---
title: "Does hormone therapy improve mood in menopause?"
entity: "blog"
canonical_url: "https://www.naturopath-vancouver.com/blog/does-hormone-therapy-improve-mood-in-menopause"
markdown_url: "https://www.naturopath-vancouver.com/llms/blog/does-hormone-therapy-improve-mood-in-menopause"
lastmod: "2024-10-24T20:10:07.000Z"
---

Did you know that the hormone changes that occur during the menopause transition can increase the risk of depression? 

According to the North American Menopause Society, there is a 45-70% increased risk of depression during this time, and this is the greatest in the 24 months surrounding the final menstrual period.

A greater risk is seen in those who have had a history of depression or are experiencing significant vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats).

This means, if you're perimenopausal or entering the menopause transition, and feeling a shift in your mood, you're not alone.

What about anxiety? We also know that anxiety is prevalent during this time, however it's unfortunately not as well researched in women, yet. Common symptoms may include: irritability, nervousness, tenions, fear for no reasons, or heart racing. Similarly, we see a surge in anxiety symptoms around the final menstrual period.

### What are my treatment options?

Most of the research on depression and perimenopause and menopause focus on antidepressants (SSRI or SNRIs). These tools often show good response and tolerability with reported significant improvement in menopause related symptoms (vasomotor symptoms, depression).

Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen therapy has shown benefits for depression, and mood. The degree of benefit was similar to those seen with anti-depressants. The benefits were most promising when used during the menopause transition, and less promising after menopause. Additionally, estrogen therapy used along side antidepressants, showed greater benefits. Estrogen therapy has also been shown to prevent the onset of depression in menopause. 

When talking about hormone therapy for mood support specifically, there appears to be an optimal window of initiation . Outside of this window, estrogen may be less helpful.

Feels confusing?  You're not alone. This is where talking to a qualified health care provider, someone with added training in menopausal hormone therapy can make a difference. Hormone therapy can be so effective when used correctly, in the right circumstance.

### Are there natural ways to support menopausal mood?

Definitely. Things to I look at here include tools to support the nervous system and stress management. Optimizing nutrition to we're focusing on the right protein for your body and good blood sugar regulation. Studies show that poor sleep quality worsens both vasomotor symptoms and depression, so if sleep is a struggle, focusing on natural strategies to support this. Finally, nutrients like vitamin D can play a role, so testing your levels and determining the right dosing for you is key. 

Natural strategies are often more nuanced, depending on your personal situation (as is hormone therapy), so tailored plan make all the difference.

Want to learn more about mood and menopause? Schedule a [free discovery call](https://acubalance.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/43/treatment/442) to learn about my process.

In health, 

Dr. Ashley Damm, ND, MSCP

Naturopathic Doctor - Vancouver, BC

Women's Health & Fertility 

References:

“The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society” Advisory Panel. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2022 Jul 1;29(7):767-794. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002028. PMID: 35797481.