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Mental Health and the Menopause Transition
Rebecca C Thurston1, Carolyn J Gibson2
1Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Clinical and Translational Science, Center for Women's Biobehavioral Health Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are frequent during menopause, affecting about half of women. Effective behavioral treatments exist to manage these conditions and menopausal symptoms, especially for high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Psychiatry
- Women's health
Background:
- Menopause is a significant life transition associated with various mental health challenges.
- Approximately 50% of women experience clinically significant depressive or anxious symptoms during this period.
- Limited data exist on other mental health conditions during menopause, including PTSD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of mental health concerns during menopause.
- To emphasize the need for attention to less-studied mental health conditions in this demographic.
- To inform about available treatment options for mental health conditions and menopausal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- This abstract is based on a review of existing literature and clinical observations.
- It synthesizes data on the prevalence of mental health conditions during the menopausal transition.
- It discusses risk factors and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Elevated depressive and/or anxious symptoms are reported by roughly half of women during menopause.
- Women with a prior history of mental health conditions are at the highest risk.
- Evidence-based behavioral treatments are effective for managing these conditions and menopausal symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Mental health conditions are a significant concern for women navigating menopause.
- Proactive attention and treatment are crucial, particularly for at-risk populations.
- Accessible, evidence-based behavioral therapies offer effective management strategies.
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