Menopause and Mental Health Help in the UK

The NHS describes menopause and perimenopause as a natural part of life, when periods change and eventually stop because of lower hormone levels. It usually affects people between 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier, and it affects anyone who has periods. Source: NHS: menopause and perimenopause.

On the NHS symptoms page (read 9 November 2026), common effects that can touch mental health and daily life include:

• mood swings, low mood or depression
• problems with memory or concentration (sometimes called brain fog)
• sleep problems, which can make you feel irritable, stressed and anxious, and may be worse with night sweats
• hot flushes that can bring palpitations or anxiety
• reduced sex drive, and relationship strain when symptoms are severe

Symptoms can last for years and can change over time. The NHS says early advice can help reduce the effects on your health, relationships and work. Source: NHS: menopause symptoms.

The NHS suggests rest and regular sleep routines, a healthy diet, regular exercise (including weight-bearing exercise for bone health), and relaxing activities such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. It also says talking to other people going through the same thing can help. Ask a doctor before taking herbal supplements. Source: NHS: things you can do.

Contact your GP if you think you have menopause or perimenopause symptoms and want to know your options, if you have palpitations, if bleeding is getting heavier rather than lighter, or if you have any vaginal bleeding 12 months or more after your last period. Postmenopausal bleeding needs checking. Source: NHS: menopause symptoms.

Treatment may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options. The NHS says if you have low mood, depression or anxiety caused by perimenopause or menopause, you may be offered antidepressants, and CBT may be offered for hot flushes and night sweats as well as for mood. Talk to a GP about what is suitable for you. Source: NHS: menopause treatment. Therapist Circle does not provide medical treatment or prescribe HRT.

The NHS says CBT is a talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety around menopause and perimenopause, and can also help with sleep problems and managing hot flushes. Source: NHS: things you can do.

For many mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without speaking to a GP first if you are registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas). Types can include guided self-help, CBT, counselling and other approaches, in person, by video or phone, or as an online course. Source: NHS: talking therapies. Find your local service: NHS Talking Therapies finder.

Private options include:

• CBT therapists on Therapist Circle
• counsellors and psychotherapists
• practitioner psychologists
• practitioners who mention menopause, perimenopause or women's wellbeing in their profile

Ask whether they have experience of menopause-related anxiety, low mood, sleep or relationship strain. Related guides: anxiety, depression, sleep and insomnia, stress, couples counselling.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask before you book and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.

Search Therapist Circle by issue words such as menopause, or filter by profession and online or in-person sessions. Neither counsellor nor psychotherapist is a protected title in UK law, so check membership of a Professional Standards Authority accredited register (for example BACP, UKCP or NCPS). Practitioner psychologist titles such as clinical or counselling psychologist are protected and must be on the HCPC register.

Also see how to choose a therapist, what happens in a first session and free and low-cost therapy.