Is Menopause the New Brain and Mental Health Crisis Facing Midlife Women?
Perimenopause and menopause don’t just bring hot flashes and night sweats. They profoundly affect the brain and mental health.
Women report symptoms such as:
→ Depression
→ Anxiety & panic attacks
→ Suicidal ideation
→ Low/flat mood
→ Brain fog & memory problems
These aren’t isolated experiences. The SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) – one of the largest and most respected studies on women’s health – found that Black women experience more severe, frequent, and longer-lasting symptoms during menopause, including mental health challenges. Yet their concerns are often overlooked, underdiagnosed, or minimised in medical settings.
The tragic case of Jacqueline Ann Potter (54), a white woman, who died after driving into a HGV, reminds us that menopause-related mental health decline can touch any woman.
As reported by The Daily Mail, the inquest confirmed that menopause “contributed to her mental health decline and exacerbated her underlying anxiety.”
Even the coroner noted:
“I was surprised to learn that menopausal training is not mandatory in any area of clinical practice or specialism…I am concerned that there is no requirement to undertake essential compulsory menopausal training for those working in relevant clinical practices.”
Which raises the question:
If medical practitioners had adequate menopause education and training, could lives be saved?
It’s time we stopped framing women as “crazy” and started recognising that these are neurobiological changes requiring urgent medical attention and compassionate care.
What’s your experience of perimenopause? Have you noticed the impact on your mental health? Let’s talk 🗣️ in the comments ⬇️
The Relentless Boss™️ has created a CPD accredited module: Menopause Brain: The Anatomy of The Brain In Menopause.
If you’re an organisation, charity or community-led initiative looking to train your staff or members in Black woman-centred menopause education, please get in touch:
♻️Share this group with your network and let’s raise awareness on how menopause affects Black women.
