Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. You have officially made it through "the change of life" when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. Menopause is known for causing hot flashes in most women due to a decline in estrogen levels. This classic symptom isn't the only reason many menopausal women become hot under the collar. The often irksome fluctuation in hormones may also cause emotional and psychological symptoms.
Sadness
Physical symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and insomnia, can leave you feeling fatigued and more susceptible to feelings of sadness. In addition, the years leading to menopause are often looked upon as the end of youth and sexuality--not to mention the end of any ability to conceive a child. In some women, this sense of loss can lead to depression.
Mood Swings
Menopausal women may be more quick-tempered and irritable. They may find that positive and negative emotions are magnified. When you're content, you may have moments of near euphoria. When something or someone rubs you the wrong way, you become furious.
Anxiety
A woman going through menopause may also suffer from anxiety, according to Southwest Washington Medical Center. This can potentially manifest itself through panic attacks and/or an occasional racing heart.
Memory Problems
Menopausal women may suffer from lapses in memory that can be disconcerting, embarrassing and inconvenient. Symptoms may include the inability to focus and forgetfulness. A woman in menopause may notice that important dates and facts have slipped her mind, or she frequently forgets to turn off the TV or iron.
