Menopause and Mental Health
Its Women’s Health Week this week in Australia - the perfect time to shine a spotlight on a topic that has historically been swept under the carpet. Perimenopause and menopause are pivotal stages in every woman’s life, yet conversations around them are few, particularly regarding their profound impact on women's mental health. Dr Mary Claire Haver and Dr Louise Newson are two leading voices advocating for open discussions and better education around this transition, helping women navigate it with more understanding, support, and empowerment.
Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, often starting in a woman's 40s but can begin as early as mid-30s. It can last several years as hormone levels fluctuate before settling in menopause, which is marked by 12 consecutive months without menstruation. Many women expect the more commonly spoken about symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats (there are up to 130-140 known symptoms in total), but the psychological impacts often catch them off guard.
The Unspoken Mental Health Impacts
According to Dr Mary Claire and Dr Louise, the mental health impacts of perimenopause and menopause can be overwhelming. Mood swings, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and irritability are just some of the emotional challenges that women face during this time. Often, these symptoms are misinterpreted as general stress or dismissed altogether, leaving women feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Dr Mary Claire Haver, who focuses on lifestyle and evidence-based approaches, notes that many women feel blindsided by these psychological changes. "Many women I see had no idea that their worsening anxiety or inability to concentrate was tied to hormonal changes," she says. "The stigma around perimenopause and menopause leaves them thinking they should just push through, but the emotional toll is real and needs to be addressed."
Dr Louise Newson, a leading menopause specialist, adds that these mental health challenges are often mistaken for depression, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. "Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in mental health during this stage of life," she explains. "Women deserve access to accurate information and effective treatments, whether that's hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, or mental health support."
Navigating This Life Stage with Knowledge & Support
I personally love that Dr Mary Claire and Dr Louise both subscribe to an approach that prioritises informed decision-making and holistic care. They believe that empowering women with knowledge about how hormonal changes affect their bodies can help alleviate much of the distress associated with perimenopause and menopause. Both doctors advocate for tailored approaches, whether through nutrition, exercise, or medical interventions like HRT.
For Dr Mary Claire, maintaining overall health through lifestyle adjustments such as diet, exercise, and sleep is essential. Her philosophy is that better physical health can often mitigate some of the mental health impacts. Dr Louise echoes this, adding that women should seek early diagnosis and comprehensive support from their healthcare providers to manage symptoms more effectively.
Breaking the Silence
The key to navigating perimenopause and menopause, according to these experts, is breaking the silence. Women have endured this stage of life alone or in confusion for long enough. Open conversations, education, and access to the correct, up-to-date resources can transform this experience for women across the globe, from one of struggle to one of empowerment.
As Women's Health Week shines a spotlight on these unspoken realities, Dr Mary Claire and Dr Louise encourage women to prioritise their mental health, seek out information, and build supportive networks that help them thrive through this life stage. By speaking openly and advocating for ourselves, we can dismantle the stigma and navigate this journey with increasing strength and understanding.