Mood Changes
Women often notice worsening irritability, anxiety and depression at perimenopause. What can we do about it?
Perimenopause is a time of increased risk for the development of mood symptoms including anxiety and depression. Hormonal fluctuations around perimenopause can definitely be a contributor but they usually aren’t the only cause. Other contributing factors can include:
- A history of mental health disorders, eg. postnatal depression, previous anxiety
- Family or relationship problems
- Caring for ageing parents or high-needs family members
- Work stress
- Poor physical health, chronic pain or disease
- Lack of exercise
- No time for self-caring and reflection
- Other significant perimenopausal symptoms, like hot flushes
- Drug and alcohol dependence
- Negative perceptions of ageing, eg. body image and sexuality
- “Empty nest” grief
- A perceived lack of purpose or meaning in life
Treatment Options
It is difficult to separate out all the possible causes of a woman’s mood symptoms, therefore effective treatment demands a wholistic approach. All the contributing factors need to be considered and addressed. The treatment plan may include:
- Counselling or psychological therapies
- Relationship or sexual counselling
- Online education and electronic resources
- Meditation, mindfulness, relaxation therapy
- Exercise
- Treatment of other medical issues
- Improved diet
- Development of hobbies and other meaningful activities
- Medication, which may include hormonal treatments
Your GP can help guide you to an understanding of your particular issues and connect you with the resources you need to treat them. In some cases it may be possible to treat hot flushes and mood symptoms at the same time with a single medication. Check out this fact sheet about mood disorders at menopause from the Australasian Menopause Society, or our Blog post and webinar about mental health issues around menopause.
Can’t find the professional help you need to treat your menopausal symptoms? Book a Telehealth menopause consultation with a female WellFemme menopause doctor.