Irritability

Irritability is quite common in women during menopause period. You may feel that you can easily get irritated even over trivial matters. Whilst it is not a problem on its own, it can ruin relationships if it gets out of control. You may regret what you say when you are irritated and feel guilty which can lead to more serious conditions such as depression. Hormonal changes coupled with the fatigue state of the body resulting from hot flashes and sleep disorders is believed to be the cause of the problem. You cannot stop menopause but you can learn how to counter the menopause symptoms by taking steps to be in control over yourself and increase your emotional stability level. Learn how to control yourself and you may find that irritability is much easier to handle. Certain herbs can offer relief by helping you to relax and treat other problems so that your body feels energized and does not get exhausted.

Here are some tips to relief your menopause irritability:

• Keep a small diary to note your feelings. Look for things that trigger your irritability and improve on them

• Try to use herbs. Black cohosh, dong quai, sage tea, honey and few other herbs has soothing and relaxing properties

• Smile often. It helps you to remain calm. Some scientist in the opinion that when you smile, the muscles in the face interact with the brain to release neurotransmitter that makes you calm and relax

• If you feel irritated, sit down. Very effective

• Take a deep breath if irritability sets in

• Wash your face, hands and feet if you are angry to keep your cool. Highly recommended

• Avoid antidepressants, alcohols, drugs and smoking. It makes your irritability more pronounced

• Reduce caffeine and sugar consumption. Too much of them can really swings your mood around

• Join social activities. Women groups, movie outings or just catch up with old friends

• Take up a new hobby and complement it with natural surroundings. E.g. gardening, fishing and bird watching

• Do regular exercise. Try 20 minutes a day. If too strenuous, take a brisk walk in the park

• If you prefer, stroking and playing with cats can reduce stress that is often the cause of your irritability

You can usually overcome irritability when you take control of your emotions. It is important to note that if you do not manage this problem, it can lead to depression that will affect your health and lifestyle. Openly discuss your situation with your partner and family for support. They too can play a role by reminding you on what you should do if they see you are having irritability problem (see tips above). Try to handle irritability problem without depending on any treatment first. You can try natural herbal alternatives that not only help you to relax but also beneficial in treating other menopause symptoms. It is best practice to regularly consult your doctor on any symptoms that you may have and discuss on any treatment if necessary. Don’t forget to inform your doctor if you take any herbs just to be on the safe side.