Poll Exposes Widespread Ignorance on Menopause and Mental Health Link
A stark new poll has revealed that the vast majority of adults remain unaware that menopause can trigger the onset of new mental illnesses. Commissioned by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the YouGov survey found that four in five adults do not know this critical connection exists.
Specifically, only 21 per cent of adult women in the UK are aware that a new mental illness can be linked to the menopause. This stands in sharp contrast to the high awareness of physical symptoms: 81 per cent associate menopause with hot flushes, 74 per cent with mood changes, and 64 per cent with a reduced sex drive.
A Critical Knowledge Gap with Serious Consequences
This profound lack of knowledge means many women are not seeking or receiving the vital help they require during this life stage. The poll also highlighted discomfort in discussing the issue, with just over one in four women (28 per cent) saying they feel comfortable speaking to a male boss about menopause.
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, emphasised the scale of the issue: "Menopause can have a significant yet often overlooked impact on women's mental health and wellbeing. Women account for 51 per cent of the population, and all will experience menopause at some point. This is a societal issue for everyone. Simply put, we must do better."
The Heightened Risk of Depression and Other Conditions
According to NHS guidance, common mental health symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause include:
- Low mood and anxiety
- Mood swings and low self-esteem
- Issues with memory and concentration
Physical symptoms are well-documented, but for some women, menopause significantly increases the chance of developing serious mental illness. Previous research by University College London revealed that peri-menopausal women have a 40 per cent higher risk of suffering depression than those experiencing no menopausal symptoms.
Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, explained the biological mechanisms: "The hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in oestrogen, can affect mood regulation and make anxiety or low mood more likely. Sleep disruption from night sweats or other physical symptoms can leave people feeling exhausted and less able to cope with everyday stress."
Systemic Failures in Education and Support
A major contributing factor is a systemic lack of education. A 2021 survey found that almost half (41 per cent) of UK medical schools did not include mandatory menopause education in their curriculum. Some institutions expected this training to occur during early medical practice, but this is not consistently delivered.
This educational gap leads to significant inequity in support. Women with existing mental health conditions often find clinicians attributing menopause-related issues to pre-existing illness, delaying appropriate treatment.
Dr Deborah Lee, a GP and menopause specialist, detailed the neurochemical impact: "Oestrogen modulates levels of serotonin and GABA, both fundamental for mood. Testosterone decline is linked to lack of energy and brain fog, while low progesterone causes low mood and insomnia. Women, doctors, and employers all need awareness of this increased mental illness risk."
Calls for Action and Cultural Change
TV presenter and author Davina McCall highlighted the personal toll: "Some women sail through menopause unscathed. But some don't, and the impact on their mental health can be devastating. Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations, leaving women without crucial support at an incredibly vulnerable time."
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' report calls for urgent action, including:
- Improved care from health services and governments
- Mandatory teaching of menopause and mental health in all medical and psychiatric training
- Implementation of menopause policies in all workplaces
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment on these recommendations. The findings underscore a pressing need to bridge the awareness gap and transform support for women navigating the complex intersection of menopause and mental health.
