“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 Anxiety Umbrella include?

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

  • Anxiety
  • Menopause
  • Menopause Anxiety

Anxiety

What is anxiety?

DotS the definition of anxiety may vary. In Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? the (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope. The anxiety may give you a boost of energy or help you focus. But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming”.2

Perimenopause

Is there an association between perimenopause and anxiety?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points the Australasian Menopause Society (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”.3

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

“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

Anxiety Management Strategies

What are some anxiety management strategies?

In Anxiety Management Strategies the (Australian) Beyond Blue elaborate on:

  • “Slow breathing…
  • Progressive muscle relaxation…
  • Stay in the present moment…
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce anxiety…
  • Small acts of bravery…
  • Challenge your self-talk…
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Plan worry time…
  • Get to know your anxiety…”.5

Lifestyle Changes

Are lifestyle changes recommended?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms the AMS note:

Menopause Anxiety“Lifestyle changes to assist with managing mental health are similar to those recommended for menopause-related physical changes. Changes that can help with mental health symptoms include:

  • Ensuring healthy levels of physical activity
  • Improving sleep
  • Considering changes to decrease stress associated with life circumstances
  • Limit alcohol intake

Psychological therapies and social supports can be beneficial to women with mental health symptoms”.6

Hormone Therapy or Not

Is hormone therapy a recommended treatment option?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Treatment Options for Mental Health Symptoms 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”.7

Online Programs and Apps

Are anxiety management online programs and Apps available?

Depending on your Country, stress management online programs and Apps may be available.

Your Country’s equivalent of a Mental Health website may include or direct you to your Country’s recommended anxiety management online programs and Apps.

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have anxiety or an anxiety disorder?

If you think you have anxiety or an anxiety disorder, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Anxiety and Depression the JH caution:

“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”.

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Anxiety?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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: 06 April 2026
  2. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 06 April 2026
  3. 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: 06 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/ Accessed: 06 April 2026
  5. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 06 April 2026
  6. 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: 06 April 2026
  7. 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: 06 April 2026
  8. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health: Anxiety and Depression Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/ Accessed: 06 April 2026
Topic Last Updated: 06 April 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 April 2026