Menopause and Depression: What's the Connection?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Menopause?What Is Depression?How They Are ConnectedSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentHow to Cope

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Menopause?

What Is Depression?

How They Are Connected

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

How to Cope

Close

The transition to menopause can sometimes lead to symptoms that resemble depression. Menopause depression may also occur when the hormonal shifts that accompany the transition contribute to mood problems and other symptoms of depression.

Understanding the distinctions between menopause and depression (as well as how they are often connected) can be the key to getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

At a GlanceMenopause and depression can be connected in different ways. Because they can have overlapping symptoms, they are sometimes mistaken for one another. While menopause does not appear to cause depression, it may increase the risk of experiencing depression. Being aware of the symptoms of both menopause and depression can help you better understand what you are experiencing and know when to contact your doctor if you think you might need help.

At a Glance

Menopause and depression can be connected in different ways. Because they can have overlapping symptoms, they are sometimes mistaken for one another. While menopause does not appear to cause depression, it may increase the risk of experiencing depression. Being aware of the symptoms of both menopause and depression can help you better understand what you are experiencing and know when to contact your doctor if you think you might need help.

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the menstrual period stops, most likely when the ovaries stop making estrogen. Missing a period for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes) is the main criterion for being menopausal.When this happens, a woman is no longer able to get pregnant.

The average age of menopause is 51, with the transition occurring most often between the ages of 45 and 55.

Despite having an occasional period, many women believe they are menopausal when they are actually in a transition period called perimenopause. This refers to the time when your body makes the natural transition to menopause. It most often occurs sometime in your 40s or right around the time of menopause.

Hormonal Changes During PerimenopauseMany of the changes you experience during perimenopause are a result of decreasing estrogen, which along with progesterone, rises and falls as you make your way to menopause. There is some association with these hormonal changes.

Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause

Many of the changes you experience during perimenopause are a result of decreasing estrogen, which along with progesterone, rises and falls as you make your way to menopause. There is some association with these hormonal changes.

Menopause and Depression: What’s the Connection?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest and affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. The two most common forms of depressive disorders aremajor (clinical) depressionandpersistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).

Major depression is the most commonly diagnosed depressive disorder. It is characterized as having at least five symptoms of depression outlined in DSM-5 criteria most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks that interferes with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life.

These criteria, known as “A Criteria” are as follows:

Note:To be diagnosed with depression, one of the criteria (out of the five that you must meet), must be either A1 or A2.

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

How Menopause and Depression Are Related

Many women going through perimenopause or menopause can tell you that extreme shifts in hormonal levels often lead to feelings of depression. Whether it’s a new onset of depressive symptoms or exaggerated symptoms from an existing diagnosis, managing the mood swings along with other symptoms can, at times, feel very overwhelming.

It is only recently that the medical community created guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of perimenopausal depression.

Some of the challenges in evaluating perimenopausal depression is due to the fact that several of the symptoms related to its hormonal changes overlap with common symptoms of depression and other menopausal symptoms that often present similarly.

Symptoms, including insomnia, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, andmood problems, are common during perimenopause and menopause.

Menopause May Increase the Risk of DepressionThe risk of developing symptoms related to depression is known to increase among women as they transition to menopause.

Menopause May Increase the Risk of Depression

The risk of developing symptoms related to depression is known to increase among women as they transition to menopause.

Symptoms of Depression and Menopause

It can be helpful to understand the symptoms of both depression and menopause so you can better identify them and distinguish between the two.

Symptoms of Depression

The signs and symptoms of depression include:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Symptoms of Menopause

The symptoms of menopause may include :

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

What Causes Depression During Menopause?

The symptoms ofdepressionthat can present during perimenopause and menopause are related to a variety of factors including hormonal changes, underlying vulnerabilities to depression, and other stressors.

Hormonal shifts that happen at other times in a woman’s reproductive life, such as the postpartum period, are also correlated with an increase in depression and mood symptoms.

