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Menopause: An Emotional Roller Coaster

A woman going through menopause
Declining estrogen levels associated with menopause can cause more than those pesky hot flashes. They can also make a woman feel like she is in a constant state of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Unfortunately, these emotional changes are a normal part of menopause.

Some of the emotional changes experienced by women undergoing perimenopause or menopause can include:

  • Irritability
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Lack of motivation
  • Anxiety
  • Aggressiveness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Tension
If you are feeling irritable and sad there is a good chance it could be related to menopause, but the above listed symptoms are not linked only to menopause. There are a number of conditions that can cause you to feel down right irritable. Tell your doctor how you are feeling. He or she can make sure a more serious condition is not causing you to feel this way.


As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.

SOURCES: North American Menopause Society. The National Institutes of Health.

Edited by Jaswant S. Chaddha, FACS, FACOG, MD on January 1, 2007.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005