When women begin going through the menopause transition, they are at an increased risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, depression, panic disorders and bipolar disorder. Even prior to menopause, women usually have about twice the incidence of mental health disorders than men do and usually suffer from more debilitating symptoms, but the risk increases even more during menopause. This increased risk is thought to be linked to the decrease in hormones, especially estrogen, this link isn't completely understood, but there definitely seems to be a link.

Although all women face an increased risk of mental health disorders, women who have a history of mental health problems in the past are at the greatest risk. Estimates show that 20% of all women in menopause will suffer from depression related symptoms, this includes new onset cases and women with a prior history of depression. But, not only is there an increase in reoccurring cases and new onset cases of mental health disorders, but any current condition may get worse, with an increase in symptoms and the potential to become even more debilitating.

As women begin the menopause transition, the body slows down its production of the hormones essential for female fertility, estrogen and progesterone, once this happens, a lot of women experience a lot of hormone imbalance symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, muscle soreness, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Why women have all these symptoms is still a bit of a mystery. Why hormones plays a part in mental health problems is also a bit of a mystery. One thing that has been fully established is that estrogen is linked to depression. Estrogen is known to impact the functioning of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that are thought to be linked to depression symptoms.

Everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms associated with mental health problems. Although there are campaigns out there to educate the public about depression, suicide and other mental health risk, we still have a long way to go. A lot of people with these problems are going untreated, some of this may be due to denial or the inability to identify the risk, but some of it can also be attributed to embarrassment or the judgment they feel they may face. Hopefully we'll eventually get to the point that mental health problems will not be so readily swept under the rug, no one should feel this alone or desperate. So, if you're a menopausal woman and having a difficult time emotionally, it may be related to hormones. Please reach out to your support network and discuss your menopause signs with a doctor.