Declining estrogen levelsthat happen as you move through perimenopause towards menopause can contribute to emotional changes such as sadness, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

That said, there is no evidence that menopausecauses depression. If symptoms are severe or impacting your life more than occasionally, be sure to see your doctor or a mental health specialist.

Getting a Diagnosis

Your doctor will be able to determine if you have a major depressive disorder or clinical depression.

Treatment for Depression During Menopause

For perimenopausal and menopausal women diagnosed with depression, adhering to the proven therapeutic options for treating depression should be followed. These include treatment withantidepressantsand/orpsychotherapy(“talk therapy”).

There are several forms of psychotherapy, but one in particular that has been proven successful in treating depression iscognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

There is some evidence that treating women entering menopause with hormone replacement therapy may help to enhance mood, but it is not considered a form of treatment for depression. Some findings suggest estrogen, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, may also help with mild to moderate symptoms related to mood swings and feelings of depression.

There are risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. That’s why talking with your doctor about your health is always the best place to start.

Find Support With the 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression

Coping With Menopause and Depression

Coping with depression symptoms that accompany perimenopause or menopause often requires a systemic approach. And like many otherrecommendations for depressionor menopause, lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

Changes That Can HelpDaily exercise, socializing with friends and family, meditation,mindfulness, and participating in activities that were enjoyable before depressive episodes started are just a few ways to cope with symptoms related to depression.

Changes That Can Help

Daily exercise, socializing with friends and family, meditation,mindfulness, and participating in activities that were enjoyable before depressive episodes started are just a few ways to cope with symptoms related to depression.

Reducing or eliminating alcohol, smoking, or other substances can help with certain symptoms of menopause. Also, taking extra care to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats may help with symptom management.

What This Means For YouMood swings and feelings of sadness and irritability are common occurrences during perimenopause and menopause. That said, it can be challenging to distinguish between clinical depression and the ups and downs related to shifting hormones. If you’re concerned about your physical or mental health, take the first step, and make an appointment with your doctor.Being open and honest about how you’re feeling can help relieve the pressure or anxiety you might be experiencing. It also allows your doctor to make a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan that focuses on your needs.

What This Means For You

Mood swings and feelings of sadness and irritability are common occurrences during perimenopause and menopause. That said, it can be challenging to distinguish between clinical depression and the ups and downs related to shifting hormones. If you’re concerned about your physical or mental health, take the first step, and make an appointment with your doctor.Being open and honest about how you’re feeling can help relieve the pressure or anxiety you might be experiencing. It also allows your doctor to make a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan that focuses on your needs.

Mood swings and feelings of sadness and irritability are common occurrences during perimenopause and menopause. That said, it can be challenging to distinguish between clinical depression and the ups and downs related to shifting hormones. If you’re concerned about your physical or mental health, take the first step, and make an appointment with your doctor.

Being open and honest about how you’re feeling can help relieve the pressure or anxiety you might be experiencing. It also allows your doctor to make a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan that focuses on your needs.

Estrogen’s Impact on Women’s Mental Health, According to a Doctor

7 SourcesVerywell Mind 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.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause YearsNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.4, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison.de Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Perimenopause and Depression.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.Additional Readingde Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause Years.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.Menopause symptoms and relief.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind 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.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause YearsNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.4, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison.de Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Perimenopause and Depression.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.Additional Readingde Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause Years.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.Menopause symptoms and relief.

Verywell Mind 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.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause YearsNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.4, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison.de Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Perimenopause and Depression.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause Years

National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.4, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison.

de Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040

Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Perimenopause and Depression.

The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.

de Kruif M, et al.Depression during the perimenopause: A meta-analysis.Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 06:174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.040Maki P, et al.Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Perimenopausal Depression: Summary and Recommendations. Journal of Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.27099.mensocrec.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause Years.The Cleveland Clinic.Menopause: Emotional Aspects (Including Depression): Management and Treatment.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.Menopause symptoms and relief.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.The Menopause Years.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.Menopause symptoms and relief.

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