Majority of Women Unaware Menopause Can Trigger Mental Illness

Four in five adults lack awareness that menopause can trigger a new mental illness, according to a recent YouGov poll commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This survey, aimed at highlighting the stigma and knowledge gaps surrounding menopause, reveals that only 21 per cent of women in the UK recognize the link between menopause and mental health issues. In contrast, a significant 81 per cent associate menopause with hot flushes, 74 per cent with mood changes, and 64 per cent with reduced sex drive.

The findings underscore a troubling reality: many women are not seeking the help they need, which could have serious implications for their mental health. Just over one in four women—28 per cent—feel comfortable discussing menopause with a male superior. This discomfort may further perpetuate the stigma and lack of support.

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

According to the NHS, common mental health symptoms associated with menopause include low mood, anxiety, mood swings, and problems with memory and concentration. Physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and weight gain, can further impact daily life. For some women, menopause significantly increases the risk of developing serious mental health conditions.

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

Sleep disruptions caused by night sweats or other physical symptoms can leave women feeling exhausted and less equipped to handle everyday stress. Dr. Touroni added that many women are unaware that mood changes may be linked to menopause, which can delay their access to necessary support.

In addition, Dr. Deborah Lee, a GP and menopause specialist, highlighted the physiological aspects of this issue. She stated, “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 also causes low mood, insomnia, and depression.”

Raising awareness among women, their healthcare providers, and employers is essential to address the increased risk of mental illness during the perimenopause stage. The Royal College of Psychiatrists points out that a significant knowledge gap exists, particularly in medical education. A survey conducted in 2021 found that nearly half—41 per cent—of UK medical schools did not include mandatory menopause education in their curriculum.

Some institutions suggested that healthcare professionals would receive this education in their early years of practice; however, this is not consistently the case. Consequently, women with existing mental health conditions often encounter significant inequities in menopause support, as healthcare providers may attribute menopause-related issues to pre-existing mental illnesses.

Television presenter and author Davina McCall, who has been vocal about menopause issues, 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.” She emphasized that the lack of knowledge and stigma surrounding menopause hinders open conversations between doctors and patients, as well as within workplaces and among friends and family. This silence leaves many women without the crucial support they require during a vulnerable phase of their lives.

In response to these findings, a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists urges health services and governments in the UK to enhance care for menopausal women. This includes mandatory teaching of menopause and mental health in all medical and psychiatric training, as well as implementing menopause policies in workplaces.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment on this pressing issue, as the call for improved awareness and education continues to grow. Addressing these gaps is essential for ensuring that women receive the support they need for both their mental and physical health during menopause.