Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Treatment
Coping
Most people who go throughmenopausewon’t develop a major mood disorder. But many will experience some mood problems before, during, and after menopause when hormone levels fluctuate. These hormonal shifts can begin as early asperimenopause(the period right before menopause).
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If you’re a person experiencing menopause-related mood shifts, there may be an underlying clinical reason for it, and there are treatments and solutions that can help. Pay attention to the nature of your mood problems and see whether one of the following could be at the root of your emotional symptoms.
Hormone Sensitivity
You might be in this category if you have:
Any of these signs can warn that a change in estrogen levels may have a greater effect on you than on other females your age.Estrogenplays a major role in howneurotransmitters(chemicals that affect brain and nerve function) operate. This can affect your mood and behavior.If you fall into this category, discuss hormone treatment options with your healthcare provider and see whether a short course of hormone therapy would help.
Hormonal Treatments
Someone who has had ahysterectomy(removal of their ovaries) or whose ovaries have stopped functioning due to medical treatments may notice the impact of low estrogen.
Because the shift is rapid—from normal levels of estrogen to very low levels—the effect on neurotransmitters can be quite dramatic. This can cause serious mood problems or emotional instability.
Treatment for the sudden loss of estrogen depends on the cause. There arehormone therapiesand selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medications that may be useful during this time. If you’ll be having surgical removal of your ovaries or medical treatment that affects them (such aschemotherapy), talk to your healthcare provider to plan ways to minimize symptoms.
Sleep Deprivation
If any of the following are true for you, you might be experiencing sleep deprivation:
Sleep deprivation or a sleep disorder can cause irritability, anxiety, and depression if it goes on for long.
History of Depression
If you have a history ofdepression, you’re more likely to experience mood problems during menopause. If you have been onantidepressantsin the past, or have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, menopause may bring back symptoms of depression.If you notice that your mood is changing, get help as soon as you notice.
Life Circumstances
So many life events that contribute to mood swings can happen during the years after 40. Change can be a source of anxiety even when the changes themselves are positive. But add to that any hormone fluctuations, health concerns, and major life events, and you may feel especially overwhelmed.
Some common changes and challenges during menopause can include:
Changes to your normal routine can shorten your fuse and make you more likely to be anxious, irritable, or sad.
Summary
Menopause can bring about many changes to your life. In response to fluctuating hormones, you may start to experience mood swings. First, understand that this is normal. Find out what may be causing your mood shifts and then take action to see what can help fix it. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need more guidance on improving your mood.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Freeman EW.Depression in the menopause transition: risks in the changing hormone milieu as observed in the general population.Womens Midlife Health. 2015;1:2. doi:10.1186/s40695-015-0002-yHarnod T, Chen W, Wang JH, Lin SZ, Ding DC.Hysterectomies are associated with an increased risk of depression: a population-based cohort study.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(10):366. doi:10.3390/jcm7100366Additional ReadingThe North American Menopause Society.Depression, mood swings, anxiety.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Freeman EW.Depression in the menopause transition: risks in the changing hormone milieu as observed in the general population.Womens Midlife Health. 2015;1:2. doi:10.1186/s40695-015-0002-yHarnod T, Chen W, Wang JH, Lin SZ, Ding DC.Hysterectomies are associated with an increased risk of depression: a population-based cohort study.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(10):366. doi:10.3390/jcm7100366Additional ReadingThe North American Menopause Society.Depression, mood swings, anxiety.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Freeman EW.Depression in the menopause transition: risks in the changing hormone milieu as observed in the general population.Womens Midlife Health. 2015;1:2. doi:10.1186/s40695-015-0002-yHarnod T, Chen W, Wang JH, Lin SZ, Ding DC.Hysterectomies are associated with an increased risk of depression: a population-based cohort study.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(10):366. doi:10.3390/jcm7100366
Freeman EW.Depression in the menopause transition: risks in the changing hormone milieu as observed in the general population.Womens Midlife Health. 2015;1:2. doi:10.1186/s40695-015-0002-y
Harnod T, Chen W, Wang JH, Lin SZ, Ding DC.Hysterectomies are associated with an increased risk of depression: a population-based cohort study.Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(10):366. doi:10.3390/jcm7100366
The North American Menopause Society.Depression, mood swings, anxiety.
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