Menopause and Depression: Is There a Link?

Feeling down as you approach menopause? You’re not alone. There’s a strong connection between menopause and depression.

Sure, you’re familiar with the physical symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and sleep issues. But did you know that your risk of depression ramps up during this phase of your life? 

Menopause depression isn’t just about mood swings and midlife crises. It’s a serious mental health issue. So, if you’re feeling depressed, don’t brush it off. It might be time to seek professional help.  

Read on to learn more about the link between depression and menopause and how you can treat menopause-related depression.

Menopause brings a whirlwind of hormonal changes that can trigger mood disorders like major depression. This happens because your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help regulate your mood by acting on neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin.

Plus, these hormonal changes can mess with your sleep — another factor in mood regulation. 

There’s a strong link between low estrogen and depression, according to research. 

One 2023 systematic review suggests that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are more likely to develop anxiety and depression. 

Perimenopause refers to the transition to menopause, which is when you haven’t had your period for at least 12 months. 

The review authors also point out that women in menopause are more likely to experience hormone-related depression if they have:

• Hot flashes

• A history of clinical depression

• Difficult life experiences around the same period

• Persistent anxiety

Additional research from 2024 notes that perimenopausal women often deal with the following stressful life events, which can worsen depression:

• Aging parents

• Career anxiety 

• Planning for retirement

• Caring for older children

Has it been at least 12 months since your last period? You’ve likely officially hit menopause. But you can experience symptoms of perimenopausal depression even before reaching this stage. 

Signs of menopause include::

• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)

• Forgetfulness

• Hot flashes 

• Irregular periods

• Low energy levels

• Mood changes

• Night sweats 

• Sleep problems 

• Vaginal dryness

If you’re in perimenopause, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for the following symptoms of depression in women:

• Appetite changes

• Fatigue 

• Feelings of sadness

• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness 

• Irritability

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

• Restlessness

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Thoughts of death and suicide

• Weight changes

Healthcare professionals diagnose depression if you’ve experienced low mood and other depression-related symptoms for at least two weeks.

If you think you’re experiencing depression, consider speaking with a healthcare professional (like a GP, psychiatrist, or therapist). 

What about anxious feelings? Does menopause cause anxiety? Hormone shifts and depression during menopause can also lead to anxiety. 

Learn more in our guide to hormones and anxiety.

Dealing with menopausal depression can be tough, but you can manage it in a healthy way. 

If you’re feeling down, talk to a healthcare professional about how you’re feeling. They might recommend therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a mix of all three. 

Remember, help is available, and you don’t have to go through this alone. 

1. Therapy

Talk therapy or psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. It involves talking with a mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

The following types of therapy can be effective for depression:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  

• Mindfulness-based therapy 

• Interpersonal therapy  

• Psychodynamic therapy

If you’re interested in trying out therapy, take a look at our guide to finding a therapist. 

2. Medication

Antidepressants can balance the neurotransmitters that tend to go out-of-whack during perimenopause.

Common antidepressants include: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine or sertraline

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine, which may also be helpful for hot flashes 

• Tricyclic antidepressants

Quick tip: Don’t expect results overnight. These medications can take several weeks to produce their full effects. So, hang in there and be patient. 

3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

It’s not 100% clear whether hormone therapy can improve major depressive disorder in menopausal women. But it may be something to consider bringing up with your healthcare provider. 

A 2022 study found that by restoring hormone levels, HRT might reduce the impact of menopause on your mood. 

However, another 2022 study on Danish perimenopausal women suggests a link between HRT and depression. Though it’s important to point out that the study doesn’t clarify whether HRT was a direct cause of depression or whether women with depression chose HRT to treat their symptoms. 

Besides potential mood improvement, HRT can also ease physical menopause symptoms. 

4. Lifestyle Changes

Here are some self-care habits that might help lift your mood during menopause:

• Getting regular exercise

• Making healthy changes to your diet

• Having a regular sleep schedule

• Engaging in mindful meditation

• Spending more time with loved ones

• Practicing enjoyable hobbies

• Journaling regularly

We know making these changes can be tough, especially if you’re living with depression. If you’re finding it hard to start, therapy could be a great first step. A therapist can guide you through self-care practices and help you build healthy coping strategies.

As you age, your period tapers off and eventually stops altogether, marking the transition to menopause. This hormonal shift can increase the risk of symptoms of menopause and depression.

Here’s what you need to know about menopause-related depression:

• It’s common. Hormonal changes happen to everyone who hits menopause, increasing the risk of depression. So you’re not alone in feeling down during this time. 

• It causes low mood and more. Feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and hopelessness may indicate clinical depression. If your low mood impacts your daily life, speak with a healthcare professional. 

• It’s treatable. Therapy, medication, and healthy lifestyle changes can help support your mental health and improve your quality of life. 

Menopausal depression is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to get through it alone. Help is available. Connect with a mental health provider through Hers. 

They can review your symptoms, medical history, and review your treatment options, including medication and therapy.