Posts

Anxiety Snapshot

Anxiety Snapshot can be a place to start if you are searching for information about anxiety. Read more

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Meno Martha, PMS and Perimenopause

During perimenopause, or before menopause, apart from mood changes such as anxiety, the menopause blues and mood swings, we may also experience changes in our PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Read more

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Depression, Anxiety and Fear of Death In Postmenopausal Women

The study Depression, Anxiety and Fear of Death In Postmenopausal Women involved 485 postmenopausal Turkish women aged between 35 and 78 years. Read more

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Menopause, Cognition and Mood Changes

Feeling like a hot flushing, night sweating, moody version of our former self, can challenge the most resilient woman. Read more

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Menopause Mood Changes Videos

Menopause Mood Changes Videos includes videos by the North American Menopause Society explaining mood changes women may experience such as sadness and irritability. Read more

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Menopause FAQs: How Long Do Menopause Symptoms Last?

Menopause FAQs: How Long Do Menopause Symptoms Last? explains some menopause symptoms can make us hot or bothered, for longer than we think. Read more

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Menopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness

Menopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness is some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how mindfulness may relieve some menopause symptoms.

Is there an association between mindfulness and some menopause symptoms?

In Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms published on 19 March 2019, the (United States) Mayo Clinic News Network elaborate on:

““In this study, we found that midlife women with higher mindfulness scores experienced fewer menopausal symptoms,” says Mayo Clinic general internist and women’s health specialist Richa Sood, M.D., the study’s lead author. “These findings suggest that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help women reduce menopausal symptoms and overall stress.””

The study also found:

“The higher a woman’s perceived level of stress, the greater the link between higher mindfulness and reduced menopausal symptoms.”

Is there an association between mindfulness and “irritability, depression and anxiety in middle-aged menopausal women”?

In Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms the Mayo Clinic News Network note:

Menopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessMenopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessMenopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessMenopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessMenopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessMenopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness

 

 

 

“An exciting finding in the study, according to Dr. Sood, was the association of higher mindfulness scores and lower symptom scores for irritability, depression and anxiety in middle-aged menopausal women.”

Is there an association between mindfulness and hot flushes/flashes and night sweats?

In Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms the Mayo Clinic News Network explain:

Menopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness

“One surprising outcome of the study is that higher mindfulness scores were not associated with lower hot flash and night sweat symptom scores, Dr. Sood says. One theory as to why is that the amount of distress experienced from night sweats and hot flashes may have more to do with individual personality traits rather than the symptoms themselves.”

In Menopausal Symptoms In-Depth: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms – Mind and Body Practices: Mindfulness the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) elaborate on:

“In an NCCIH-funded study, mindfulness meditation training reduced the bothersomeness of hot flashes in menopausal women and led to improvements in anxiety, perceived stress, self-reported sleep quality, and quality of life. However, the intensity of hot flashes did not change.”

What are some tips about mindfulness and menopause?

In Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience the author elaborates on:

“Even in the face of difficult symptoms, women consistently say that changing their outlook helps. The following tips can help you transform your menopause experience.

  • Menopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessWatch your thoughts…
  • Laugh…
  • Make time for yourself…
  • Stay connected…
  • Stay in the moment….”.

Menopause FAQs

Where may I find more Menopause FAQs?

Menopause FAQs: Menopause MindfulnessIn Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause you may find Menopause FAQS: Menopause Symptoms where the North American Menopause Society explain:

“Women going through the menopause transition often experience one or more menopause-related symptoms. You want to make sure that your symptoms are normally caused by menopause or may be signs of something else, such as a thyroid disorder, depression, a side effect of medication, or just normal aging. Get the straight story on your symptoms from our expert advisors and put your mind at ease”.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Menopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Menopause FAQs: Menopause Mindfulness Links?

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.

  1. 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  3. Home Remedies: Cope With Stress So It Doesn’t Control You
  4. Learn How To Reduce Stress Through Mindful Living [Video] [Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network
  5. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. Make Your Menopause A Positive Experience
  7. Mayo Mindfulness: Connecting Spirituality and Stress Relief
  8. Mayo Mindfulness: Feeling Better About Yourself
  9. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Mindfulness? [Video] [Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  10. Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
  11. Mindfulness Exercises
  12. Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  13. Moodzone: Mindfulness
  14. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopause
  15. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Mind and Body Practices
  16. Stress Management: In-Depth – 3 Simple Strategies To Help You Focus and De-Stress
  17. Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes during Perimenopause
  18. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms


Meno Martha

Last Updated: 01 April 2019 – Last Revised: 01 April 2019
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Meno Martha and Menopause Mood Changes

Before and after menopause, mood changes may be more common than we realise. Read more

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Health Topics

Menopause Anxiety

“Many women report symptoms of depressed mood, stress, anxiety, and a decreased sense of well-being around the time of menopause”. Read more

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Menopause Irritability

“Hormone changes in the years leading to menopause (perimenopause) can cause mood swings and irritability and can contribute to depression and anxiety”. Read more

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Menopause Blues

“Most women make the transition into menopause without experiencing depression, but many women report symptoms of moodiness, depressed mood…”.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”

Definition

What is feeling blue?

DotS the definition of feeling blue may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“A depressed mood — This is a normal, brief period of feeling blue or sad that is commonly experienced and rarely requires treatment. The medical term is dysphoria”.2

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and feeling blue?

