“Hormone changes in the years leading to menopause
(perimenopause) can cause mood swings and irritability
and can contribute to depression and anxiety”.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 Factors Affecting Women: Menopause the (Australian) Beyondblue elaborate on:

Menopause Mood SwingsMenopause Mood SwingsMenopause Mood Swings

 

 

 

“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”.2

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 illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks”.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:

“Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when recurrent and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition”.4

Cause

What may cause menopause mood swings?

In Menopause: Mood Swings the (United States) Endocrine Society 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 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”.5

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”.6

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

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Sources

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Sources

  1. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 14 January 2023
  2. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women Accessed: 14 January 2023
  3. Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145402 Accessed: 14 January 2023
  4. Depression: Overview. 13 September 2021. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 14 January 2023
  5. Menopause: Mood Swings. Last Updated: 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause Accessed: 14 January 2023
  6. Menopause: Mood Swings. Last Updated 24 January 2022. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause Accessed: 14 January 2023
Topic Last Updated: 14 January 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 January 2023

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