Awareness Gap: Menopause Linked to Mental Illness for Many Women

A recent poll conducted by YouGov, commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has revealed that a significant majority of adults are unaware that menopause can trigger new mental health issues. The survey found that four in five respondents do not recognize this connection, highlighting a marked lack of awareness and ongoing stigma surrounding menopause.

Among women in the UK, only 21 percent are aware that menopause can be linked to the onset of a new mental illness. In contrast, 81 percent associate menopause with hot flushes, 74 percent with mood changes, and 64 percent with a decreased sex drive. This gap in knowledge may prevent many women from seeking essential support during a time of significant life change.

Dr. Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “Menopause can have a significant yet often overlooked impact on women’s mental health and wellbeing. Women account for 51 percent of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point. This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better.”

Understanding the Mental Health Risks

According to the NHS, common mental health symptoms associated with menopause and peri-menopause include low mood, anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, and difficulties with memory and concentration. Physical symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and joint pain can exacerbate these mental health challenges.

Research from University College London (UCL) indicates that peri-menopausal women face a 40 percent higher risk of developing depression compared to those not experiencing menopausal symptoms. Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, explained, “The hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in oestrogen, can affect mood regulation and make anxiety or low mood more likely.”

Dr. Touroni also pointed out that sleep disruption caused by night sweats or other physical symptoms can leave women feeling exhausted, making it difficult to cope with daily stress. She noted that a significant factor contributing to this issue is a lack of awareness among women regarding the link between mood changes and menopause, which can delay their access to necessary support.

The Need for Increased Awareness and Education

Dr. Deborah Lee, a GP and menopause specialist, highlighted the role of hormones in this context. “Oestrogen modulates levels of serotonin and GABA, both of which are fundamental for mood. Testosterone levels also decline, which is linked to lack of energy, brain fog, and lowered libido. Low progesterone results in low mood, insomnia, and depression.”

Despite the pressing nature of these issues, a survey conducted in 2021 indicated that 41 percent of UK medical schools did not include mandatory menopause education in their curriculum, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. While some institutions expect healthcare professionals to receive this training early in their careers, this is not consistently implemented.

As a result, women with pre-existing mental health conditions may encounter significant inequities in menopause support. Clinicians often attribute menopause-related mental health conditions to existing issues rather than recognizing menopause as a contributing factor.

TV presenter and author Davina McCall, who has spoken openly about her own experiences, remarked, “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.”

Dr. McCall emphasized that the lack of knowledge and persistent stigma surrounding menopause hinder open conversations between doctors and patients, as well as discussions among friends and family. This leaves many women without vital support during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives.

In response to these findings, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for improvements in healthcare services and government policies in the UK. They advocate for mandatory teaching on menopause and mental health in all medical and psychiatric training, as well as the implementation of menopause policies in workplaces.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment on these recommendations. The urgent need for increased awareness and education surrounding menopause is evident, as it has far-reaching implications for women’s mental health and overall wellbeing.