Menopause & Mental Health: Most UK Women Unaware of Link, Report Finds

Nearly three-quarters of women in the UK are unaware that menopause can trigger a fresh mental illness, according to a recent poll commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). This significant gap in understanding has prompted the RCPsych to issue its first targeted position statement, aiming to raise awareness about the often-overlooked connection between menopause and mental wellbeing.

The Scale of Unawareness

The YouGov poll, representing the views of over 20,000 psychiatrists, revealed a stark contrast in awareness: while 93% of women associate menopause with hot flushes and 76% with reduced sex drive, only 28% recognize the potential for new mental health challenges to emerge during this life stage. This lack of knowledge is contributing to women not seeking, or receiving, the vital support they need, the RCPsych report states.

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

Beyond Mood Swings: The Mental Health Impact of Perimenopause

The report details a striking correlation between perimenopause and an increased risk of serious mental illness. While anxiety and low mood are common side effects of hormonal changes, the data reveals a more concerning picture. Perimenopausal women are more than twice as likely to develop bipolar disorder and 30% more likely to experience clinical depression. Hormonal and physical changes can also contribute to the onset or relapse of eating disorders, and suicide rates are notably higher among women of menopausal age.

Dr. Cath Durkin, a joint presidential lead for women and mental health at the RCPsych, highlighted the particular vulnerability of women with pre-existing mental health conditions. “For women with or at risk of bipolar disorder, perimenopause may represent a period of particular clinical danger that has historically gone unrecognised.” The report also notes that women with a history of postnatal depression or premenstrual mood symptoms are at a higher risk of depressive relapse during menopause.

Addressing Systemic Gaps in Care

The RCPsych’s position statement calls for urgent action across healthcare systems and workplaces. Key recommendations include mandatory training on menopause and mental health for all medical and psychiatric professionals, and the implementation of menopause policies in workplaces that specifically address the link between menopause and mental health. This includes creating supportive environments and providing appropriate accommodations for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms.

The need for improved care is particularly acute for women from minority ethnic backgrounds. A recent study from University College London found that 58% of Black women in the UK feel completely uninformed about menopause, and many experience this lack of information as “psychologically damaging.” Over half (53%) reported experiencing anxiety, yet a significant number were misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression rather than menopause when seeking help from their GPs. Only 23% of this group accessed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage their symptoms.

The Power of Open Conversation

TV presenter Davina McCall, an honorary fellow of the RCPsych and author of Menopausing, has been a vocal advocate for raising awareness about menopause. She emphasizes the detrimental impact of stigma and lack of knowledge. “Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations between doctors and patients, in the workplace and among friends and family, leaving women without the crucial support they need at an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. And it’s just not acceptable. Why are women still fighting to be heard?”

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive of Wellbeing of Women, echoed this sentiment. “For too long, women’s symptoms have been dismissed or misunderstood. We fully support the call for better awareness, joined‑up care, better workplace support and policies, and more research that will help ensure women are listened to and supported through menopause.”

Government Response and Ongoing Efforts

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the barriers women face in accessing care and support. A spokesperson stated, “It’s unacceptable women are facing barriers to the care and support they need. We’re taking action, bringing a menopause question into NHS health checks, renewing the women’s health strategy, and investing an extra £688m in mental health services while recruiting 8,500 more mental health workers.” The department also highlighted increased access to treatments and improved training for new doctors to facilitate faster diagnosis and support.

Sonja Rincón’s Story: A Seven-Year Diagnostic Journey

Sonja Rincón, 43, shared her experience of being misdiagnosed with depression for seven years before finally receiving a perimenopause diagnosis. “I was 35 when I first went to my doctor with symptoms I couldn’t explain, like crushing fatigue and low mood…For seven years, I was treated for depression while the real cause – perimenopause – went unidentified.” Rincón’s story underscores the importance of considering perimenopause as a potential cause of mental health symptoms in women in their 30s and 40s. She now advocates for better GP training and has developed the Menotracker app to help other women track their symptoms and advocate for their health.

Looking Ahead: Improving Mental Healthcare for Menopausal Women

The RCPsych’s position statement and the growing awareness surrounding menopause and mental health represent a crucial step forward. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between hormonal changes and mental wellbeing. Ongoing efforts to improve medical training, workplace policies, and public awareness will be essential to ensure that women receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve during this significant life transition. The College will continue to work with stakeholders to improve the mental well-being of people affected by the perimenopause, and inspire others to apply this knowledge to their own practice.