Can menopause cause changes in your personality and character?

During menopause, your hormone levels undergo significant changes. Your body produces less oestrogen and progesterone, which can have physical, mental, and emotional effects. Your brain also contains hormone receptors, and hormones play a crucial role in how you feel and how you experience and process emotions.

Hormonal fluctuations can influence your mood and personality, including your:

• Emotional stability
• Stress resilience
• Self-confidence
• Ability to concentrate
• Nurturing tendencies
• Memory

First, it’s important to distinguish between your mood, emotions, and character. Your mood and emotions can change daily (or even hourly)—especially during menopause. Your character, however, consists of personality traits that have developed over the years.

Research shows that menopause primarily affects emotional well-being and mood. Your personality generally remains stable. What many women experience is not so much a change in character but a temporary shift in how they handle and respond to emotions.

For example, you haven’t suddenly become an irritable person, but you may notice that you get annoyed more easily due to your symptoms. Similarly, you haven’t turned into an anxious person, but you might experience more frequent moments of insecurity. You’re still the same person; you’re just going through a challenging period.

There are various mental, emotional, and cognitive changes that women may experience during menopause.

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to emotional symptoms, such as:

• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insecurity
• Feelings of sadness

These emotional changes can make you feel like a “different person.” For most women, these changes are temporary.

During menopause, you may experience more stress due to elevated cortisol levels in your body. This can make you feel more tense and restless, even without a clear cause. Additionally, the production of progesterone, which has a calming effect on your body, is suppressed when your body produces cortisol.

Oestradiol (a form of oestrogen) is involved in cognitive functions, including memory and concentration. Declining oestrogen levels can therefore contribute to reduced focus, brain fog, and forgetfulness. Many women report feeling more forgetful and less sharp during menopause. Remember, this is primarily a result of fluctuating hormones.

Although the relationship between oestrogen, oxytocin, and mood is not yet fully understood, it appears that the hormone oxytocin (also known as the “bonding hormone”) decreases during menopause.

Oxytocin is released during social interactions and influences your behaviour towards others, such as your children or partner. When this hormone decreases, you may feel less inclined to care for others, even if you’ve done so joyfully for years. And that’s perfectly okay! Consider this a time for reflection and personal growth. Perhaps this is exactly what you need right now.

Declining oestrogen and progesterone levels can also lead to other symptoms, including:

• Poor sleep
• Hot flushes
• Joint pain
• Sudden weight gain

And more. These symptoms often make things more challenging and can leave you feeling irritated, overwhelmed, or simply “different.” Remember: these feelings are likely to pass with time.

While every menopause journey is unique, most changes during menopause are temporary. Your body is working to find a new hormonal balance, and this takes time. Many women report feeling better gradually after menopause.

Despite the challenges menopause can bring, research also highlights that this phase can be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Many women say they feel more confident and stronger after menopause.

If you’re going through a difficult emotional or mental period and don’t feel like yourself, it’s important to take good care of yourself. The following tips may help:

• Get enough exercise. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, hormones that make you feel good.
• Find ways to relax. Mental and emotional symptoms can indicate an overactive nervous system. Schedule more downtime, say no more often, and try relaxation exercises.
• Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Poor sleep directly affects your mood and mental well-being.
• Talk about it. Sharing your concerns with someone, such as your partner, a friend, or a professional, can be a relief.

A menopause specialist shares: This is how I experience menopause myself.

Many of the things you experience during menopause are a normal part of this phase. However, if your symptoms become too overwhelming, it’s important to consult a doctor. For example, if you feel persistently down, experience ongoing anxiety, have mood swings that affect your daily life, or feel like you’re losing control, a doctor can help you find an appropriate solution.