Mood disturbances are extremely common during perimenopause and menopause, with 1 in 2 women experiencing changes in mood. These can range from increased irritability and mood swings to clinical anxiety and depression.
As a woman enters perimenopause, she has a heightened risk of anxiety and depression, even if she never has had mental health concerns.
Recognising Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety may present as:
- Persistent worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating
- Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, chills or hot flushes, and gut disturbances
Depression may present as:
- Sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness
- Fatigue or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Why Does Mood Change During Menopause?
Hormonal fluctuations—especially in estrogen and progesterone—affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which regulate mood and calm the nervous system. As these hormone levels shift during perimenopause, many women experience heightened anxiety, low mood, emotional numbness, or irritability.
Beyond hormonal changes, this phase of life often brings additional physical, emotional, and social challenges, such as:
- Sleep disturbances, hot flushes, and heart palpitations, which can increase stress and fatigue.
- Increased stress associated with this time of life including career pressures and caregiving responsibilities
- Changes in identity and body image
These factors may or may not be be brought on, or exacerbated by changing hormone levels but can contribute to emotional distress during peri/menopause.
Managing Anxiety & Depression in Perimenopause & Menopause
A comprehensive, holistic assessment is essential to ensure the best management approach, tailored to each woman’s needs.
Lifestyle & Psychological Support
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can help stabilise mood and energy levels.
- Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), provide coping strategies for anxious thoughts and depressive symptoms.
- Social connection and support from friends, family, or support groups can help combat feelings of isolation.
Medical Treatment Options
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): Helps stabilise hormone levels and neurotransmitter function while easing symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, and mood swings, which can reduce anxiety and depression.
- Medications for Anxiety & Depression: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help regulate mood, with or without MHT.
- Symptom-Specific Medications: Some medications, such as beta-blockers for anxiety or sleep aids for insomnia, can help manage specific symptoms.
You Deserve Support
If anxiety or depression is affecting your quality of life, support and treatment options are available.
Book a free discovery call with ALLY Health and get the care you deserve
