Palpitations and heart thumps
Palpitations (bursts of rapid heartbeats) are another common symptom at this time and are not a sign that you are about to have a heart attack. Alcohol and smoking aggravate them. They settle with relaxation and removal of the hot flushes. Some may persist and cause more discomfort, and these may be treated further. Heart thumps (extra systoles) may appear first at this time, particularly when lying down after a heavy meal, after alcohol or aerated soft drinks, or smoking.
Emotional problems
There are many women who suffer from emotional change
There is a variety of explanations for why this occurs, but I do
not entirely agree with some psychiatrists’ views of the causes of the depression which is occurring as a flrst-up symptom in this age group of patients, that is those who have not been depressed either repeatedly or deeply before in their lives. I think this is because I see a different group of women. Psychiatrists see the more deeply depressed women.
I see women who come through the door and who have had no past history of depression and say ‘I’ve never felt like this before in my life. I am irritable and nasty with my family and husband and furthermore I know I’m doing it. I am over anxious. If I have to do something unexpected I am unable to cope with it.’ The psychiatrists state there is a mid-life crisis in both sexes. In addition the women get an extra hormonal thump, which produces added symptoms.
Real physical reasons
The patients I see have real physical reasons for being depressed — they are concerned about their state, their inability to control their flushes and, in addition, their change in sexuality. There are definite changes in the cells of the vagina and this may well affect comfort with intercourse. There may be a drop in libido at this time. In addition, some women are simply short of sleep due to the insomnia that occurs at this period. However, I feel we should look at the theories put forward for the reasons for depression at this time.
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