psychological

Last reviewed 01/2018

A wide variety of psychological symptoms are noted in menopausal women, including:

  • irritability
  • confusion
  • lethargy
  • memory loss
  • loss of libido
  • depression

It is uncertain whether these are primary effects of oestrogen deficiency or simply manifestations of other processes. Insomnia, for example, is probably due to night sweats.

In general, a trial of hormone replacement therapy is indicated before prescribing specific psychological agents such as antidepressants.