Understanding Depression and Mood Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause: 34 Symptoms Every Woman Should Know
The hormonal changes that women experience during both perimenopause and menopause can bring about significant shifts in mood, including feelings of anxiety, low mood, and even depressive symptoms. These emotional changes are incredibly common, with many women seeking help specifically for mood-related concerns during this time.
Emotional Sensitivity, Sadness, and Feeling "Flat"
Some women describe feeling emotionally sensitive or as though they are experiencing sadness without a clear cause. Others might report a sense of detachment, where they know they should feel happy but instead feel flat or disconnected from joy. This emotional numbness can feel bewildering, especially when women recognize that they have things in their lives to feel grateful for, but the emotions don’t align with their thoughts.
The Link Between Hormonal Changes and Mood Shifts
The mood changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause are largely driven by fluctuating and declining levels of oestrogen. As oestrogen levels drop, the brain’s regulation of mood can become less stable, leading to emotional ups and downs. This is different from clinical depression, which is often linked to imbalances in serotonin or dopamine levels. Because of this, standard antidepressants are often ineffective in treating menopause-related mood changes, as they don't address the root hormonal cause.
It’s important to recognize that some women may experience both menopause-related mood changes and clinical depression at the same time. In these cases, a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider can help guide the best course of treatment.
Anxiety, Irritability, and Overwhelm
Mood changes during menopause don’t always manifest as sadness or depression. Many women report increased irritability, feeling anxious about things they previously handled with ease, or experiencing intense episodes of anger or overwhelm. These feelings can come on suddenly and may be disproportionate to the triggering situation, which can be confusing and distressing.
Understanding Your Unique Experience
Perimenopausal and menopausal mood symptoms often don’t appear in isolation. Most women will experience multiple symptoms during this stage of life, which can include hot flushes, night sweats, and poor sleep, among others. Mood changes can be just one part of a larger picture of menopause.
There are 34 common symptoms of menopause, and it’s possible you are experiencing more than just emotional changes. In our upcoming newsletter, you’ll find a menopause symptom checklist to help identify other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Support for Mood Symptoms During Menopause
The good news is that women don’t need to wait until they are fully menopausal to seek support. A wide range of treatment options is available to help manage mood symptoms during both perimenopause and menopause. These include:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Designed to restore oestrogen levels, HRT can help stabilise mood and relieve other menopause symptoms.
Menopause Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy can help manage mood symptoms by addressing the thought patterns that contribute to low mood, anxiety, and irritability.
Lifestyle Treatment: Changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can have a powerful impact on mood and overall well-being.
Life With Menopause
Menopause often occurs during a busy stage of life, and many women attribute their symptoms to stress rather than the hormonal changes they are experiencing. However, it’s important to understand that these mood shifts are a natural part of menopause and can be treated effectively.
We offer one-on-one menopause consultations to help you gain clarity about your symptoms and how they’re affecting your life. Together, we can create a treatment plan that’s right for you, helping you feel better and regain your sense of balance.
The 34 Symptoms of Menopause
We often liken menopause to a jigsaw puzzle, where each symptom is a piece that needs to be understood and addressed. Some of the symptoms that can occur during menopause include:
Burning Mouth
Joint Pain
Brittle Nails
Dry Skin
Swollen Gums
Bloating
Dizziness
Digestive Symptoms (e.g., Constipation)
Breast Soreness
Sleep Issues
Osteoporosis
Headaches
Memory Issues
Urinary Symptoms (e.g., Stress Incontinence)
Irregular Heartbeat
Low Mood
Hair Loss
Body Odour
Anxiety
Decreased Libido
Vaginal Dryness
Weight Gain and Body Image Issues
Irregular Bleeding
Fatigue
Electric Shocks
Tingling
Allergies
Irritability
Poor Concentration
Muscle Tension
Panic Attacks
Intense Mood Swings
Night Sweats
Hot Flushes
Understanding Your Symptoms and Seeking Treatment
Menopausal symptoms can fluctuate, making it difficult for women to provide a clear picture of what they’re experiencing. This can sometimes lead to a delay in receiving appropriate treatment. If you’ve been prescribed HRT and find that your symptoms have returned after a period of feeling well, it may be time for a review to adjust your treatment plan.
Remember, you don’t need to suffer through mood changes and other menopause symptoms alone. By working with a specialist and exploring the right treatment options for you, it’s possible to live well and thrive through menopause.
If you’re ready to take control of your menopause journey, book a one-on-one consultation today and let us support you in navigating this phase of life with confidence and clarity.