In 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? the NAMS explain:

Menopause Blues “A. Most women make the transition into menopause without experiencing depression, but many women report symptoms of moodiness, depressed mood, anxiety, stress, and a decreased sense of well-being during perimenopause. Women with a history of clinical depression or a history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or postpartum depression seem to be particularly vulnerable to recurrent depression during perimenopause, as are women who report significant stress, sexual dysfunction, physical inactivity, or hot flashes”.3

Treatment

How may the menopause blues be treated?

According to the NAMS:

“Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, including deep-breathing exercises and massage, a healthy lifestyle (good nutrition and daily exercise), and enjoyable, self-nurturing activities may all be helpful. Some women try to treat their menopause symptoms with over-the-counter products such as St. John’s wort or vitamin B6”.4

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

May menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) be beneficial in improving mood?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

  • “MHT may be beneficial in improving mood in early postmenopausal women with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. MHT may also be beneficial for perimenopausal women with major depression but antidepressant therapy remains first-line treatment in this setting”.5

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.

On page one in Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression the NAMS explain:

“When you are transitioning into menopause, you should notify your healthcare practitioner whether you have suffered from depression in the past or whether you were particularly sensitive to hormone changes and have experienced premenstrual syndrome or postpartum depression. Be alert and notice whether these mood changes are mild and do not greatly affect your quality of life or whether they are severe and debilitating and interfere with your daily activities”.6

In Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe the NAMS elaborate on:

“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”.7

In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember the (Australia) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health remind us:

  • “Depression is common
  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is nothing to be ashamed about
  • It can be treated”.8

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.

  1. Alcohol and Mental Health
  2. Anxiety
  3. Anxiety: What You Need To Know
  4. Better Sleep In 6 Steps
  5. Beyondblue.org.au
  6. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  7. Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  10. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  12. Depression
  13. Depression & Menopause
  14. Depression Common During Perimenopause But Not Regularly Screened
  15. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know Depression In Women
  16. Depression Medicines
  17. Depression: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  18. Diet and Mental Health
  19. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Overview
  20. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  21. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  22. Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
  23. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  24. Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations
  25. Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
  26. Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  28. How To Improve Mental Health
  29. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  30. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  31. How To Sleep Better
  32. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  33. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  34. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  35. Link Between Dietary Fiber and Depression Partially Explained By Gut-Brain Interactions
  36. Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
  37. Low Mood, Sadness and Depression
  38. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  39. Management of Depressive Symptoms In Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: EMAS Position Statement [European Menopause and Andropause Society]
  40. Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lift Your Mood With Light Therapy [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Meditation Is Good Medicine [+ Video]
  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 Symptoms and Relief
  47. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  48. Menopause and Depression
  49. Menopause and Mental Health
  50. Menopause and Sleep
  51. Menopause and Women’s Health In Later Life: Mood Changes and Depression
  52. Menopause – Fact Sheet (Plain English)
  53. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  54. Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  55. Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
  56. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  57. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  58. Mental & Emotional Health – Fact Sheet
  59. Mental Health & Emotions: Depression, Anxiety & Menopause
  60. Mental Health & Emotions: Reactions To Menopause
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Lavender
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  71. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  72. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  73. One Hour Per Week of Exercise Protects Against Depression Study Shows
  74. Perimenopause: Symptoms & Causes
  75. Physical Activity & Exercise: Tools To Help – Weekly Activity Diary
  76. Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
  77. Physical Activity, Sport and Mental Health
  78. SAMe
  79. Self-Care and Kindness: Finding A Solution To the Trigger of Our Anxiety
  80. Supporting Women Through Menopause
  81. Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
  82. Timetochange.org: Time To Change
  83. Transdermal Estradiol Shows Promise In Treating and Preventing Perimenopausal Depression
  84. Tuesday Tips: 4 Low-Cost Ways To Manage Depression [+ Video]
  85. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  86. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  87. Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
  88. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  89. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  90. Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes During Perimenopause
  91. Video Series-2019 – What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
  92. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  93. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
  94. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  95. Why Some Women Are More Likely To Feel Depressed
  96. Women
  97. Women and Depression
  98. Women and Mental Health
  99. Women: Work, Home, Multiply Roles, & Stress
  100. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. 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? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 08 April 2021
  2. Depression & Menopause: 3 Types of Depression. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 08 April 2021
  3. 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? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 08 April 2021
  4. Five Solutions for Menopause Symptoms: 1. Mood Changes. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/five-solutions-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 08 April 2021
  5. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., PĂ©rez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 08 April 2021
  6. Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 08 April 2021
  7. Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 08 April 2021
  8. 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: 08 April 2021

Topic Last Updated: 08 April 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 08 April 2021
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Menopause Mood Swings

“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—”. Read more

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Menopause Mood Changes

“Women can feel depressed and/or experience changes in their mood around perimenopause (the months/years before menopause) when their hormone levels fluctuate”. Read more

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Menopause Memory

“Difficulty concentrating and remembering are common complaints during perimenopause and the years right afterward”. Read more

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Menopause Physical Symptoms

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly…”. Read more

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Menopause Psychological Symptoms

“…many women report symptoms of moodiness, depressed mood, anxiety, stress, and a decreased sense of well-being during perimenopause”. Read more

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Mental Health

“Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same. It can change as circumstances change and as you move through different stages of your life”. Read more

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Menopause Mental Health

“Women often seek counselling at menopause and might want to work through traumas they have previously experienced. This time of life seems to allow things to..”. Read more

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