Menopause Blues

Menopause Blues

“While not a problem for everyone transitioning
through menopause the risk of mood changes and
/symptoms of depression and anxiety are higher…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Blues Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Blue Moods
  • Depressed Mood
  • Dysphoria
  • Feeling Blue
  • Feeling Sad
  • “Menopause Blues”
  • “The Blues”

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and the menopause blues?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) explain:

“While not a problem for everyone transitioning through menopause, the risk of mood changes and /symptoms of depression and anxiety are higher during perimenopause, even in women without a history of major depression.

While the risk is higher for women in the age-related and natural menopausal transition, women might also have a higher risk of mood changes after menopause caused by surgery such as hysterectomy or if the ovaries have been removed. Depression also occurs at a higher rate in women with a lack of oestrogen caused by primary ovarian insufficiency”.2

Menopause Mood Changes

What menopause mood changes may we experienced?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Mental and Emotional Health, last updated 15 October 2025, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

Menopause Blues“Mood changes around the time of menopause may be due to changing hormone levels.

You may also experience mood changes due to different pressures at this stage of life, such as caring for children and parents.

You might experience:

  • Irritability
  • Increased anger
  • Low mood
  • Anxiety
  • Depression”.3

Depression

Does menopause cause depression?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Mental and Emotional Health the JH note:

“Research suggests that women are more likely to experience depression as they approach menopause.

Women who have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be more likely to develop depression during this time”.4

On page one and two in Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What About Depression?, published date June 2023, the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) elaborate on:

“Mood changes that can accompany menopause are distressing and need to be taken seriously. However, they are different from clinical depression where mood is very low and persistent. Menopause does increase a woman’s risk of developing depression, and if emotional and cognitive symptoms of menopause are ignored, they can develop into more serious depression. Don’t ignore how you feel and if you, or someone close to you, are suffering from depression please do speak to a healthcare professional. There is no shame seeking help”.5

Contributing Factors

What may be contributing factors to feeling depressed?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause according to the AMS:

“While many women do not have mental health issues during the menopausal transition, unstable oestrogen levels can have an impact on the brain, predisposing some women to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Some of the common physical, memory and thinking symptoms related to menopause (hot flushes, night sweats, sleep and sexual disturbances, weight changes and “brain fog”) can complicate and overlap with mental health symptoms.

Another complicating factor is stress related to life circumstances. Feeling stress is common during middle age as personal and environmental changes take place. This can have a strong effect on mood in some women. Life circumstances that can impact mental health include:

  • Caring for children
  • Caring for elderly parents
  • Career changes
  • Relationship changes
  • Ageing
  • Body changes
  • Illness”.6

Self Care

How can we look after our selves?

In Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take Care of My Mental Health? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health elaborate on:

“Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some self-care tips:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated…
  • Make sleep a priority…
  • Try a relaxing activity…
  • Set goals and priorities…
  • Practice gratitude…
  • Focus on positivity…
  • Stay connected…”.7

In Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How To Look After Your Mental Health At Menopause the JH explain:

World Mental Health Day 2022 and Menopause“There are many practical things you can do to look after your emotional wellbeing at this stage of life. For example:

  • Talk to someone about your feelings such as a friend, family member, doctor or psychologist
  • Take time for yourself and do things you enjoy
  • Get quality rest when you can
  • Do regular physical exercise, especially in a group or with friends
  • Ask your doctor about cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
  • Keep a diary of your symptoms
  • Practise relaxation techniques
  • Pay attention to your inner voice and practise using positive affirmations”.8

Online Resources, Programs, Apps and e-therapies

Are mental health online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies available?

Depending on your Country, mental health online resources, programs,  Apps and e-therapies may be available.

Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your Country’s recommended mental health online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s thiswayup.org.au

Treatments

What treatments are available?

On page one in Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What Treatments Are Available? the WHC elaborate on:

“There is no one size fits all for women when it comes to managing physical or psychological symptoms of menopause, but a variety of treatments are available.

  • Anti-depressants can help with emotional and cognitive symptoms of the menopause. However, unless you have been diagnosed with depression, there are other treatments which may be more helpful and appropriate
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help with many cognitive and emotional symptoms of menopause. HRT can also help improve quality of sleep. It’s useful to keep a record of symptoms to discuss with your HRT prescriber as this will help identify the best HRT regime for you
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other talking therapies can be hugely beneficial in dealing with some of the emotional symptoms of menopause. Even women who have never used therapies before and them helpful to navigate their menopause journey
  • Mindfulness and meditation are popular techniques to help relax and clear the mind – a very useful addition to managing some of the emotional and cognitive symptoms of menopause. Alongside restorative exercise such as yoga and Pilates, both body and mind can recover and heal”.9

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

May menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) be beneficial in improving mood?

