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 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”

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”.3

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…”.4

Self Care

How can we look after our selves?

In Caring for Your Mental Health: About Self-Care 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. When it comes to your mental health, self-care 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 tips to help you get started with self-care:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help 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…”.5

In Looking After Yourself: 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”.6

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 Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources.

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”.7

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”.8

In Depression & Menopause the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

“It’s important that a healthcare provider helps a woman decide whether she is just feeling stressed or blue or whether she is clinically depressed (major depression). Major depression is a condition associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain, and changing hormones during perimenopause may be associated with that imbalance”.9

In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember the JH remind us:

  • “Depression is common
  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is nothing to be ashamed about
  • It can be treated”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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. Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
  5. Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
  6. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  8. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  9. Depression
  10. Depression & Menopause
  11. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
  12. Depression [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  13. Depression and the Menopause
  14. Diet and Mental Health
  15. Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
  16. Dr. Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  17. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  18. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences
  19. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  20. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  21. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  22. Good-Mood Food: Joining the Dots Between What We Eat & Mental Wellbeing
  23. Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations
  24. Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
  25. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  26. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  27. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  28. Impaired Vision Increases Risk of Depression In Midlife Women
  29. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  30. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  31. 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]
  32. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Does the Menopause Happen Suddenly?]
  33. Menopause BluesLet’s Talk About Menopause | Aware Webinar
  34. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  35. Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
  36. Looking After Yourself
  37. Low Mood, Sadness and Depression
  38. Management of Depressive Symptoms In Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: EMAS Position Statement [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  39. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Menopause
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause & Herbs
  44. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  45. Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms – Q. My family tells me that I’ve become moody, and I admit that I sometimes feel blue or short-tempered. Menopause?
  46. Menopause Fact Sheet
  47. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Stages of Menopause: Perimenopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Blues
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  58. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  59. Menopause and Depression
  60. Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
  61. Menopause and Mental Health
  62. Menopause and Mind Health – Fact Sheet
  63. Menopause – Information for Partners – Fact Sheet
  64. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  65. Mood and the Menopause
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  74. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  75. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  76. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  77. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
  78. Perimenopause
  79. Perimenopause
  80. Perimenopause – Fact Sheet
  81. SAMe
  82. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  83. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  84. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  85. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  86. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  87. Top 7 Benefits of Vitamin B6
  88. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  89. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  90. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  91. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  92. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
  95. Webinar: Perimenopause
  96. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  97. What Is Telemental Health?
  98. When Depression Sneaks Up on Menopause
  99. Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood
  100. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit

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: 01 March 2023
  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: 01 March 2023
  3. Symptoms of Menopause: Mood and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 12 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms Accessed: 01 March 2023
  4. 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: 01 March 2023
  5. Caring for Your Mental Health: About Self-Care. Last Reviewed: December 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Accessed: 01 March 2023
  6. Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing. Last Updated: 03 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 01 March 2023
  7. 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: 01 March 2023
  8. Looking After Yourself: Emotional Wellbeing – Talk To Your Doctor. Last Updated: 03 October 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions Accessed: 01 March 2023
  9. Depression & Menopause. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 01 March 2023
  10. Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 01 March 2023
Topic Last Updated: 01 March 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 March 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by