Menopause symptoms are often spoken about in physical terms, but many people are surprised by how deeply this transition can affect their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Mood changes, anxiety, low motivation, and emotional sensitivity are not personal failings—they are common, real experiences shaped by profound hormonal and neurological shifts.

 

Menopause and the brain: what’s really happening

Oestrogen plays a significant role in brain function. It influences neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are central to mood regulation, motivation, and emotional resilience.
During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and eventually declining oestrogen levels can affect:

• Emotional regulation
• Stress tolerance
• Sleep quality
• Cognitive clarity

Neuroimaging studies have shown that menopause is associated with measurable changes in brain energy metabolism and neural connectivity, particularly in regions linked to mood and memory (Mosconi et al., Scientific Reports, 2017).

This helps explain why menopause symptoms often feel psychological and physical at the same time.

Common menopause symptoms that affect mental health

While everyone’s experience is different, several menopause symptoms are closely linked to mental and emotional wellbeing.

Mood changes and emotional sensitivity

Many people report sudden tearfulness, irritability, or feeling emotionally “raw.” Research suggests these shifts are related not only to hormone changes, but also to altered stress-response pathways in the brain (Soares, Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 2019).

Anxiety and heightened stress

New or worsening anxiety during menopause is common—even in those with no previous history. Fluctuating oestrogen can increase sensitivity to cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, making everyday demands feel more overwhelming.

Low mood and depression

Large cohort studies show an increased risk of depressive symptoms during perimenopause, particularly in those with prior mood vulnerability, sleep disturbance, or significant life stressors (Freeman et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2014).

Brain fog and concentration difficulties

Memory lapses and reduced focus are frequently reported menopause symptoms. These cognitive changes are often temporary, but they can be distressing and impact confidence and work performance.

Sleep disruption

Hot flushes and night sweats are well-known menopause symptoms, but their downstream effect on sleep is often underestimated. Chronic sleep disruption is strongly associated with mood disorders and emotional dysregulation.

Why menopause symptoms can feel emotionally destabilising

Menopause often coincides with other life transitions: changes in identity, caregiving roles, relationships, work demands, or physical health. When hormonal vulnerability meets psychosocial stress, mental health can be affected more deeply.

Importantly, studies show that the perception of support—feeling heard and validated—plays a protective role against mental health decline during menopause (Avis et al., Menopause, 2015).
This means care that addresses both body and mind matters.

Supporting mental health during menopause: a whole-person approach

While menopause symptoms cannot always be eliminated, their impact on mental health can often be softened with supportive, individualised care.

Supporting the nervous system

Therapies that help regulate the nervous system—such as osteopathy, acupuncture, and body-based approaches—may help reduce stress reactivity and support emotional balance. Small clinical studies suggest acupuncture may improve mood, sleep, and quality of life in menopausal women (Avis et al., BMJ Open, 2016).

Addressing sleep gently

Improving sleep quality can significantly improve mental wellbeing. Supporting posture, breathing mechanics, pain patterns, and nervous system regulation can all contribute to more restorative rest.

Talking support matters

Psychological and therapeutic support during menopause has been shown to reduce distress and improve coping, particularly when care is framed around life transitions rather than pathology.

Moving the body with intention

Regular, moderate physical activity is associated with reduced depressive symptoms during menopause and improved cognitive function (Elavsky & McAuley, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2007). Movement also supports sleep and stress regulation.

 

When to seek support

If menopause symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or self-esteem, support is not only appropriate—it’s important. Mental health changes during menopause are not something you have to endure silently.

Seeking care early can prevent symptoms from becoming entrenched and help restore a sense of balance and agency.

Menopause care at Central Wellness

At Central Wellness, we support women through menopause with a multidisciplinary approach that recognises the close connection between physical changes, mental health, and life context. Our osteopaths, acupuncturists, naturopaths and therapists work collaboratively to offer care that is welcoming, evidence-informed, and tailored to each individual.

Our practitioners are available throughout the week at both our Central and Stanley locations. If you’d like to learn more or explore what kind of support might be right for you, contact us for a conversation.