Menopause Mood Changes

Menopause Mood Changes

“Many women say that their moods
(their temporary state of mind or how they feel)
change around the time of menopause”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Mood Changes Umbrella include?

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

  • Menopause Emotional Health
  • Menopause Mental Health
  • Menopause Mood/Mood Changes/Moodiness

Mental/Emotional Health

Can menopause affect our mental/emotional health?

In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

“Menopause can affect your:

  • Mental health, which is your psychological wellbeing and how you think, make decisions and cope with daily life
  • Emotional health, which is how you experience, handle and express your moods, feelings and emotions”.2

Common or Not

How common are menopause mood changes?

In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Mood Changes the JH include:

“Many women say that their moods (their temporary state of mind or how they feel) change around the time of menopause. Some women report experiencing more intense or rapidly changing feelings or of feeling more frequently irritable, angry or sad”.3

Mood Changes

What are some menopause mood changes?

In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Anxiety and Depression the JH explain:

Menopause Mood Changes“During perimenopause, some women will experience a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.

If you have a history of anxiety, depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) you should watch carefully for signs that your mental health is being affected.

Mental health symptoms to look out for:

  • Feeling sad, low or depressed
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Feeling worried or anxious
  • Panic attacks
  • Reduced self-esteem or self-worth
  • Loss of sex drive (libido)”.4

In Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) include:

“Mental health symptoms related to menopause can include feeling:

  • Irritable
  • Sad
  • Anxious
  • Hopeless
  • Less able to concentrate or focus
  • Tired
  • Unmotivated”.5

Perimenopause

Is there an association between perimenopause and anxiety?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points the AMS note:

“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”.6

Depression

Does menopause cause depression?

On page one and two in Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What About Depression?, published 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”.7

Other Causes

What may be other causes of menopause mood changes?

In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health the JH include:

“Remember that menopause might be responsible for some, all or none of the changes in your mental and emotional health. Women in midlife can also have many caring, financial and work pressures. Understanding what is causing mental and emotional health changes is the first step in improving your health and wellbeing”.8

In Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause the AMS explain:

“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.

The menopause transition is an ideal time to take stock of all aspects of your health and consider lifestyle and other changes so that you can live the healthiest possible lifestyle”.9

Self Care

How can we look after our selves?

In Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take Care of My Mental Health?, dated April 2026, 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:

  • 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…

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you”.10

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”.11

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) recommended?

In Mood and the Menopause: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms, dated 05 September 2025, the AMS note:

“While some international guidelines do not recommend MHT as first line therapy, many doctors have seen a positive effect on mood with the use of MHT in the first instance. There is evidence that oestrogen has antidepressant effects, particularly in perimenopausal women. We emphasise an individualised approach with treatment tailored to the individual patient.

Oestrogen is not recommended for women with a history of breast cancer”.12

Alternative or Complementary Therapies

Are alternative or complementary therapies recommended?

The AMS also note:

“At this stage, there is no evidence to recommend alternative or complementary therapies for treatment of perimenopausal depression”.13

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, local community health center or your Country’s equivalent of a Mental Health website, may include information about your Country’s recommended mental health online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (United Kingdom) Mental Health UK

Health Care Provider

What if I need help with my menopause mood?

The AMS encourage us to ask about options for managing our symptoms:

“If your mental health or other symptoms are bothering you, your doctor can help. Your doctor can help you understand physical and mental health changes and offer options for managing your symptoms”.14 

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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  1. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  2. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  3. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  4. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  5. Change In Behavior During Menopause
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
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  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  11. Menopause Mental Health Curb Antidepressant Use: Perimenopausal Women May Benefit From HRT
  12. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  13. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
  14. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  15. Diet and Mental Health
  16. Does Menopause Hormone Therapy Improve Symptoms of Depression? Findings From A Specialized Menopause Clinic
  17. Does Menopause Really Cause Depression?
  18. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  19. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  20. Find A Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  21. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  22. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  23. HRT Questions Answered
  24. Health.gov.au/perimenopause [Australia]
  25. Hormones & Mental Health: What Every Woman Needs To Know | Live with Dr Louise Newson
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  30. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
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  33. Is Hormone Therapy A Key Strategy In Treating Menopausal Depression? [Video]
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  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!] [Other Languages and Formats]
  36. 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] [Other Languages and Formats]
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
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  41. Menopause Checklist Podcast: Episode 3: I’m Not Myself Menopause Mood Changes
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  44. Menopause Depression: Under Recognised and Poorly Treated [Kulkarni, J. et al]
  45. Menopause Depression: Under Recognized and Poorly Treated [By Professor Jayashri Kulkarni and Dr Louise Newson, on behalf of all authors on article]
  46. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
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  72. PMS and PMDD: Live Q&A With Dr Louise Newson
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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Mood Changes. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 28 April 2026
  2. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 28 April 2026
  3. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Mood Changes. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 28 April 2026
  4. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Anxiety and Depression. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 28 April 2026
  5. Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  6. Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  7. Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What About Depression? Published Dated: 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: 28 April 2026
  8. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 28 April 2026
  9. Menopause and Mental Health: Mental health Symptoms Related To Menopause. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  10. Caring for Your Mental Health: How Can I Take Care of My Mental Health? Last Reviewed: April 2026. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  11. Emotional Wellness In Menopause: What Treatments Are Available? Published Dated: 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: 28 April 2026
  12. Menopause and Mental Health: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  13. Menopause and Mental Health: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
  14. Menopause and Mental Health: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health Accessed: 28 April 2026
Topic Last Updated: 03 October 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 28 April 2026

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