Menopause and Mental Health: A Growing Crisis of Awareness

A new report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) reveals a significant gap in public understanding regarding the link between menopause and mental illness. Three-quarters of UK women are unaware that menopause can trigger new mental health conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate support. This lack of awareness is prompting calls for urgent action to improve care, education, and workplace policies.

The Alarming Statistics

The RCPsych, supported by TV presenter Davina McCall, published its first-ever position statement on menopause and mental health on March 1, 2026, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness. A YouGov poll commissioned by the RCPsych found a stark contrast in public perception:

• Only 28% of UK women believe a new mental illness can be associated with menopause.
• 93% associate menopause with hot flushes.
• 76% associate menopause with reduced sex drive.

This disconnect contributes to women not seeking or receiving the vital help they need. Dr. Lade Smith, President of the RCPsych, emphasized that menopause is a societal issue impacting all, stating, “Simply put, we must do better.”

Increased Risk of Mental Illness During Menopause

The report details a striking impact on mental health during perimenopause. While anxiety and low mood are common, menopause can significantly increase the risk of developing serious mental illnesses. Specifically:

• Perimenopausal women are more than twice as likely to develop bipolar disorder.
• They are 30% more likely to develop clinical depression.

Hormonal and physical changes can similarly contribute to the onset or relapse of eating disorders. Tragically, suicide rates are also higher among women of menopausal age. Dr. Cath Durkin, a joint presidential lead for women and mental health at the RCPsych, noted that perimenopause can be a period of “particular clinical danger” for women with or at risk of bipolar disorder.

Systemic Issues and Disparities in Care

The lack of awareness extends to healthcare professionals. A 2021 survey revealed that nearly half (41%) of UK medical schools did not include mandatory menopause education as part of their curriculum. This results in many women being misdiagnosed or receiving inadequate treatment. A study from University College London found that 58% of Black women in the UK feel completely uninformed about menopause, with many experiencing psychological distress and being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of menopause.

only 23% of Black women surveyed took hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage their symptoms.

Calls for Action

The RCPsych report calls for urgent action on multiple fronts:

• Improved care for women experiencing menopausal mental health challenges.
• Mandatory menopause and mental health education in all medical and psychiatric training programs.
• Menopause policies in all workplaces that address the relationship between menopause and mental health.

Davina McCall, Honorary Fellow of the RCPsych, supports the position statement, stating, “Lack of knowledge and ingrained stigma still prevent open conversations…leaving women without the crucial support they need.”

The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis

Sonja Rincón, 43, shared her experience of being misdiagnosed with depression for seven years before discovering her symptoms were related to perimenopause. She emphasized the need for GPs to consider perimenopause in women presenting with symptoms like fatigue, low mood, and brain fog, even if they are in their 30s. Rincón founded the Menotracker app to help other women track their symptoms and advocate for themselves.

Looking Ahead

The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ position statement marks a crucial step towards addressing the overlooked mental health needs of women undergoing menopause. The Department of Health and Social Care has announced actions including adding a menopause question to NHS health checks, renewing the women’s health strategy, and investing in mental health services. But, continued efforts are needed to improve awareness, education, and support for women navigating this significant life stage.