What is a possible psychiatric symptom experienced due to hormonal changes in women approaching menopause?

During the transition to menopause, commonly referred to as perimenopause, women experience significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can impact mood and emotional well-being, potentially leading to symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Anxiety can manifest as feelings of panic, worry, or restlessness, while depression may present with persistent sadness, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or changes in sleep patterns. These psychological symptoms are often exacerbated by other factors associated with menopause, including physical symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and changes in body composition, which can also contribute to emotional distress.

This connection between hormonal changes and mood disturbances underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health symptoms during this life transition, as they can significantly affect quality of life.

Other choices, while they may occur in various contexts or populations, do not directly correlate with the hormonal changes specific to menopause as commonly as anxiety and depression.