Menopause Mood Swings

“As a woman ages, estrogen levels are fluctuating
from one minute to the next, and erratic.
Less progesterone is produced (but stabilizes…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Mood Swings Umbrella include?

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

  • Menopause Mood Swings
  • Perimenopause Mood Swings

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and mood swings?

In Menopause: Mood Swings the (United States) Endocrine Society elaborate on:

Menopause Mood SwingsMenopause Mood SwingsMenopause Mood SwingsMenopause Mood Swings

 

“As a woman ages, estrogen levels are fluctuating from one minute to the next, and erratic. Less progesterone is produced (but stabilizes at low levels in post menopause, around age 55). Estrogen is related to production of serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, plus other factors, cause serotonin production disruption, leading to more mood swings. Mood disorders are common during this time”.2

Bipolar Disorder

Are menopause mood swings different to bipolar disorder?

Yes. Menopause mood swings are different to bipolar disorder. In Bipolar Disorder: What Is Bipolar Disorder? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s definition of bipolar disorder is:

“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes clear shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes)”.3

Depression

Are menopause mood swings different to depression?

Yes. Menopause mood swings are different to depression. In Depression: Overview the World Health Organization explain:

“Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at school and at work”.4

Self-Help Measures

What are some self-help measures which may help mood changes?

The Endocrine Society explain:

“Mood swings are a part of aging for many women, but the good news is that you can take steps to help prevent them and manage them when they occur. Often, a healthy lifestyle is the first step in preventing mood swings.

  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
  • Eat a balanced, health diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Talk to a therapist or counselor
  • Get enough sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Find healthy ways to deal with stress”.5

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with menopause mood swings?Menopause Mood Swings

If you would like help with menopause mood swings, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Menopause: Mood Swings. Last Updated: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause Accessed: 09 October 2025
  2. Menopause: Mood Swings. Last Updated: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause Accessed: 09 October 2025
  3. Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder Accessed: 09 October 2025
  4. Depression: Overview. 29 August 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 09 October 2025
  5. Menopause: Mood Swings. Last Updated: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause Accessed: 09 October 2025
Topic Last Updated: 09 October 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 October 2025

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