More than 30% of women in perimenopause report symptoms of depression. Although May is Women’s Health Month, women’s health deserves attention all year long. We’re highlighting women’s mental health, especially during menopause, when hormonal shifts can increase vulnerability to serious mental health concerns.
Why Menopause Contributes to Mental Health Concerns
Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when estrogen levels can fluctuate significantly. It can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Along with puberty and pregnancy, it is considered one of the body’s “windows of vulnerability,” times when hormonal changes and life transitions can make women more susceptible to mental health challenges.
For some women, this stage of life can worsen existing mental health conditions or contribute to new symptoms. Dr. Kasey Windnagel, Director of Adult Behavioral Health Services, explains: “Women are more likely to experience depression and anxiety during perimenopause, especially if they have a history of either condition. This transition can also bring symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood swings, and panic attacks.”
Women with no prior history of depression may be two to four times more likely to experience a depressive episode during the menopausal transition. Anxiety is also common during this time, with 25% of women reporting symptoms during or surrounding menopause. No matter when these symptoms begin, they are real, valid, and worthy of attention.
Mental Health Concerns During Menopause Should Not be Ignored
Mental health concerns during these windows of vulnerability should never be ignored or dismissed. The emotional and cognitive changes that can happen during perimenopause and menopause are real. As Dr. Windnagel notes, “Life stages such as perimenopause and menopause bring hormonal changes that can lead to a wide range of confusing symptoms. But mental health challenges during this time should not be dismissed as ‘just hormones.’ Hormonal shifts may be one contributing factor, but symptoms of depression and anxiety deserve to be taken seriously and treated with equal care.”
Whether you are managing an existing mental health condition or noticing new symptoms during menopause, support is available. Dr. Windnagel encourages women to seek help: “Even if mental health symptoms during this time are temporary, that does not make them any less real or valid. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s important to reach out for support.”
If you’re looking for support, Jane Pauley Community Health Center is here to help. We offer accessible mental and behavioral health services regardless of insurance status, along with primary care, free insurance enrollment assistance, dentistry, optometry, and more. Call today to take the first step toward a healthier you.
Dr. Kasey Windnagel, PsyD, HSPP, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of Adult Behavioral Health Services at Jane Pauley Community Health Center in Indianapolis. With nearly a decade of experience in integrated behavioral health, she has built her career around bringing mental health care into primary care settings and expanding access to whole-person care for patients who need it most. Since 2019, she has served the east side of Indianapolis, where her work is grounded in cultural humility and a commitment to health equity. She is passionate about closing the gap between physical and mental health, particularly for underserved populations.
