Are your emotions running the show?

Could you imagine life without emotions? 

Of course not. 

Emotions are life’s spice. 

However, one of the complaints I get more often from women in their 40´s and 50´s is how difficult it is living through an emotional rollercoaster that many times seems out of control.

Of course, not every woman experiences it and there are many levels to it. But I would like to share with you several possible reasons for the emotional body to get out of whack during perimenopause and menopause. And some things we can do to soften the intensity and enjoy the ride. 

 

1. THE CHEMISTRY PIECE: HORMONES & NEUROTRANSMITTERS.

We can experience and understand our body/mind at many  different levels. One of them is the chemistry level. 

It is nothing new that chemical molecules, like hormones and neurotransmitters, determine our emotional state. And therefore, it is not surprising that all the hormonal changes that start taking place during perimenopause have an impact on our mood. 

 

Sexual hormones secretion drops in this phase of a woman’s life. Let’s see the effect of this decrease in the activity of neurotransmitters associated with how we feel.

 

• Estrogen is related to the activity of serotonin (responsible for feelings of happiness) and dopamine (regulates pleasure, motivation and learning). Its decrease can be the reason for mood swings and feelings of sadness, apathy and even depression. 

• Progesterone decrease is related to increasing anxiety. The effect is double. On one hand, the amount of GABA, a neurotransmitter with anti-anxiety effects, decreases. On the other hand, glutamate, a neurotransmitter that stimulates brain activity increases. High concentrations of glutamate are correlated with anxiety. 

• Testosterone is a hormone responsible for our sense of well-being; it gives us confidence, energy and the ability to withstand stress. Since testosterone levels decline during menopause, this can explain some symptoms, including low confidence, motivation, fatigue and more vulnerability to stressing factors.

• We should add, as I exposed in the previous blog, that cortisol increases as sexual hormones decrease. When stress hormones (like cortisol) increase, your body gets ready to fight or flight.  Your body will be more tense. You will be feeling survival mode emotions like anger, fear,.. And you will not be at all in the mood for emotional connection or intimacy.

2. NON DIGESTED PAST EXPERIENCES.

Every experience create an emotional imprint. 

 

Menopause is a pivotal time for women and it is very likely that experiences you have not fully processed make a reappearance at this time. 

 

Even if you have done extensive work on yourself, this is a very special time that brings to the surface what is there to cleanse, polish and refine so you can become the best version of yourself ever. This is the true gift of this sacred transition. 

 

And if you have not done work on yourself yet. No worries. It is never too late to start and this is a very auspicious time to do so. 

3. ASTROLOGY OF MIDDLE AGE. 

There are some important Astrological transits that happen around 40´s and 50´s that can deeply affect our emotional state. 

 

Transits are not inherently good or bad. Although they can be challenging at times, specially if you do not understand what is going on and why you are facing some particular external events or internal experiences. 

 

To have a sense of what is happening makes a difference as you can move along with the available energies and receive the gifts of deep transformation. 

I don’t want overwhelming you with all this information. All the contrary. Understanding what is happening gives you the tools to create a wonderful life during our 40´s and 50´s. 

Sharing all the tools and practices that we can use to release emotional pressure and even enjoy the ride, will require some time together. I want to give you some hints. They are mostly based in life style changes that promote the secretion of neurotransmitters for joy and well-being:

• Moderate exercise and being in the sun are easy ways to increase serotonin and feeling happier. 
• Yoga practice increases the anti-anxiety neurotransmitter called GABA.
• Touch, massage, sex, being with other women… all this generated oxytocin “the bonding hormone” that counterbalance the damaging effects of an excess cortisol. 
• Have a community of support that truly sees you and understand what you are going through. This is one of the most powerful medicines from women circles.
• Diet has a lot to say when we talk about hormones and moods. Just one tip: reduce as much as possible the intake of sugar, alcohol and coffee.
• Revelations from the stars… a great time to dive into the information your astral chart has specifically for you.

And, of course, if you feel overwhelmed ask for help. You do not have to move through this by yourself.

I hope you have enjoyed this information.

I leave you some links below that might interest you. 

And I will be really happy to receive your comments and sensations in  Instagram 

@susanarasalila

Be wise, wild & relaxed

Susana GB