ANA Continuing Education | Menopause Health Educators Program Monograph 3: Patient Handout

Patient Handout

Menopause can alter your mood, memory, and concentration
What is meant by a change in mood?

This might mean irritability, mood swings that don't last long, crying spells, or feelings of sadness. If you are menopausal and have recently noticed some of these symptoms, you may be experiencing an effect of estrogen loss.

How can estrogen loss change my mood?

In adults, estrogen production decreases until it stops with menopause. This change can affect mood because estrogen has an effect on the brain. This is true even for men, who convert testosterone into estrogen for use in the brain. Estrogen has a number of actions in the brain that are similar to antidepressant medications, including enhancing the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that influences mood). Some studies have shown that estrogen, as part of hormone replacement therapy, can enhance mood and decrease depressive symptoms.

Are these symptoms just a reflection of what's happening in my personal life?

Sometimes they can be. This is particularly true if you have any of the following:

negative attitudes toward menopause
poor social support
difficulties with your marriage or family
stressful life events
a recent loss

Many events can produce mood changes, even depression, but personal life is not always the cause. Consult with your healthcare provider about available treatment options.

How do I know if I have trouble with my memory or concentration?

If you are misplacing items more often than usual or have trouble remembering things at work, it may be a result of estrogen loss. Some women have minor difficulty finding the word or number they are trying to say in a conversation. These symptoms are minor, but some women may find them frustrating or annoying, particularly at work.

Do all women experience these changes at menopause?

No, such changes are not universal and they are not inevitable. But so many women report these symptoms to

healthcare providers that they appear to be quite common. Remember that hormone replacement therapy can help with alterations in mood, memory, and concentration. If these symptoms are indicative of depression, then antidepressant medication may be an option as well.

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