“You’re laughing with your friends one minute and close to tears a few moments later. You feel tired, overwhelmed, and out of control. You’re not crazy—”.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
Terminology
Can menopause mood swings mean different things to different people?
I think the term menopause mood swings can be like the terms diet, love and menopause and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.
When I use the term menopause mood swings what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk.
It can therefore be important when the term menopause mood swings is used to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing or not.
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and mood swings?
According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS):
“…many women do experience mood swings during perimenopause. Happy highs that turn into teary-eyed lows. Cheerful times followed by crabby days”.2
In Menopause Mood Swings the (United States) Hormone Health Network (HHN) explain:
In Mental Health & Emotions: Emotions the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) also note:
It is important to pay attention to your emotions and consider how you are really feeling”.4
Bipolar Disorder
Are menopause mood swings different to bipolar disorder?
Yes. Menopause mood swings are different to bipolar disorder. In Bipolar Disorder: Overview 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 disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks”.5
Depression
Are menopause mood swings different to depression?
Yes. Menopause mood swings are different to depression. In Depression: Overview the World Health Organization explain:
“Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition”.6
In Factors Affecting Women: Menopause the (Australian) Beyondblue elaborate on:
“Menopause can increase the risk of developing mental health issues. Hormone changes in the years leading to menopause (perimenopause) can cause mood swings and irritability and can contribute to depression and anxiety. Changes in hormonal levels can also result in a range of physical challenges such as hot flushes, night sweats, interrupted sleep patterns and weight gain – all of which can affect mental health”.7
Cause
What may cause menopause mood swings?
In Depression & Menopause: Hormones & Mood Connection the NAMS explain:
“It’s thought that these mood swings are related to the fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones during this transition to menopause. Plus, if a woman is not sleeping well due to night sweats, her mood would no doubt be affected, too”.8
The NAMS also note:
“Unpredictable hormone fluctuations plus stress, body image, sexuality, infertility, or aging — any one or a combination of these causes emotional distress that may result in mood swings or, in more severe cases, depression. Determining the cause and extent of your “menopause blues” is very important”.9
In Menopause Mood Swings: What Causes Mood Swings? the HHN elaborate on:
“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 postmenopause, 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”.10
PMS
Is there an association between PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and menopause mood swings?
According to the NAMS:
“Women who had severe PMS in their younger years may have more severe mood swings during perimenopause”.11
Self-Help Measures
What are some self-help measures which may help mood changes?
In Menopause Mood Swings: What To Do About Mood Swings? the HHN explain:
- 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”.12
In Menopause: Treatment – Mood Changes the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) elaborate on:
Self-help measures such as getting plenty of rest, taking regular exercise and doing relaxing activities such as yoga and tai chi may help. Medication and other treatments are also available, including HRT and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)”.13
Treatment
How can menopause mood swings be treated?
The NAMS explain:
“For perimenopausal mood swings, some experts recommend a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) — even if contraception is not desired. These estrogen-progestin pills provide continuously stable hormone levels and may control mood swings. Plus, they provide other health benefits such as regulation of uterine bleeding and decreased risk for uterine and ovarian cancer. Smokers over age 35 should not use OCs”.14
In Menopause Mood Swings: What To Do About Mood Swings? the HHN acknowledge:
- Hormone Therapy…
- SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)…
- Complementary Alternative Medicines (CAM)…
- Low Dose Birth Control Pills…”.15
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with 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. The NAMS note:
“Whether suffering from a slight case of the blues to something more severe, no one should suffer with mood swings in silence. Help is available”.16
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause Mood Swings?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Menopause Mood Swings?
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.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
- Anxiety
- Anxiety: What You Need To Know
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Bipolar Disorder
- Caffeine and Menopause Symptoms: Is There A Link?
- Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Decidir Sobre La Hormonoterapia
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Depression, Mood Swings, Anxiety
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Exercise: Walking for Health
- Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
- Getting Active
- Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations
- Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
- How To Be Happier
- I am 54 years old, struggling with hot flashes and mood swings. But when I ask for help from my care providers, I am told “Live with it. You are just getting older.” Please advise.
- Infographic: Exercise Is Medicine
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
- Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
- Management of Depressive Symptoms In Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: EMAS Position Statement [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- May Is Mental Health Month 2020
- Mayo Mindfulness: Feeling Better About Yourself
- Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- 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?
- Menopause Mood Swings
- Menopause Symptoms FAQs
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Symptoms: Menopause & Mood
- Menopause Symptoms: What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Advice To Partners About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: See Your Doctor If
- Menopause: Symptoms
- Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
- Menopause: What Can You Do To Help With Menopause?
- Mental & Emotional Health
- Mental Health & Emotions: Managing Psychological Symptoms
- MentalHealth.gov [National Institute of Mental Health, United States]
- Mentalhealth.org.uk [Mental Health Foundation, United Kingdom]
- Mindfulness
- Mood Changes and Depression
- Mood Problems At Menopause
- More About Menopause Symptoms—Tired and Cranky?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
- National Women’s Health Week May 10–16, 2020 [United States]
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- One Hour Per Week of Exercise Protects Against Depression Study Shows
- Perimenopause
- Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
- Resilience: Build Skills To Endure Hardship
- Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
- SAMe
- Self-Care and Kindness
- Sleep Disturbance and the Menopause
- Supporting Women Through Menopause
- Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
- Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes During Perimenopause
- Video Series-2019 – What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
- Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Vitamin B6
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources at:
Sources
- Menopause Mood Swings. Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause: Hormones and Mood Connection. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Menopause Mood Swings. Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Mental Health & Emotions: Emotions. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Revised: January 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145402 Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression: Overview. 30 January 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause: Hormones and Mood Connection. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Menopause Mood Swings: What Causes Mood Swings? Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause: Hormones and Mood Connection. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Menopause Mood Swings: What To Do About Mood Swings? Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Menopause: Treatment – Mood Changes. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/#mood-changes Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause: How To Deal. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Menopause Mood Swings: What To Do About Mood Swings? Last Updated: August 2018. Hormone Health Network https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/menopause/menopause-mood-swings Accessed: 15 December 2020
- Depression & Menopause: Hormones and Mood Connection. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 15 December 2020