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

Menopause Blues“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)”.3

Depression

Does menopause cause depression?

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”.4

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”.5

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…”.6

In How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Mental and Emotional Health the JH explain:

Menopause Blues“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 activity, especially in a group or with friends
  • Ask your doctor about cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
  • Practise relaxation techniques
  • Pay attention to your inner voice and practise using positive affirmations”.7

If you are experiencing strong emotions, anxiety or depression, see your doctor”.7

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 (Australian) Government’s Head To Health and the (United Kingdom) Mental Health UK

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”.8

Hormone Therapy

May hormone therapy improve mood?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, dated February 2025, the (United States) Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) note:

“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.9

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 Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health the JH remind us:

“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”.10

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. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  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. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  8. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  9. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
    Menopause Blues
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  13. Depression
  14. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  15. Depression [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  16. Does Menopause Really Cause Depression?
  17. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  18. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  19. Emotional Wellbeing As You Age
  20. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  21. Exercising Your Way Out of Depression
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  24. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  25. HRT Questions Answered
  26. Hormones & Mental Health: What Every Woman Needs To Know | Live With Dr Louise Newson
  27. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  28. How To Manage Menopausal Insomnia
  29. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms
  30. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Midlife Brain Fog
  31. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  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. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause
  36. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause
    Menopause Blues
  40. Menopause Blues Menopause Checklist Podcast: Episode 3: I’m Not Myself
  41. Menopause Depression: Under Recognised and Poorly Treated
  42. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  43. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
  44. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Menopause Blues
  45. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  46. Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
  47. Menopause and Mental Health
    Menopause Blues
  48. Menopause and Mental Health
  49. Menopause and Mental Health
  50. Menopause and Mental Health
  51. Menopause and Mental Health
    Menopause Mental Health
  52. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  53. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  54. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  55. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  56. Mental Health Awareness Week [11-17 May 2026, United Kingdom]
  57. Mental Health Month [May, United States]
  58. Mood Changes During Perimenopause Are Real. Here’s What To Know
  59. Mood and the Menopause
  60. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 8 Things to Know About Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  65. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  66. Natural Therapies
  67. Navigating the Road To Menopause
  68. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Menopause Blues
  69. “Not feeling like myself” in perimenopause — what does it mean? Observations From the Women Living Better Survey
  70. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  71. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What Is Sleep, What Is Menopause and How Do They Interact?
  72. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  73. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  74. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  75. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
    Menopause Blues
  76. PMS and PMDD | Dr Louise Newson [Video]
  77. Penny Lancaster: The Truth About Menopause Care
  78. Perimenopause
  79. Perimenopause, Menopause and Mental Health
  80. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  81. Promoting Good Mental Health Over the Menopause Transition
  82. R U OK? Day [12 September, Australia]
    Menopause Blues
  83. Resources: Fact Sheets
    Menopause Blues
  84. Rethinking Mental Health and Antidepressant Prescribing
  85. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  86. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  87. Talking To Your GP About Your Mental Health
  88. The Impact of the Menopause
  89. The Menopause ‘Mind field’
  90. Things You Can Do To Help Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms
  91. Therapy Could Be Effective Treatment for Non-Physical Symptoms of Menopause
  92. Thiswayup.org.au [This Way Up, Australia]
  93. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  94. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  95. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  96. When Hormones Are Missed In Mental Health
  97. Why Men Need To Understand The Menopause & Women’s Hormones | Dr Louise Newson
  98. Why Psychiatrists Must Start Thinking About Hormones
  99. World Menopause Day 2025
  100. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Don’t Suffer In Silence

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://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=577e727c-377a-4af3-bfed-fd8b80883f64 Accessed: 12 June 2026
  2. Menopause and Mental Health: Main Points. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=577e727c-377a-4af3-bfed-fd8b80883f64 Accessed: 12 June 2026
  3. 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: 12 June 2026
  4. 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: 12 June 2026
  5. Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=577e727c-377a-4af3-bfed-fd8b80883f64 Accessed: 12 June 2026
  6. 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: 12 June 2026
  7. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Managing Mental and Emotional Health. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/how-to-manage-menopausal-symptoms/ Accessed: 12 June 2026
  8. 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: 12 June 2026
  9. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2025:1. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/default-document-library/MenoNote-Deciding-About-HT-2025.pdf Accessed: 12 June 2026
  10. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Mental and Emotional Health. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-looking-after-yourself-around-the-time-of-menopause Accessed: 12 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 12 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 June 2026

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