5 Ways Menopause Can Affect Your Mood, Cognition, and Mental Health

The average age of menopause is 51, but the hormonal shifts can begin as early as 10 years earlier. These shifts cause the often talked about symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats — but what about the emotional and mental changes that also occur? 

The transition through perimenopause and menopause can have a profound impact on your mood, memory, and overall mental well-being. This Mental Health Awareness Month, the OB/GYN team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills wants to support your mental health as well as your physical health. 

Read on to take a closer look at how menopause affects your brain and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

Mood swings and irritability are normal

The hormonal shifts of menopause include big variations in estrogen and progesterone. The shifts can directly affect the brain chemicals that regulate mood, like serotonin and dopamine. 

As a result, many women report increased irritability, frustration, or sudden emotional ups and downs that feel hard to control. These mood changes can be surprising, especially for those who have never struggled with emotional health in the past.

Increased feelings of anxiety and depression

Studies show that women in perimenopause and menopause are at higher risk for developing anxiety and depression. Hormone fluctuations often intensify stress responses, increase feelings of worry, and contribute to low energy and motivation. 

Add in other menopause-related symptoms like disrupted sleep, body changes, and life transitions (like children leaving home or career shifts), and, understandably, your mental health gets stressed.

Feelings of “brain fog” and other cognitive challenges

Did you forget where you put your keys again? Are you struggling to find the right words mid-sentence? You’re not alone. 

Many women experience “brain fog” during menopause. Brain fog can be described as trouble with memory, concentration, or mental clarity. While these changes are usually temporary, they can be frustrating and affect confidence at work or in everyday life.

Sleep disturbances affect mental health

Many women experience insomnia and sleep disruptions during menopause, often due to night sweats, hot flashes, or anxiety. Poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired — it also exacerbates mood swings, impairs memory, and increases your risk of depression. Prioritizing sleep is one of the most important things you can do to support your mental health during this stage.

Body image and your mental health

The physical changes of menopause, such as weight gain, changes in skin and hair, and reduced libido, can impact self-esteem and how you feel in your body. It’s easy to feel disconnected from yourself or discouraged by the changes, but we want to remind you that your worth isn’t defined by your hormones or appearance.

Help for your mental health during menopause

Mental and emotional changes during menopause are common, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer in silence. Whether you’re navigating mood swings, memory challenges, or anxiety, the team here at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills is here to offer support and treatments.

Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, counseling, and even simple stress-reducing practices like yoga or journaling can make a big difference.

If you’re struggling with your mood, cognition, or emotional health, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills, California office. Call today or make an appointment online. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you feel more balanced, supported, and understood.

The OB/GYN team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills is ready to help you. Call today or make an appointment online for any of your prenatal and obstetrics needs.