Peri/Menopause & The Big Lie

You're not crazy. Fluctuating and decreasing hormones can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. Yet doctors and mental health professionals are not talking about it. Not necessarily out of malice (let's give them the benefit of the doubt), but out of a total lack of education. Gynecologists report having limited training, often based on debunked, outdated research. This is my second career. I went to grad school just six years ago, and in that training, there was not a chapter, a sentence, or even a word on peri/menopause. Mental health professionals are on the front lines. Many women come to us first when they notice changes to their well-being. And we are not trained. At all. What a horrible disservice to women!

Perimenopause can begin as early as mid-late thirties and last up to ten years; the window can be anywhere between 35/40 - 55/60. Women are most sensitive to estrogen during perimenopause, while our hormones are fluctuating and in decline. This sensitivity can create a peak in symptoms of depression and anxiety. And, women are left to believe they are going crazy or are meant to accept a sub-par quality of life, indefinitely. Rubbish (that's the most professional word I can think of for these purposes)!

The statistics are alarming. According to a peer-reviewed study in the National Library of Medicine, 36.6% of women in perimenopause report an increase in depression and a 54.2% increase in anxiety. The NIH states that 23% of women between the ages of 40-59 are on an antidepressant. Women may not realize how their cratering mood is tied to hormone changes. Women between 35-64 account for nearly 65% of all suicides in women. Women peak in suicidality between the ages of 45-55 years old. You'd think these numbers would warrant emergency attention. Yet, doctors and patients remain unaware.

Knowledge is power. Let's start with what mental health symptoms you might notice (not all, and hopefully none apply!): mood swings, changes in sleep, loss of joy in things that once brought you pleasure (flatness), fatigue, low self-esteem, self-doubt, worthlessness, agitation, irritation (clients often use the word RAGE), difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, increased sensitivity to lights and sound, impulsivity, anxiety, increased worry, panic attacks, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, intense fear or dread. If you notice concerning symptoms, particularly with your heart, please see your doctor and rule out other medical conditions.

If you experience negative changes to your mental health, it's fair to ask your therapist, gynecologist, and/or GP if they are a menopause informed practitioner. Are they conceptualizing your case through the lens of peri/menopause? Are they considering peri/menopause at all? Women deserve a provider who is current on the latest research and interventions and can offer compassionate, informed care. Women find agency when armed with information and empowered to make choices that feel right for them.

If your provider isn't cutting it, The Menopause Society has a list of Menopause informed practitioners. Follow me on Instagram for peri/menopause and mental health content.

Women do not need to suffer. You do not need to suffer!

*If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 9-8-8 for crisis mental health support or 9-1-1 for emergency medical attention.