New York magazine devoted a cover story to “Mid-Life Psychosis, 45, Female, and Hearing Voices.” Please explain how mental health is affected by hormone changes in menopause

Your Question: New York magazine devoted a cover story to “Mid-Life Psychosis, 45, Female, and Hearing Voices.” Please explain how mental health is affected by hormone changes in menopause.

Menopause Transition: Don't Miss This Important Preventative Health Opportunity

Sometime between ages 45 and 55, for many women, gynecologic and related health issues begin to emerge. Menstrual cycles now seem different, mood swings and memory lapses appear, and sleep becomes more chaotic, coupled with warm flushes. And the weight! Why at the mid-section? These irritating acknowledgments belie a more ominous change. During this menopause transition, loosely referred to as “perimenopause,” events are unfolding that have an impact on a woman’s cardiovascular risk.

Moods And Menopause

There is definitely a hormonal component to our moods.  This should not surprise any woman who is entering or is in menopause. The menopause transition is characterized by an initial fluctuation of estradiol production by the ovaries, evidenced by irregular menstrual cycles, but followed by a sustained estradiol decline resulting in the end of menses.