Menopause and your mood

Psychological symptoms such as moodiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, tearfulness, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating are often the focus of menopause jokes, but there’s no real evidence that cessation of ovarian function is linked to severe emotional disturbance or personality changes.

Mood swings can be a problem, particularly for women with a history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or post-natal depression. During the perimenopausal time span, some women notice worsening PMS or experience it for the first time. Menopause ends PMS.

The symptoms of menopause can precipitate an underlying psychological problem, but it cannot cause it.