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Women's Suicide Prevention Hub - menopause & perimenopause

Menopause refers to the time when periods stop, and natural pregnancy is no longer possible. The time shortly before menopause starts is known as perimenopause. This is the point at which the body starts to gradually produce fewer eggs and hormones. 

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Menopause & perimenopause⏐ Domestic violence⏐Perinatal⏐ Postpartum⏐ Childhood abuse⏐Eating disorders⏐ Sexual violence ⏐ Pre-menstrual

Are you struggling?

Going through the stages of perimenopause and menopause itself can be difficult. The brain changes during menopause, as the hormones oestrogen and testosterone start to decline. One in ten perimenopausal women struggle with suicidal thoughts, and 90% of menopausal women experience some kind of mental health issue.

It is really important to open up about what you are experiencing and ask for support, either from your partner, friends, your GP or employer. If you feel like the response from a healthcare professional isn’t right, ask to talk to a different person or a specialist, or take a friend to help you advocate for yourself. You are not alone.

Stay Alive app

Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now. 

Women's Health Concern

This branch of The British Menopause Society has lots of information about who to go to for help and how to identify and address difficult symptoms.

Contact your GP

Speak to your GP or health care professional to discuss together what tests, treatment and support are right for you.

Samaritans

Contact the Samaritans if you feel you are in a crisis.

British Nutrition Foundation

The British Nutrition Foundation have specialised guidance on how different foods and changes in diet can help.

Support groups

Join a local or national support group. You can find groups on Facebook that offer community and support and may also run local in-person events. 

Your GP or healthcare provider may have recommendations. 

Are you supporting someone?

Going through the stages of perimenopause and menopause itself can be difficult. The brain changes during menopause, as the hormones oestrogen and testosterone start to decline. One in ten perimenopausal women struggle with suicidal thoughts, and 90% of menopausal women experience some kind of mental health issue.

It is really important to open up about what you are experiencing and ask for support, either from your partner, friends, your GP or employer. If you feel like the response from a healthcare professional isn’t right, ask to talk to a different person or a specialist, or take a friend to help you advocate for yourself. You are not alone.

Advice for partners

If you are supporting your partner with perimenopause and menopause, the University of Oxford have compiled a guide.

Advice for clinicians

British Menopause Society resources and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) offer some guidance and tools for clinicians.

Employers

It is important to know how to support your staff going through menopause, and what is required of you by law.

Symptoms of menopause

Physical

  • Feeling forgetful
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Hot or cold flushes
  • Insomnia and night sweats
  • Lack of libido
  • Thinning hair
  • Breast soreness
  • Joint pain
  • Gum soreness

Psychological

  • Moodiness
  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Loss of confidence and self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety, feeling tearful
  • Suicidal thoughts

Real stories

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey - media mogul

Oprah is on a mission to normalise menopause. She thought she was dying when she struggled with symptoms such as heart palpitations and brain fog. She struggled with her mental health during menopause, and believes that if she wasn’t put on oestrogen, she would’ve become depressed. She advocates managing menopause by focusing on a healthy lifestyle.

Davina McCall

Davina and Dr Louise Newson, menopause expert, talk about menopause symptoms. Davina opens up about her experience of early menopause, how going on the HRT drug saved her life and how she wants to help raise awareness. 

Watch her interview on Youtube.

Davina McCall

Find advice and sources of support for other aspects of women’s mental health.

Click here

Learn more about how to have a conversation with someone at risk of suicide.

Click here

Did you know 1 in 5 people will have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives?

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