{"id":14884,"date":"2026-04-16T14:28:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=14884"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:28:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:28:56","slug":"why-do-emotions-change-during-menopause-altering-the-roles-of-the-brain-and-gut","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/blog\/waarom-veranderen-emoties-tijdens-de-menopauze-de-rol-van-hersenen-en-darmen\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"section section-blog-detail\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"blog-detail-wrapper\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"blog-detail-pageheader\">\n                                            <div class=\"pageheader-image\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Emoties-Menopauze-Darmflora-SkinSurgery.png\" alt=\"Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut\" title=\"\">\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"pageheader-breadcrumbs\">\n                        <div class=\"breadcrumb-wrapper\">\n                            <a class=\"breadcrumb-item\" href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\">Home<\/a><span><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angle-right fa-xs\"><\/i><\/span><a class=\"breadcrumb-item\" href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/blog\/\">Blogs<\/a><span><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angle-right fa-xs\"><\/i><\/span><a class=\"breadcrumb-item\">Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut<\/a>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"blog-detail-content\">\n                        <div class=\"content-blocks\">\n                            <div class=\"detail-block content-block\">\n                                <h1 class=\"blog-detail-title\">Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut<\/h1>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                <div class=\"detail-block content-block\">\n                                                                                    <h3>Wat gebeurt er in de hersenen tijdens de menopauze?<\/h3>\n<p>Oestrogen is not only a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, but also plays an essential role in the brain.<\/p>\n<p>This affects, among other things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the serotonin balance (mood and emotion)<\/li>\n<li>dopamine (motivation and reward)<\/li>\n<li>The stress response via cortisol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Brain research using PET and fMRI shows that during the menopause:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the brain's energy consumption changes<\/li>\n<li>certain brain regions work together less efficiently<\/li>\n<li>emotional regulation becomes more vulnerable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Specifically, areas such as the prefrontal cortex (control), hippocampus (memory), and amygdala (emotion) are temporarily thrown off balance.<\/p>\n<p>This can manifest as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>stemming changes<\/li>\n<li>irritability<\/li>\n<li>Angst or melancholy<\/li>\n<li>concentration problems (\u201cbrain fog\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Important: this is not a psychological issue, but a neurobiological change.<\/p>\n<h3>Darmen en emoties zijn op verschillende manieren met elkaar verbonden. Dit komt door wat bekend staat als de 'gut-brain axis' (darm-hersenas). Dit is een bidirectioneel communicatiesysteem dat de hersenen en het maagdarmkanaal met elkaar verbindt.\n\nHier zijn de belangrijkste manieren waarop darmen en emoties aan elkaar gerelateerd zijn:\n\n*   **Zenuwstelsel:** De darmen hebben een eigen zenuwstelsel, het enterische zenuwstelsel (ENS), dat vaak wordt aangeduid als de 'tweede hersenen'. Dit netwerk van neuronen is in staat om bewegingen, afscheidingen en lokale bloedstroming in de darm autonoom te reguleren. Het ENS communiceert voortdurend met de hersenen via de nervus vagus, een lange zenuw die signalen heen en weer stuurt. Wanneer je emotioneel gestrest bent, kunnen signalen van de hersenen naar de darmen worden gestuurd, wat leidt tot veranderingen in de spijsvertering, zoals een opgeblazen gevoel, diarree of obstipatie. Omgekeerd kunnen signalen van de darmen naar de hersenen stemmingswisselingen, angst of zelfs depressieve gevoelens be\u00efnvloeden.\n\n*   **Microbioom:** Het microbioom is de gemeenschap van triljoenen micro-organismen (voornamelijk bacteri\u00ebn) die in je darmen leven. Deze micro-organismen spelen een cruciale rol in vele lichaamsfuncties, waaronder de spijsvertering, het immuunsysteem en zelfs de productie van neurotransmitters zoals serotonine. Serotonine wordt vaak geassocieerd met stemming en welzijn. Ongeveer 90% van de serotonine in het lichaam wordt in de darmen geproduceerd. Disbalans in het darmmicrobioom (dysbiose) kan leiden tot veranderingen in de productie van neurotransmitters, wat invloed kan hebben op stemming en emoties.