Misdiagnosed by Medication: When Menopause Is Mistaken for Depression

When 52-year-old Lisa* visited her doctor complaining of sleepless nights, mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue, she was quickly prescribed antidepressants. The diagnosis? Depression.

But what Lisa really needed wasn’t antidepressants—it was support for a natural biological transition: menopause.

The Overlooked Reality of Menopause

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, yet it’s frequently misunderstood—even by healthcare providers. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can mimic symptoms of depression: mood disturbances, brain fog, irritability, and sleep disorders.

But here’s the crucial difference: these symptoms often stem from hormonal shifts, not a psychiatric disorder.

The Wrong Prescription

Lisa’s experience is unfortunately common. Many women are handed a prescription for SSRIs or other antidepressants when what they really need is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other menopause-specific treatments.

Antidepressants can help some women, especially those with both menopausal symptoms and underlying depression. But when prescribed without considering hormonal changes, they can mask the real issue—and delay proper treatment.

The Cost of Misdiagnosis

Treating menopause symptoms with antidepressants instead of hormone therapy can have consequences:

• Inadequate relief from hot flashes, night sweats, or libido changes
• Persistent fatigue or emotional instability
• Unnecessary side effects of psychiatric medications
• A sense of being “not heard” by the medical system

What Needs to Change

Healthcare providers must listen more closely to women in midlife and consider menopause as a potential cause of psychological symptoms. A simple hormone panel or discussion of life stage could lead to more accurate care.

Women, too, should feel empowered to ask about menopause, seek second opinions, and explore all treatment options—including HRT, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches.