Menopause and Mental Health: What Many Women Don’t Know
- suzbocking
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Guardian.com shared a recent survey in the UK has revealed something concerning: nearly three-quarters of women don’t realise that menopause can trigger the onset of a new mental illness. While most people associate menopause with physical symptoms such as hot flushes or sleep disturbances, far fewer are aware of the significant mental health impacts that can occur during this stage of life.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK released a statement highlighting that hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect mental well-being in profound ways. For many women this may show up as anxiety or low mood, but for some it can increase the likelihood of more serious conditions such as clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Research also suggests that women going through menopause may be more vulnerable to the relapse of previous mental health conditions, and suicide rates are higher among women of menopausal age.
What is the perimenopause age? Anywhere from early forties to mid fifties. Perimenopause generally lasts 7-10 years and menopause is the day exactly 1 year after a woman’s last period. The standard support for this is now HRT (Hormone replacement therapy), and we know that counselling is also very helpful to support this transition season. This season in a woman’s life is very turbulent. There are reported increases in divorce, suicide ideation, and loss of identity during this time.
Despite this, many women are not receiving the help they need. A lack of awareness, stigma, and misdiagnosis often mean that women’s symptoms are overlooked or attributed to other issues. Some women seek help for anxiety or depression without the role of menopause even being considered and are simply prescribed antidepressants.
I was one of those women when I first entered perimenopause. 'I just wasn’t myself'. At the time, I didn’t have the language for it, but I now know this is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of perimenopause. I went to my GP and was told it was anxiety. Yet, working in mental health, I knew it didn’t feel like the generalised anxiety I had supported others through. Something just felt off.
It took a few years before I finally received the support I needed, and began hormone
replacement therapy (HRT). For me, this made a significant difference.
If you are navigating this stage of life and struggling to find the right support, I highly
recommend the Australian Menopause Centre. They provide specialist care and telehealth services for women across Australia. You can find more information here:
The report calls for better education for health professionals, more awareness in workplaces, and improved access to support and treatment. Ultimately, menopause is not just a physical transition; it can be a significant emotional and psychological one as well. Greater understanding and open conversation are essential so that women feel heard, supported, and able to access the care they need during this stage of life.
To read the full article I have reference head to:
If you would like to discuss this with us reach out at admin@suzannebocking.com
For all the women out there and the men supporting women in this season. Please get the support you need to do the season well. No one needs to suffer.
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