Women who have experienced early menopause can be at greater risk of depression, anxiety and mood changes. For women who have had a surgical or chemotherapy induced menopause this may be because of the sudden hormonal changes resulting in symptoms that are often more severe and unpredictable. It may also be due to the reason for the early menopause - such as a cancer diagnosis or illness. Women who experience early menopause ‘naturally’ may also find they are more moody and sad.

Being at greater risk of anxiety and depression is also likely because of a range of other physical, psychological and social influences. Some of these include:

• The way diagnosis occurred – the time it took, how distressing it was, how it came about, how it was communicated
• Actual individual physical changes and symptoms
• Other factors occurring at the same time such as illness, trauma,
• Ways of coping, relationship status and satisfaction, and support from family and friends
• Lifestyle including diet, physical activity and drug and alcohol use
• Levels of self-esteem, roles and sense of purpose in life
• Earlier experience of problems with mood such as previous depression and/or anxiety

How early menopause impacts on each woman is likely to be different as each woman deals with her diagnosis and its meaning over time. It is important to seek help for any long term changes in mood that are worrying. Rather than internalising or holding emotions in, it is much better to try and externalise or get your thoughts and feelings out somehow. Talking to someone who understands what you may be feeling can be helpful, and seeking one of the many effective treatments for depression and anxiety is also important.

I know that I am not the same person I was before I had my ovaries removed…I am less energetic and ‘can’t be bothered’ sometimes – whether it is completely to do with menopause or not I’m not sure. Robin

Content updated October 30, 2009