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Perimenopause, menopause and mental health

Perimenopause and menopause bring many physical and emotional changes, and these can affect female mental health. Women might notice their mood or memory shifting, or just not feel like themselves. If they’ve experienced depression in the past, they could be more sensitive to these changes too.

It’s really important for women to tune in to how they’re feeling and notice the changes this time brings. Noticing early signs of mental health challenges can help women get support when they need it most.

If you’re experiencing feelings of uncertainty related to perimenopause or menopause, remember that you’re not alone. There are resources and support available to guide you through this time.

Lived experience acknowledgement

This page is informed by data and lived experience relating to women with an experience of perimenopause and menopause, which is referred to throughout this page.

Beyond Blue is committed to inclusion and respect and we acknowledge that some people who go through perimenopause and menopause do not identify as women. The information we share may be helpful to anyone with an experience of perimenopause and menopause.

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What are the three stages of menopause?

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when women’s periods become irregular and their hormone levels start to fluctuate. It typically begins from the age of 40 and can last anywhere from one to 10 years, with most people experiencing it for about four to six years.

Menopause

Menopause is 12 months after a woman’s last period. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.

Post-Menopause

Post-menopause refers to the time after menopause. While some symptoms may continue, they often ease over time. In Australia, there are over two million women who are post-menopausal, and every year, around 80,000 more women join this group. It's a natural part of life, and we're all in it together.

Mental health symptoms during perimenopause and menopause

Women can experience menopausal symptoms years before menopause (during perimenopause) and even after it. This transition can impact not just their body but also their mental and emotional wellbeing.

In fact, one in three Australian women report experiencing bothersome menopausal symptoms in the past five years. Of these, over half say their mental and emotional wellbeing has been negatively affected.

We often hear about the physical symptoms of menopause – like hot flushes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep. But the mental health symptoms are just as common, even if they’re talked about less. These symptoms can include:

feeling angry or irritable
feeling sad, low, or depressed
brain fog (trouble concentrating or forgetting things)
low energy and motivation
feeling worried or anxious
panic attacks, and
reduced self-esteem or self-worth.

If you have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), you might be more likely to experience depression during this time. And, those of us who go through premature or early menopause can also face a higher risk of mental health symptoms.

Treatment for perimenopause or menopause

The middle years (40-60) can be a particularly challenging time for mental health. Adding to this are life pressures like parenting, caring for ageing parents, work demands, illness, or body changes. All of which can take a significant toll.

But remember, there are many treatments and supports available. It’s about finding the right balance and solution that works for you. Options can include:

Talking openly with friends who are going through similar experiences.
Finding a health professional who listens and takes your symptoms seriously.
Using medication or menopause hormone therapy (MHT, also known as HRT)*.
Joining online communities for support, such as Beyond Blue’s Community forums.

*Beyond Blue does not provide medical advice. Please seek professional guidance before engaging in any therapy.

Perimenopause, menopause and mental health

Subscribe to receive info about mental health, keeping well and stories from our community.

On this page

What are the three stages of menopause?

Perimenopause

Menopause

Post-Menopause

Mental health symptoms during perimenopause and menopause

Reach out early for mental health support

Treatment for perimenopause or menopause

Lifestyle changes to support your mental health

More advice and tips from other women

The Menopause 'Mind field'

Commonly asked questions

1. Coping with brain fog

2. Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

3. Coping with anxiety during menopause

4. Workplace support and education

5. Support for neurodiversity

6. Impacts on the brain

7. HRT and breast cancer

8. Testing for the start of perimenopause

9. Not feeling listened to by GPs

10. Hysterectomy

11. Weight gain

12. Sleep

13. Affordability of treatments

Help is available

Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Learn about women's mental health

Helpful links and resources

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health

How Menopause Affected My Mental Health

Australasian Menopause Society

Support for your wellbeing, one small step at a time