Women’s mental health is not a phase; it is a lifelong journey shaped by biological, psychological, and social transitions. From adolescence to menopause and beyond, women experience hormonal shifts, societal pressures, and life events that significantly impact their emotional well-being.
Hormonal changes—especially fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone—can influence mood regulation. Teenage girls are statistically more likely than boys to experience anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. "As a young girl reaches puberty, the brain controls her reproductive hormones (hormones produced by her activated ovaries), leading to the physical and mental changes as a teenager, resulting in mood shifts, anger, irritability, etc.," says Dr Duru Shah.
Without proper support during adolescence, early signs of depression or anxiety may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of chronic mental health disorders in adulthood.
During early and mid-adulthood, women often juggle multiple roles, which introduces additional mental health challenges. Conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), fertility struggles, pregnancy-related anxiety, and postpartum depression can significantly affect emotional stability.
Workplace pressures and the mental load of managing households further add to chronic stress. Without enough support systems, women are at an increased risk of burnout, anxiety disorders, and mood disturbances.
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Perimenopause—the transitional phase before menopause—brings fluctuating hormone levels that can trigger mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and even depressive episodes.
Unfortunately, mental health support is frequently overlooked and integrating mental health screenings into routine gynecological care can significantly improve outcomes.
Menopause and beyond:
Menopause marks the end of reproductive years, but not the end of mental health needs. Declining estrogen levels may increase the risk of depression, cognitive changes, and anxiety.
"At menopause, ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones, especially estrogen, leading to brain fog, sleep disturbances, which increase the risk for clinical depression," mentioned Dr Shah.
Women’s mental health is deeply interconnected with hormonal cycles, reproductive milestones, caregiving roles, and societal expectations. When women receive consistent mental health support, they are better equipped to maintain emotional balance, nurture relationships, and contribute productively to society.
Despite growing awareness, stigma still prevents many women from seeking help. Normalising therapy as preventive care—just like annual physical checkups—is essential. Lifelong mental health care is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
At the Mpowering Minds Summit 2026, we are moving beyond the silence that often surrounds the menopausal transition. Our dedicated sessions will explore the multifaceted symptoms and systemic challenges of menopause, shifting the focus from 'enduring' to 'thriving'. By prioritising a healthy mind through clinical insights and holistic strategies, we aim to equip women with the tools to navigate this transition with resilience and clarity.