Depression

Many theories have debated the link between hormones and depression. Women who have had a hysterectomy and/or an early menopause are more likely to experience a clinical depression than women who have had a natural menopause. This seems to be due to the sudden change in hormones that comes with a surgical menopause for example (and it may also be related to the illness that caused the surgery in the first place such as a cancer diagnosis). When it comes to a natural menopause, it appears that oestrogen and testosterone are likely to account for a small percentage of the depressed mood women experience around the time they become menopausal but will not result in a clinical depression. 

It may also be that symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and night sweats have a secondary or roll on effect on mood.  For example, many women find they are exhausted, can't think clearly and feel more negative because their hot flushes have kept them up in the night and they have had little quality sleep. 

It is important to remember that depression at this time of life is more likely to occur because of many other factors rather than menopause. So if you have experienced depression before in your life, if you are under a lot of stress, if you are dissatisfied in your relationship, have low self-esteem, negative body image, poor lifestyle such as little exercise or a high intake of alcohol then these factors are more likely to influence your mood than menopause.

Anxiety 

Anxiety involves extreme feelings of fear and worry. 

When intense anxiety is experienced over a length of time and interferes with daily life, then anxiety may be a problem that requires treatment. 

Symptoms of anxiety may include:

• a racing heart or palpitations,
• rapid breathing 
• sweating
• dizziness 

There are many different kinds of anxiety such as:

• panic attacks 
• phobias
• social and generalised anxiety.

Just as the roll on effects of menopause impact on mood, they may also influence feelings of anxiety. Some menopausal symptoms are similar to anxiety-type symptoms such as:

• hot flushes
• sweating
• 'crawling skin'

Some women become confused between what is menopause and what might be anxiety. Often women will say that their anxiety has gotten worse with menopause because they are very sensitive to their symptoms and what might start as a hot flush leads on to an anxiety attack. It can be very helpful at this time to reduce as much stress as you can and practice relaxation techniques when you are having a hot flush to try and reduce the effects of anxiety.

Managing depression and anxiety

If a woman is worried, it is important for her to discuss her symptoms with a health practitioner or psychologist to seek clarification about the symptoms they are experiencing. 

• Keeping a diary can help you to identify what is a menopausal symptom and what is more likely to be symptoms of anxiety and/or depression 
• Relaxation techniques are a valuable tool 
• Learning to challenge negative thoughts and practice affirmations such as "This will pass and I will be okay" can be helpful
• Talking to friends, family or a trusted health professional can also be very worthwhile

Further resources

Related articles

Depression: More than just the blues
National Magazine, Winter 2007

Depression: Your questions answered
National Magazine, Winter 2007

Books

Don't Panic: Anxiety, Phobias and Tension
By Dr Andrew Page

Fact sheets

 Emotional health at midlife and menopause 

Websites

Australian Psychological Society

Beyond Blue

Lifeline