Separate from the physiological changes that are ongoing during menopause, cultural and societal narratives have an equally significant impact on the experience, says Dr Ng. — 123rf
HOW do fluctuating hormone levels during menopause contribute to anxiety, depression and cognitive changes in women – and in what ways do societal narratives around ageing and femininity exacerbate or alleviate these psychological shifts?
Psychiatrist Dr Jason Ng says while a lot of research is still needed to find out the precise neuroendocrine mechanics of the process, both oestrogen and progesterone are implicated in several potentiating and inhibiting pathways that regulate mood as well as cognition.
