Ob Gyn Warns Menopause May Trigger New Mental Illness

Medical advice provided by Dr Charis Chambers, ob-gyn and Chief Medical Officer at Clue.

Menopause, which has over 60 symptoms, seems to remain a poorly-discussed topic.

90% of postmenopausal women weren’t ever taught about it, a University College London study found. Most (over 60%) only sought information about the menopause once symptoms had already begun.

And, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has said, over three-quarters of women (78%) don’t know menopause can lead to new mental illness.

In their position statement on menopause and mental health, an anonymous source told the RCP that during a period of depression they think could have been linked to menopause, the association “was never discussed or, to my
knowledge, considered as a factor in this episode”.

Here, we spoke to ob-gyn Dr Charis Chambers about it.

Dr Charis explained, “Menopause, and even perimenopause, can unmask or worsen mental health conditions because oestrogen is not just a reproductive hormone, it is also a brain hormone.

“Oestrogen directly influences key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, sleep, and emotional processing. When oestrogen levels decline or fluctuate significantly during the menopause transition, that neurochemical stability is disrupted.

“The result can be anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog and even new-onset psychiatric symptoms in women with no prior history.”

One paper has found a link between the hormonal fluctuations linked to menopause and a higher incidence of bipolar.

Another study said that “perimenopause was associated with an increased risk of developing [major depressive disorder] and mania” for the first time.

Additionally, the depressive episodes seen in menopause seem to be different to those that happen outside of menopause. Study authors dubbed this the “Meno-D”.

Dr Charis added, “women with a history of postpartum depression, severe PMS or PMDD face a higher risk during menopause.

“These conditions signal a heightened sensitivity to hormonal shifts. If the brain has previously struggled to adapt to rapid oestrogen changes, the hormonal volatility of perimenopause can trigger similar.”

Research suggests that the hormonal and physical changes linked to the menopause and perimenopause could exacerbate existing eating disorders, or even bring about new ones, too

Following the statement, Davina McCall, an RCP Honorary Fellow, said: “Some women sail through the menopause unscathed. But some don’t, and the impact on their mental health can be devastating and have a huge impact on their lives and their relationships.”

Calling the stigma and lack of education on the topic unacceptable, she added, “Together, we must make the link between mental health and menopause known across society – among health professionals, NHS, government, members of the public and employers – to improve the policies, care and support provided for all women experiencing menopause”.

Meanwhile, RCP’s President, Dr Lade Smith CBE, said: “Menopause can have a significant yet often overlooked impact on women’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Women account for 51% of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point. This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better.”

The NHS said that you should see a doctor if you think you’ve noticed any signs of the menopause.

Your GP can help you to find strategies, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).