Third of women unaware of perimenopause mental health impact

A third of women surveyed did not know perimenopause could affect mental health, with many experiencing symptoms for months before recognising them.

The survey of 1,000 women found many had been caught off guard by mental health symptoms linked to perimenopause or menopause.

It was conducted by Dynata on behalf of LifeStance Health in June 2026 and included women born between 1960 and 1990 who had, or suspected they had, perimenopause or menopause.

Respondents described anxiety as somewhat or extremely severe in 66 per cent of cases and depression in 54 per cent, with many initially attributing the symptoms to a separate condition rather than a hormonal transition.

Stephanie Eken, chief medical officer at LifeStance Health, said: “Women’s mental health needs change across their life stages, and perimenopause and menopause are among the biggest transitions of all.

“Specialised, life-stage-specific care should be standard practice, and I believe the organisations that build care around this reality, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, will define the next era of women’s health.”

Around 33 per cent of respondents said they did not know perimenopause could cause mental health symptoms.

Almost half, 49 per cent, were surprised that mental health symptoms linked to perimenopause or menopause could last for several years.

A further 22 per cent were surprised that perimenopause could begin shortly after childbirth.

The survey found 74 per cent experienced symptoms for six months or longer before suspecting perimenopause or menopause, while 27 per cent recognised the transition within six months.

Before recognising the symptoms as potentially linked to perimenopause or menopause, 49 per cent believed they were experiencing anxiety as a standalone condition and 39 per cent thought they had depression.

Around 36 per cent were surprised that symptoms linked to perimenopause or menopause could resemble a standalone mental health condition.

Among respondents who tried therapy for perimenopause or menopause-related symptoms, 83 per cent said it was helpful.

Around 82 per cent of those who tried medications such as antidepressants or oestrogen also found them helpful.

Nearly half, 47 per cent, said mental healthcare should be a standard part of perimenopause care, while 59 per cent said they would be more likely to seek mental healthcare if they knew it could meaningfully improve their symptoms.

Around 35 per cent said perimenopause or menopause had a slight to significant negative impact on their overall mental health, while 42 per cent reported a negative impact on mood.

However, 32 per cent reported no impact on their overall mental health and 22 per cent reported no impact on mood.

The survey points to women experiencing mental health symptoms for an extended period before connecting them to perimenopause or menopause, with many initially attributing anxiety or depression to an unrelated cause.

That delay may help explain why nearly half did not realise how long these symptoms can persist and why more than a third were surprised they could resemble a standalone mental health condition.

Despite the awareness gap, most respondents who sought treatment, whether therapy or medication, said it had been helpful.

Separate research published in 2023 estimated that menopause symptoms cost the US economy around US$1.8bn a year in lost work productivity.

The estimated cost rose to US$26.6bn when associated healthcare costs were included.

That research was based on more than 4,400 employed women aged 45 to 60, with its authors saying further studies in larger and more diverse populations were needed to confirm the findings.