Menopause Mental Health

Menopause & Mental Health: The Silent Struggle Women Face

Menopause is often reduced to hot flushes and night sweats, but for many women, the most challenging aspect is the toll it takes on mental health. Anxiety, depression, brain fog, and mood swings can feel like they arrive out of nowhere, leaving women questioning their own sanity. And yet, this critical conversation remains in the shadows.

The Overlooked Impact of Menopause on Mental Health

For decades, women have been told to "push through" menopause, as if it's just another inconvenience to be ignored. But research shows that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can significantly impact brain chemistry, leading to anxiety, depression, and even panic attacks. A decline in oestrogen affects serotonin and dopamine—our feel-good neurotransmitters—while rising cortisol levels put the body into a constant state of stress.

Despite this, women’s struggles are often dismissed. Many go to their doctors only to be offered antidepressants without a deeper discussion about what’s really happening. The truth is, menopause is a profound transition, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically.

The Need for a Holistic Approach

Western medicine tends to isolate symptoms rather than addressing the whole person. Holistic healing offers a different perspective—one that acknowledges the deep mind-body connection and the importance of lifestyle, nourishment, and emotional well-being.

Here are some ways women can support their mental health through menopause:

1. Nourishing the Nervous System Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and Triphala help regulate cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. Essential oils such as lavender and clary sage have been shown to balance mood and promote relaxation.

2. Restoring Emotional Balance Journalling, creative expression, and working with archetypes can help women process this life stage in a meaningful way. Menopause is not just an ending—it’s a rebirth into wisdom and deeper self-awareness.

3. Supporting Brain Health A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins can support cognitive function and mood stability. Ayurvedic practices like Abhyanga (warm oil massage) nourish the nervous system and promote grounding during this transition.

4. Community & Conversation Menopause should not be a lonely journey. Having a safe space to talk openly—whether through menopause cafés, support groups, or online communities—can be transformative. Women heal in connection, not in isolation.

It’s Time to Change the Narrative

Menopause is not a disease. It’s not a condition to be “fixed.” It’s a profound life transition that deserves respect, support, and a holistic approach. Women deserve to have their experiences validated and their health treated with care.

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health during menopause, you are not alone, and you are not broken. There are powerful, holistic tools available to support you. Let’s start having real conversations about menopause and mental health. The silence ends here.

Would you like support on your journey? Join my community, explore my holistic resources, and take the first step toward reclaiming your well-being.

With warmth & Wild Wisdom

Rose