Hormonal changes during menopause can sometimes intensify or worsen existing mental health conditions.
Menopause can affect conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. People experiencing the menopausal transition are more likely to face mood fluctuations, along with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges linked to menopause often overlap with mental health symptoms, making them harder to distinguish. Additionally, stress from life events during this stage can further blur the lines between hormonal changes and mental health concerns.
Common menopause-related symptoms — such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, changes in sexual health, weight fluctuations, and “brain fog” — can overlap with mental health concerns, making it difficult to separate the two. Adding to this complexity, midlife often brings personal and environmental stressors, which can further influence mood and emotional wellbeing.
Studies indicate that people going through perimenopause face an increased risk of developing serious mental health conditions such as major depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Additionally, those with existing diagnoses often experience a deterioration in their symptoms during this time.