Why do mood, anxiety and sleep appear together?
As we learn more about the symptoms and impact of menopause as a community, we’re beginning to build a strong picture of how hormone fluctuations can create cluster symptoms. And, the most persistent symptoms across our menopause journeys too.
We know, from the data you share, that anxiety, cognitive function and sleep issues often appear at the start of our perimenopause journeys. And as I have shared before, these were the 3 symptoms that hit hardest for me. What I didn’t understand when I was fully in the vicious cycle, was how our hormone pathways connect and ‘why’, when one symptom turns up, the other 2 are rarely far behind!
The science.
The first hormone to drop in perimenopause is usually progesterone, while estrogen is likely to be fluctuating. Testosterone, our sex hormone, but also the hormone that gives us energy and ‘drive’, will start to drop too.
Progesterone modulates the GABA system in our brain - so, a decrease in progesterone may lead to irritability, mood swings and sleep disturbance.
Poor sleep - regardless of progesterone decline - impacts on the brain’s ability to function optimally as well as on energy levels.
Poor sleep can lead to an increase in cortisol production, which is why we may wake ‘wired and jittery’ and feel heightened anxiety following a poor night’s sleep. Cortisol surges and chronic stress inhibit serotonin production, which amongst a whole raft of associated symptoms and behaviors, affects mood.
Cluster symptoms through a naturopathic lens.
What I love about the practice of naturopathy, is that it promotes a whole body and mind approach to treat a symptom. And this is particularly important in midlife. To address mood/anxiety, brain fog and sleep we need to learn to better digest stress. This is a non-negotiable. And, it will make any additional intervention work harder too.
Then, it is worth looking at how herbs and botanicals can support you further. There are many hard-working plants out there, used in traditional medicine for years. The challenge is in working out dosage levels, and as critically, working like mother nature - synergistically - to maximize impact.
Which is why I’m so excited to be sharing the story behind Mood-Food with you today. Our first powder capsule (something many of you have been requesting for a while!), it harnesses the power of 4 of the best-researched nootropics and adaptogens to deliver, at therapeutic levels, a supplement designed to provide additional support for anxiety, brain fog and sleep. Mood-Food can be taken alongside our foundational powder, Peri-Boost when you’re experiencing additional external stressors. But it can also be taken as a stand-alone support at any point in your menopause journey if these symptoms are the ones that trouble you too.
Please note, if you’re currently taking Meno-Boost, we recommend a free consultation with our team first to ensure that layering up is right for you.
Then, for additional perspective on anxiety and menopause, these two chapters from our LIVE with Dr Olivia Hum, co-founder of Myla Health, is a great listen.
Anxiety & Menopause Part 1
Anxiety & Menopause Part 2
Finally, as always, I want to pass on a big thank you to you! Each product we create is the output of the insight you generously share with us every day through our tracking service. Quite simply, your support and your feedback allows us to do good things.
Then, it is worth looking at how herbs and botanicals can support you further. There are many hard-working plants out there, used in traditional medicine for years. The challenge is in working out dosage levels, and as critically, working like mother nature - synergistically - to maximize impact.
Which is why I’m so excited to be sharing the story behind Mood-Food with you today. Our first powder capsule (something many of you have been requesting for a while!), it harnesses the power of 4 of the best-researched nootropics and adaptogens to deliver, at therapeutic levels, a supplement designed to provide additional support for anxiety, brain fog and sleep. Mood-Food can be taken alongside our foundational powder, Peri-Boost when you’re experiencing additional external stressors. But it can also be taken as a stand-alone support at any point in your menopause journey if these symptoms are the ones that trouble you too.
Please note, if you’re currently taking Meno-Boost, we recommend a free consultation with our team first to ensure that layering up is right for you.
Then, for additional perspective on anxiety and menopause, these two chapters from our LIVE with Dr Olivia Hum, co-founder of Myla Health, is a great listen.
Anxiety & Menopause Part 1
Anxiety & Menopause Part 2
Finally, as always, I want to pass on a big thank you to you! Each product we create is the output of the insight you generously share with us every day through our tracking service. Quite simply, your support and your feedback allows us to do good things.
