First, let us define menopause as the technical term for that stage in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating. It generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During the years before the cessation of menstrual cycles (perimenopause), physiological and hormonal changes begin that affect a woman’s functioning.

The years leading up to menopause and the transition itself can bring changes to the body. However, they can also affect your mental health.

The incidence of depression doubles during this time. Women who have struggled in the past with depression or anxiety may also see a resurgence of symptoms.

Imbalance in female hormone levels can cause mood swings at other stages of life, so it is not necessarily surprising that they also affect mood during the menopausal transition, some women’s health experts at Harvard Medical School say. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (which is the most severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects mood) and postpartum depression are other examples of conditions caused by hormonal changes, in these cases, before menstruation or after childbirth.

The vast majority of women who develop major mood problems during perimenopause have had them in the past. It is rare for someone with no history of depression or anxiety to develop a severe case of menopause suddenly. In addition, midlife, when menopause occurs, is when women sometimes face multiple sources of stress, including caring for children, dealing with aging parents, and other life changes, which can contribute to the incidence of depression and anxiety at this time.

Problems in your physical health during menopause can also lead to mood swings. For example, anxiety may be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which becomes more common with age. In addition, anxiety and depression can be triggered by lack of sleep, which also becomes more common around menopause, as hormonal changes cause nighttime hot flashes or other sleep disruptions that make it difficult for women to get the rest they need.

What can you do to take care of your mental health during menopause?

• Keep in mind that mood swings can be part of menopausal symptoms.
• Try to lower stress levels and get enough sleep.
• Lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and regular physical activity help relieve symptoms.
• Express feelings and concerns with family and close friends.
• Seek professional help if symptoms become severe and interfere with daily life.

Know that this is temporary. Usually, the mood swings that accompany female hormonal imbalances during the menopausal transition are temporary.

Patients receiving treatment with antidepressants or other medications will not necessarily have to continue it forever, possibly only during this period.