\n\n*   **Hormonen en Immuunsysteem:** De darmen zijn ook betrokken bij de regulatie van hormonen zoals cortisol, het 'stresshormoon'. Chronische stress kan de darmfunctie be\u00efnvloeden, en ontstekingen in de darm kunnen ook systemische effecten hebben die de hersenen en stemming be\u00efnvloeden. Het immuunsysteem, dat grotendeels in de darmen is gevestigd, speelt een rol in de hersenfunctie en emotionele processen.\n\n**Praktische voorbeelden:**\n\n*   Heb je ooit een 'buikgevoel' gehad? Dit is vaak een letterlijke weerspiegeling van signalen die vanuit je darmen naar je hersenen worden gestuurd.\n*   Mensen met prikkelbare darm syndroom (PDS) ervaren vaak meer angst en depressie.\n*   Emotionele stress kan leiden tot fysieke symptomen in de darmen, zoals misselijkheid of buikpijn.\n*   Het eten van bepaalde voedingsmiddelen kan je humeur be\u00efnvloeden, mede door de impact op je darmgezondheid.\n\nKortom, de darmen zijn veel meer dan alleen een spijsverteringsorgaan; ze zijn een centraal knooppunt dat nauw verbonden is met je hersenen en je emotionele toestand. Zorg voor je darmen betekent dus ook zorgen voor je mentale welzijn.<\/h3>\n<p>The gut and brain are continuously connected via what's known as the gut-brain axis.<\/p>\n<p>An important fact:<br \/>\nAround 90 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut.<\/p>\n<p>During the menopause, declining oestrogen causes changes such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the composition of the microbiome<\/li>\n<li>intestinal permeability<\/li>\n<li>the production of neurotransmitters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This can disrupt communication between the gut and the brain.<\/p>\n<p>This can lead to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A bloated feeling or altered bowel movements<\/li>\n<li>reduced nutrient absorption<\/li>\n<li>increased sensitivity to stress<\/li>\n<li>Intensification of emotional complaints<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In other words<br \/>\nGut health directly influences how someone feels mentally.<\/p>\n<h3>Why do ailments often feel more intense than expected?<\/h3>\n<p>Many women are told that the menopause is \u201cmild\u201d, but that is often not what they experience.<\/p>\n<p>This is because multiple systems are changing at the same time:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>hormones<\/li>\n<li>Brain function<\/li>\n<li>Card balance<\/li>\n<li>sleep quality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This combination causes symptoms to reinforce each other.<\/p>\n<p>For example<br \/>\nPoorer sleep \u2192 more stress \u2192 disruption of gut flora \u2192 more emotional instability<\/p>\n<p>This is a chain reaction, not an isolated problem.<\/p>\n<h3>What does this mean for treatment and guidance?<\/h3>\n<p>Within a modern, high-quality clinic vision, it is essential to look beyond mere symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>An integrated approach means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>to understand what's happening hormonally<\/li>\n<li>recognise that the brain and gut react together<\/li>\n<li>To set realistic expectations<\/li>\n<li>Restore calm and control to the patient<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This aligns with a broader vision where aesthetics, health, and wellbeing are interconnected.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>The menopause is a phase in which the body reorganises itself.<br \/>\nThe emotional changes that women experience are not coincidental, but the result of measurable changes in the brain and gut.<\/p>\n<p>By understanding these processes, scope is created for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>more rest<\/li>\n<li>more grip<\/li>\n<li>and a treatment that connects to the full system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Want to know more about menopause and hormones? We at SkinSurgery Clinics Bergschenhoek and Den Haag offer <a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/hormone-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hormone therapy<\/a> to see what we can help with.<\/p>\n<h3>Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Are mood swings during the menopause normal?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. Due to hormonal changes in oestrogen, the operation of neurotransmitters and brain areas that regulate emotions changes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does my gut health really affect my mood?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes. The intestines produce a large proportion of serotonin and are directly connected to the brain.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will these complaints go away on their own?<\/strong><br \/>\nFor many women, symptoms stabilise after the menopause, but support can help to get through this period more easily.