Mood
  • 30 Nov 2023
  • 1 Minute to read
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Mood

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Article summary

  • Women are at increased risk of mood changes in the menopause transition.
  • There are many factors that can contribute to this which should be explored, including children leaving home, parents ageing and job pressures. However, mood changes can also be a result of hormone changes.
  • Oestrogen has a direct effect on mood by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
  • Mood changes may also be caused by the impact of menopausal symptoms, negatively affecting the quality of life.

  • The BMS describes common menopausal symptoms to include low mood, anxiety, irritability, loss of confidence and low self-esteem.
  • NICE says explain to women that as well as a change in their menstrual cycle, they may experience various symptoms associated with menopause, including mild depressive symptoms.

  • Women with a history of premenstrual syndrome and post-natal depression are at particular risk because these conditions suggest a predisposition towards mood disturbance caused by hormones.
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