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, content updated February 2023, 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: Mood and Emotional Health, last updated 21 April 2024, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

Menopause Blues“You may notice that menopause causes your mood to change. This is due to changing hormone levels. You might experience:

  • Irritability
  • Increased anger
  • Low mood
  • Depression and anxiety”.3

Depression

Does menopause cause depression?

According to the AMS in What Is Menopause? Physical Symptoms and Changes of Menopause: 3. Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms of Menopause:

“Depression is not more common at menopause than at other stages of life, but a past history of depression, particularly post-natal depression, and stress during the peri-menopause may make a woman more likely to succumb to mood problems”.4

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

“Research suggests that women are more likely to feel depressed during the menopause transition.

Women who have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be more likely to develop depression during this time”.5

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”.6

Contributing Factors

What may be contributing factors to feeling depressed?

In Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause, content updated February 2023, 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…”.7

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…”.8

In Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Emotional Wellbeing the JH explain:

World Mental Health Day 2022 and Menopause“There are many practical things you can do look after your emotional wellbeing.

For example:

  • Talk to someone you trust about your feelings (e.g. your friend, family member, doctor or psychologist)
  • Keep a diary of your symptoms
  • Take time for yourself and do things you love doing
  • Get quality rest when you can
  • Do regular physical exercise, especially in a group or with friends
  • Practise relaxation techniques
  • Pay attention to your inner voice and practise using positive affirmations”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor the JH encourage us to seek help:

“If you are experiencing strong emotions, anxiety or depression, see your doctor”.12

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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Anxiety
  2. Anxiety Self-Help Guide
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Boost Your Mood With Mind-Nourishing Food
  5. Change In Behaviour During Menopause
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  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. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  12. Depression
  13. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
  14. Depression [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  15. Depression and the Menopause
  16. Diet and Mental Health
  17. Does Menopause Hormone Therapy Improve Symptoms of Depression? Findings From A Specialized Menopause Clinic
  18. Does Menopause Really Cause Depression?
  19. Dr Louise Newson Discusses Mental Health and Hormones
  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 An AMS Member [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. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  31. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  32. 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]
  33. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  34. Looking After Yourself During Menopause
  35. Low Mood, Sadness and Depression
  36. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  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 Depression: Under Recognised and Poorly Treated
  43. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  44. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  45. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Blues
  46. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  47. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  48. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  49. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide Menopause Blues
  50. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  51. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  52. Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
  53. Menopause and Mental Health
  54. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  55. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
  56. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024
  57. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  58. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  59. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  60. Mood and the Menopause
  61. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 8 Things to Know About Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  68. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  69. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  70. “Not feeling like myself” in perimenopause — what does it mean? Observations From the Women Living Better Survey
  71. Not Feeling Like Yourself Lately? How To Get Out of A Funk
  72. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  73. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
  74. PMS and PMDD | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  75. Perimenopause
  76. Perimenopause
  77. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  78. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause Blues
  79. Probiotics May Help Boost Mood and Cognitive Function
  80. Promoting Good Mental Health Over the Menopause Transition
  81. R U OK? Day [12 September 2024, Australia]
    Menopause Blues
  82. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  83. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  84. Talking To Your GP About Your Mental Health
  85. The Impact of the Menopause
  86. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [September 2024]
    Menopause Blues
  87. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  88. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  89. Thiswayup.org.au [This Way Up, Australia]
  90. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  91. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  92. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  93. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  94. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  95. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  96. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  97. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  98. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  100. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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: 09 March 2025
  2. 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: 09 March 2025
  3. Symptoms of Menopause: Menopause & Mood. Last Updated: 02 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 March 2025
  4. What Is Menopause? Physical Symptoms and Changes of Menopause: 3. Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms of Menopause. Content Created: May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 09 March 2025
  5. Symptoms of Menopause: Menopause & Mood. Last Updated: 21 April 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 09 March 2025
  6. 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: 09 March 2025
  7. 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: 09 March 2025
  8. 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: 09 March 2025
  9. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Emotional Wellbeing. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 09 March 2025
  10. 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: 09 March 2025
  11. 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: 09 March 2025
  12. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 09 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 09 March 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 March 2025

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