The big change in life called menopause may cause some women to experience a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence and to question their self-worth. Basically, menopause can be a time when self-esteem drops through the floor, and you are left wondering why this is happening to us and how to break out of it.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is recognizing one has the ability, confidence, and courage to face everyday challenges. Lack of self-esteem and other related symptoms such as rage, feelings of worthlessness, frustration, and depression often go hand-in-hand.

At the same time, physical symptoms such as dry skin, hot flashes, hair loss, and weight gain can fuel and exacerbate how women feel about themselves. Self-esteem can also take a nose dive because society isn’t always kind to women as they age and undergo physical and emotional transitions.

Read about how to practice self-love and be happy

How are menopause and self-esteem related?

Hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause can result in several to dozens of physical and emotional challenges that women can find it difficult to deal with. At the same time, societal expectations and attitudes about menopause, although slowly shifting to the better, can be daunting and upsetting, causing some women to lose confidence and self-esteem. It’s time to help women change those feelings.

How to manage lack of self-esteem naturally?

Most of how you can manage a loss of self-esteem involves your attitude toward it and your willingness to reach beyond your comfort zone. It’s much less about taking an herbal remedy and focuses instead on activating your mind. Let’s take a look at ways to handle lack of self-esteem naturally.

Embrace support. The value of seeking support from women who are in the same situation as you cannot be emphasized enough. In fact, spending time talking and sharing with other menopausal women can be the best therapy because you can bond with others who are going through the same type of experiences. You can lift each other up.

Look for the positive. In one study of menopausal women and their experiences during this transitional time, most of them said they gained a better perspective of personal development, felt freer, and became more competent. Many women are finding new strengths, talents, and goals during menopause. Take time to explore your dreams, desires, goals, and feelings. Destress. All of these things and more can build up your self-esteem.

Treat symptoms. Women who manage and treat their menopausal symptoms tend to have greater self-esteem than those who don’t. In a 2017 study, menopausal women who had high-intensity symptoms of menopause showed significantly lower self-esteem than those who had less intense symptoms. Look for and embrace natural ways to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, lack of libido, irritability, tender breasts, and dozens of others.

Read about 10 lifestyle changes that will boost your mental health

Keep moving. Self-esteem involves both looking and feeling good, and exercise can help with both. Engaging in physical activities you enjoy at least five days a week can help keep you toned, fight off any weight gain you may experience, and give you a boost of pleasurable endorphins.

In a 2021 study, for example, the researchers found that among 111 women who engaged in exercise, those who had higher total amounts of physical activity had better self-esteem.

Maintain good nutrition. When you eat a healthy diet, good nutrition helps with management of many menopausal symptoms, which in turn can address issues such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, hot flashes, and more. Healthy choices include the Mediterranean diet, DASH, flexitarian, and vegetarian/vegan.

Educate and empower. Support groups are great resources, but you also need to educate yourself about menopause, its symptoms, and ways to reduce or eliminate your symptoms and concerns. When doing your research, look for sources that provide sources for their claims.

when to see your doctor

If your issues with self-esteem cause you to feel depressed to the point that you have difficulty with everyday activities or you feel increasingly worse, then make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.

bottom line

The menopausal years are times of changes to the body, mind, and spirit. These changes can take a toll on a woman’s self-esteem. This in turn may worsen your physical symptoms, and vice versa. Seek assistance with managing your self-esteem issues.