In Mood and the Menopause: Management the AMS note:

“Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may help women who have symptoms of low mood related to perimenopause or menopause. However, MHT is not currently recommended as a first line treatment for major depression. MHT may be of particular benefit for mood and sleep quality in women experiencing VMS and can be considered in combination with antidepressants. Evidence from RCTs suggests oestrogen is as effective as antidepressants in perimenopausal women but is ineffective in post-menopausal women suggesting a window of opportunity for its use in the perimenopause”.10

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms.

What is RCTs?

RCTs can be an abbreviation for Randomised Control Trials.

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my menopause blues?

If you would like help with your menopause blues, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How To Look After Your Mental Health At Menopause the JH encourage us to seek help:

“If you are experiencing strong emotions, anxiety or depression, see your doctor”.11

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Blues?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Blues?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. Boost Your Mood With Mind-Nourishing Food
  3. CBT for Menopausal Symptoms
  4. Can Menopause Cause Depression?
  5. Change In Behaviour During Menopause
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  8. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  9. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  14. Depression
  15. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  16. Depression [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  17. Depression and the Menopause
  18. Does Menopause Really Cause Depression?
  19. Dr Louise Newson Discusses Mental Health and Hormones [Video]
  20. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  21. Exercising Your Way Out of Depression
  22. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
  23. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  24. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  25. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  26. HRT Questions Answered
  27. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  28. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  29. How To Manage Menopausal Insomnia
  30. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
    Black Women’s Menopause
  31. IMS Interview Series for Women: Lifestyle Medicine With Prof. Rossella Nappi | For Women
  32. Is Hormone Therapy A Key Strategy In Treating Menopausal Depression? [Video]
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  35. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  36. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause
  37. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  39. Menopause
  40. Menopause
  41. Menopause
    Menopause Blues
  42. Menopause Blues Menopause Checklist Podcast: Episode 3: I’m Not Myself
  43. Menopause Depression: Under Recognised and Poorly Treated
  44. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  45. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  46. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Blues
  47. Menopause Blues Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  48. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  49. Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
  50. Menopause and Mental Health
  51. Menopause and Mind Health Fact Sheet
  52. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  53. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
  54. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024
  55. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  56. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  57. Mood Changes During Perimenopause Are Real. Here’s What To Know
  58. Mood and the Menopause
  59. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 8 Things to Know About Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  64. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  65. National Women’s Health Week [11-17 May 2025]: Navigating the Road to Menopause
    Black Women’s Menopause
  66. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Menopause Blues
  67. “Not feeling like myself” in perimenopause — what does it mean? Observations From the Women Living Better Survey
  68. Not Feeling Like Yourself Lately? How To Get Out of A Funk
  69. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  70. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
    Menopause Blues
  71. PMS and PMDD | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  72. Penny Lancaster: The Truth About Menopause Care
  73. Perimenopause
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  76. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Blues
  77. Perimenopause and Menopause Toolkit
  78. Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function
  79. Promoting Good Mental Health Over the Menopause Transition
  80. R U OK? Day [12 September, Australia]
    Menopause Blues
  81. Resources: Fact Sheets
    Menopause Blues
  82. Resources: Infographics
    Menopause Blues
  83. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  84. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  85. Talking To Your GP About Your Mental Health
  86. The Impact of the Menopause
  87. The Menopause ‘Mind field’
  88. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Menopause Blues
  89. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  90. Thiswayup.org.au [This Way Up, Australia]
  91. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  92. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – The Menopause Blues
  94. Webinars: Lifestyle Medicine
  95. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause?
  96. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  97. Why Men Need To Understand The Menopause & Women’s Hormones | Dr Louise Newson
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2025

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 30 November 2025
  2. Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 30 November 2025
  3. Symptoms of Menopause: Mental and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 15 October 2025 | Last Reviewed: 23 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 30 November 2025
  4. Symptoms of Menopause: Mental and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 15 October 2025 | Last Reviewed: 23 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 30 November 2025
  5. Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What About Depression? Published Date: June 2023:1-2. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/30-WHC-FACTSHEET-Emotional-wellness-in-menopause-JUNE2023-A.pdf Accessed: 30 November 2025
  6. Menopause and Mental Health. Content Updated February 2023. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 30 November 2025
  7. Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take Care of My Mental Health? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Accessed: 30 November 2025
  8. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How To Look After Your Mental Health At Menopause. Last Updated: 20 September 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 March 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 30 November 2025
  9. Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What Treatments Are Available? Published Date: June 2023:1. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/30-WHC-FACTSHEET-Emotional-wellness-in-menopause-JUNE2023-A.pdf Accessed: 30 November 2025
  10. Mood and the Menopause: Management. Content Updated February 2023. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/mood-and-the-menopause Accessed: 30 November 2025
  11. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How To Look After Your Mental Health At Menopause. Last Updated: 20 September 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 March 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 30 November 2025
Topic Last Updated: 26 December 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 30 November 2025

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