Introduction
If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and find yourself saying, “I don’t feel like myself,” you’re not alone! This feeling, often referred to as “not feeling like myself” (NFLM), is a common experience among women in midlife. But what does it really mean, and how can understanding it help you feel better?
The Study: Exploring NFLM
A recent study aimed to understand what women mean when they say they feel like NFLM. Women aged 35 to 55 were asked how often they felt this way over the past three months and rated how much different symptoms bothered them. The study found that 63% of women experienced NFLM at least half the time! The symptoms most linked to NFLM included fatigue, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and more.
Here are the top symptoms that were found to be strongly linked to NFLM:
- Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy.
- Feeling overwhelmed/less able to cope: Struggling to handle daily tasks and stress.
- Low feelings: Experiencing feelings of sadness or depression.
- Anxiety/nervousness: Feeling anxious or nervous more often than usual.
- Irritability: Getting easily annoyed or angry.
- Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus or remember things.
- Difficulty making decisions: Struggling to make choices or decisions.
- Feeling unable to calm down internally: Feeling restless or on edge.
- Forgetfulness: Being more forgetful than usual.
- Tearfulness/crying: Crying more easily or feeling tearful.
- Increased worrying: Worrying more than usual.
Symptom Groups Explained
These symptoms were grouped into five main categories: anxiety/vigilance, fatigue/pain, brain fog, sexual symptoms, and volatile mood symptoms.
1. Anxiety/Vigilance:
Many women feel more anxious or on edge during perimenopause. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unable to calm down. This can be due to fluctuating hormone levels affecting your stress response, making even small things seem major.
2. Fatigue/Pain:
Fatigue is very common during this time. Whether it’s from disrupted sleep, heavy periods causing anemia, or just the sheer exhaustion of juggling multiple responsibilities, feeling constantly tired can make you feel unlike yourself.
3. Brain Fog:
You might notice that you’re more forgetful, have trouble concentrating, or find decision-making more difficult. These cognitive changes can be unsettling, especially if you’re used to being sharp and organized.
4. Sexual Symptoms:
Changes in your sexual health, such as pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, and reduced interest in sex, can also contribute to NFLM. These changes often start before menopause and can feel unexpected and frustrating.
5. Volatile Mood:
Mood swings, irritability, and sudden anger are also common. These emotional changes can disrupt your daily life and relationships, making you feel out of control and not like yourself.
The Role of Hormones: Estradiol and Progesterone
Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone, play a significant role in these symptoms. Here’s how they affect NFLM:
Estradiol:
Estradiol, a form of estrogen, has a major impact on your brain and mood. When levels fluctuate during perimenopause, it can lead to symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Estradiol is also important for cognitive function, so changes in its levels can contribute to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness.
Progesterone:
Progesterone, another key hormone, helps regulate your mood and has a calming effect. Declining levels during perimenopause can lead to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Progesterone also plays a role in maintaining energy levels, so lower levels can contribute to fatigue.
Why Understanding NFLM Matters
Recognizing these symptoms and knowing they are part of the menopausal transition can help you feel less alone and more understood. It’s important to remember that many women go through similar experiences. By understanding NFLM, you can better communicate with your healthcare provider about what you’re going through. This can lead to better support and treatments that are tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Feeling like you’re not yourself can be really tough, but understanding why it happens and what symptoms are involved can make a big difference. Knowing that these feelings are common during perimenopause and menopause can help you feel more normal and less isolated. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team to discuss your symptoms, so we can help you find ways to feel more like yourself again. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are ways to manage these changes and feel better!