Menopause, Mood Swings & Besties … Why Our Girlfriends Are the Ultimate Remedy – Ladies … let’s talk about the real MVPs of midlife …
Our Best Girlfriends!
Menopause can be one heck of a wild ride. One minute, you’re laughing at a meme about forgetting why you walked into a room, and the next, you’re in a full-blown existential crisis because you can’t find your reading glasses, which are on your head. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and let’s be honest, who better to scream through the twists and turns of menopause than your best girlfriend?
Guess what? Science backs it up, too! Having a close, supportive female friend can do wonders for your mental health, especially during life transitions like menopause. Your bestie isn’t just your brunch buddy or shopping partner; she’s your built-in therapist, mood booster, and possibly the only person who truly understands why you suddenly need to fan yourself in a grocery store freezer aisle … seriously
So, how does science play a role in this? Well, you know that feeling you get when you are laughing so hard with your best friend that you can’t breathe, your face physically hurts, and maybe, just maybe, you peed a little. That’s oxytocin in action. Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is released when we experience a bond/connection with others. Studies show that oxytocin reduces stress levels and creates a sense of calm and connection.
A 2022 study published in the journal Menopause found that women with a strong social support network experience fewer depressive symptoms, lower anxiety levels, and better overall well-being during menopause. Another study from the University of Michigan found that women with a strong circle of friends had lower blood pressure, better heart health, and even increased longevity compared to those who felt socially isolated.
What does all this mean? It means that your best friend is your prescription for a healthier, happier you … without any potential nasty side effects. Can you say #winning?!
Let’s be honest: not everyone understands the joy of a perfectly chilled bedroom or why you suddenly cry at dog food commercials. But your bestie … oh … she gets it, and her understanding and unwavering support are powerful beyond words.
She’s your reality check. And when you start spiraling because you forgot your password for the tenth time that day, she reminds you that brain fog is real and then promptly helps you reset your password … AGAIN.
She is also the woman who makes you laugh when you need it most. It’s her superpower … laughter literally reduces stress hormones and boosts endorphins. So, one good laugh with your bestie can turn a rough day into a much better one.
The loyalty of our best girlfriends is something quite magical. Whether it’s reminding you to take your supplements, texting you a “Did you move today?” message, or dragging you to yoga when you’d rather binge-watch Netflix, she’s got your back 100%
This “girlfriend therapy,” as I like to call it, is a real thing.
Licensed therapists often emphasize the importance of social support in managing stress and mental health. Dr. Shelley Taylor, a researcher at UCLA, coined the term “tend and befriend” to describe how women naturally cope with stress by seeking social connections. This is the opposite of the classic “fight or flight” response we often hear about.
So, if you’ve ever felt instantly better after venting to your best friend, it’s not just in your head … it’s science! Nurturing these relationships is very important and key to our optimal mental health. However, life does get busy, so how do we keep the connection strong?
Here are a few ideas to help keep the “bestie heartbeat” at an optimal level …
- Schedule regular girlfriend time. Whether it’s a standing coffee date, a monthly “menopause vent session,” or just a 10-minute check-in call, make it a priority.
- Laugh on purpose. Watch funny videos, reminisce about old times, or find something ridiculous to giggle about. Laughter is literal medicine.
- Be vulnerable. Share your struggles, and let your friends share theirs. Real connection happens when we’re open and honest.
- Encourage each other’s wellness. Join a walking group, try a new meditation app together, or share healthy recipes—because being healthy is more fun when you’re doing it with someone you love.
Menopause isn’t just about hormones and hot flashes. It’s about navigating this new phase of life with support, love, and heaps of laughter. Science confirms what we already know …
Friendship isn’t just good for the soul; it’s good for your health!
So, pick up the phone, send that text, or plan that girls’ night. Your mental and physical health will thank you for it.
Now, go call your bestie. She’s probably waiting for you to send her a meme about menopause.
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