Mental Wellbeing

Menopause is a critical life transition phase around 45 to 55. Studies have identified an increased risk for elevated depressive symptoms and negative mood in the transition phase of menopause.

Midlife is thought to induce psychological stress due to several social reasons. Studies suggest that, psychologically, midlife could instead be a satisfying time of life, characterised by a high level of mental well-being. Therefore, as a specific age-related transition in mid-adulthood, menopause may differentially influence negative and positive mental well-being dimensions.

Can my hormones affect my mood around the perimenopause and menopause?The answer is yes! In the same way that mood fluctuations are common throughout the menstrual cycle (known as premenstrual syndrome or PMS), feeling low around menopause can also be partly attributed to changes in hormone levels.

The hormones oestrogen and progesterone are linked to the regulation of happy neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which help to give us a sense of well-being. The changes in these hormone levels may cause a drop in serotonin and, consequently, a negative effect on mood.

In addition, the hormone progesterone (or rather its metabolite allopregnanolone) has anti-anxiety effects and an overall positive effect on mood for many women, so fluctuating levels of this hormone around the menopause transition can contribute to mood changes such as feeling more irritable and anxious.

Sleep and mood

There is a strong link between sleep and mood. Poor sleep around menopause and perimenopause can have a detrimental impact on emotional well-being and mental health. Unfortunately, low mood and anxiety are well known to interfere with sleep, so it can quickly become a vicious cycle, with one symptom driving the other round and round.

Am I depressed?

Mood changes around menopause and perimenopause do not automatically mean you are suffering from clinical depression, and these two things are not the same- though women who have suffered from mental health problems in the past may be more likely to develop clinical depression at this time.

Our emotions are incredibly complex and can affect many facets of life. It is crucial to carefully unpick symptoms of low mood and changes in emotional well-being to provide the right management plan for everyone.

What might help me to feel better?

Diet and lifestyle , eating and sleeping well can improve mood, and exercise is well documented as positively affecting mental health. We offer a diet & lifestyle consultation which can help address these factors – please see our appointments and bookings page.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and feelings can impact our behaviour/ the way we react to things and is an extremely powerful tool in improving negative thoughts associated with low mood and even physical symptoms, that may be associated with anxiety. If you are interested in CBT, please see our info page including our up-and-coming CBT courses run through Abbey Menopause.

HRT hormone replacement therapy can help to improve psychological symptoms around the perimenopause and menopause and can help women to feel themselves again.

Antidepressants . Whilst antidepressants are not first line for mood related changes in the menopause transition, some women may not wish to use HRT and others may need an antidepressant in addition to HRT.

Mental Wellbeing

Sleep and mood

Am I depressed?

What might help me to feel better?

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