos/4-surprising-emotional-symptoms-of-menopause/
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