Access to timely treatment and more open conversations are urgently needed to better support women experiencing mental health struggles and suicidality during menopause, according to new research.

While the physical symptoms of perimenopause and menopause – such as hot flushes and night sweats – are well-known, the psychological effects, particularly suicidality, are overlooked and underexplored.

Suicide rates among women aged 45–55, the age when perimenopause and menopause typically happens, are notably higher, which could potentially be linked to hormonal fluctuations that affect mood regulation. Despite this, little qualitative research has been carried on the relationship between perimenopause, menopause and mental health challenges, including suicidality.

Researchers at the Liverpool John Moores University and Newson Research spoke to 42 women who experienced suicidal thoughts or mental health problems during perimenopause. Women reported varying degrees of suicidality, from abstract thoughts to suicide attempts, and feelings of hopelessness and entrapment were identified as common triggers.

Other findings from the research, which included interviews with women from the Newson Clinic and the general population, included:

• Delays in receiving appropriate hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and misdiagnoses, such as being prescribed antidepressants instead of HRT, worsened symptoms
• Women reported significant improvements in mental wellbeing after receiving timely HRT
• Support from loved ones and colleagues, and lifestyle changes were also identified as beneficial.

Researchers concluded that better understanding, quicker access to hormone treatment and more support from health professionals could save lives, and that more open conversations are needed.

Click here to read the full research, published in the journal Women’s Health.

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