Around the time of menopause, most women are experiencing extra stress in life. They’re juggling raising teenage children, paying for college, career, and caring for their aging parents, and go through hormonal changes. Midlife is often considered a period of increased risk for depression in women. Some women report mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and feelings of despair in the years leading up to menopause.
But the reason for these emotional problems isn’t always clear. Research shows that menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue can affect mood and well-being. The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause might also affect mood. Or it could be a combination of hormone changes and menopausal symptoms.
But changes in mood also can have causes that are unrelated to menopause. If you are having emotional problems that are interfering with your quality of life, it is important to discuss them with your doctor. Talk openly with your doctor about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings. Other things that could cause feelings of depression and/or anxiety during menopause include:
- Having depression before menopause
- Feeling negative about menopause and getting older
- Increased stress
- Having severe menopausal symptoms
- Smoking
- Not being physically active
- Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship
- Not having a job
- Not having enough money
- Having low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)
- Not having the social support you need
- Feeling disappointed that you can’t have children anymore
Source: Womenshealth.gov