<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                    <div class=\"blog-detail-sidebar\">\n                        <div class=\"sidebar-wrapper is-centered\">\n\n                                                            <div class=\"specialist\">\n                                                                            <h3>The Expert: Cosmetic Doctor &amp; Surgeon<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                <div class=\"image-holder\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                                src=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/app\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Skin-Surgery-Thanya-Thain.jpg\"\n                                                alt=\"Dr Thanya Tha-In\">\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                        <div class=\"specialist-info\">\n                                                                                    <h3>Dr Thanya Tha-In<\/h3>\n                                        \n                                                                                    <h4>KNMG Certified Cosmetic Physician &amp; Surgeon<\/h4>\n                                                                                <div class=\"button-holder\">\n                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/specialisten\/dr-thanya-tha-in\/\">More\n                                                About Thanya<i\n                                                    class=\"fa-regular fa-arrow-right-long\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n                                                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/free-consultation\/\"\n                                                   target=\"_self\"\n                                                   class=\"button\">Schedule a no-obligation consultation<\/a>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            \n                                                            <p>Dr. Tha-In has years of experience in facial surgery and has performed numerous procedures. She operates daily and knows exactly which treatment suits which needs or concerns.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>SkinSurgery Bergschenhoek<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Hy3Tddeqscr7pHrQ6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leeuwenhoekweg 4<\/a><br \/>\n2661 CZ Bergschenhoek<br \/>\n010- 310 56 20<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>SkinSurgery Tha Hague<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Hy3Tddeqscr7pHrQ6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laan van Meerdervoort 677<\/a><br \/>\n2564 AC The Hague<br \/>\n070- 200 20 70<\/p>\n                            \n                                                            <div class=\"button-holder\">\n                                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/free-consultation\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"button\">Free consultation<\/a>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n            <div  class=\"section section-seo-content is-beige\">\n            <div class=\"container\">\n                <div class=\"seo-content\">\n                    <h3>ALSO INTERESTING<\/h3>\n<p>Why Hormone Therapy at SkinSurgery Makes a Difference.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/blog\/5-perimenopause-myths-debunked\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">READ OUR BLOG TOO: 5 Misconceptions About Perimenopause Debunked<\/a><\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n    <div   class=\"section section-blog-slider is-white\">\n        \n                    <div class=\"blog-slider-wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"blog-slider swiper\">\n                    <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide blog-slide\">\n                                <div class=\"blog-item-image\">\n                                    <div class=\"blog-image-overlay\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/app\/themes\/skinsurgery\/resources\/img\/element_plus_white.png\" alt=\"Element heart\" title=\"\">\n                                    <\/div>\n                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                            src=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Emoties-Menopauze-Darmflora-SkinSurgery.png\"\n                                            alt=\"Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut\">\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"blog-item-content\">\n                                    <h3>Why do emotions change during the menopause? The role of the brain and gut<\/h3>\n                                    <div class=\"link-holder\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/en\/blog\/waarom-veranderen-emoties-tijdens-de-menopauze-de-rol-van-hersenen-en-darmen\/\" class=\"link\">Read this article                                            <i\n                                                class=\"fa-solid fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"swiper-slide blog-slide\">\n                                <div class=\"blog-item-image\">\n                                    <div class=\"blog-image-overlay\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/skin-surgery.nl\/app\/themes\/skinsurgery\/resources\/img\/element_plus_white.png\" alt=\"Element heart\" 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