Modern understanding of menopause increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many menopause presentations.
The Nervous System in Menopause
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to menopause:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type menopause
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by menopause
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type menopause
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Menopause
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Menopause
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving menopause
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in menopause