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Mood changes and depression

Changing hormone levels in the menopause transition can affect how you feel. Help is available.

On this page

Why mood can change

Fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone during the menopause transition increase the risk of mood disorders and depression.

Oestrogen affects brain chemicals such as serotonin, which has a positive effect on mood. When oestrogen levels drop, serotonin levels fall too, which contributes to emotional changes during the transition. Poor sleep from night sweats, and the stresses of midlife, can also play a part.

2.5timesDepression is 2.5 times more likely during the menopause transition than in the years before it.

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from:

Irritability
Palpitations
Poor sleep
Crying spells
Anxiety
Feeling low
Feelings of doom or dread
Depression

Who is more at risk?

Women who have had stronger premenstrual mood swings, or the "baby blues" and depression after childbirth (postnatal depression), have a higher chance of depression around menopause. So do women who have had depression before.

Getting help

If low mood, anxiety or irritability are affecting your life, relationships or work, talk to your doctor. Mood changes around menopause can be treated. Read about treatment and therapies.

If you feel very low or have thoughts of harming yourself

Please reach out for help now. You don't have to cope alone.

Talian HEAL: 15555, the Ministry of Health's mental health support line (8 am to midnight, every day)
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur: 03-7627 2929 (24 hours, every day)
In an emergency, call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Your doctor can help you work out what is going on and talk you through your options.

When to consult a doctor