June 1, 2026, 7:24 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Hormones go haywire, processes in the brain change, and there are often sleep disturbances and hot flashes, along with other distressing symptoms like unwanted weight gain. This is about menopause. A life phase that, much like puberty, represents a major upheaval—and can also affect the psyche. An expert at FITBOOK explains when psychological problems should be taken seriously.
Earlier this year, a study was published showing that women after menopause were more frequently affected by anxiety, nervousness, and depressive symptoms.1 No matter the age, mental issues should always be monitored and never taken lightly. Help can and should be sought if needed. This also applies to menopause, where women who may have never experienced such issues before suddenly face psychological problems. They might attribute mood swings to hormones or everyday stress. And indeed, these can be the causes, and mental lows can sometimes quickly subside.
But how do you know when it’s more than just a bad mood? When is it worth taking a closer look and perhaps seeking medical advice?
Weeks of Symptoms? Seek Help
“If you notice no improvement over three or four weeks,” is the answer given by nutritionist and health expert Adaeze Wolf in a FITBOOK interview. “If someone is really in such a low state that depressive phases last longer and the person can no longer get out of it alone, then you really have to pay attention. The same applies if someone has been sleeping poorly for a long time.”
The German Depression Aid advises addressing those affected openly and helping them contact a doctor or psychotherapist if needed.
If you need help yourself: The crisis hotline at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 is free and available around the clock. Please seek help!
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Vitamin D and Sleep
However, a visit to a psychotherapist may not be immediately necessary. Wolf initially brings other possible causes into play: nutrient supply and sleep. “Micronutrients are also very important in this context. A lot can change during menopause, and checking these can help. One example is Vitamin D. A deficiency is associated with depressive moods. We should also consider sleep. Lack of sleep can promote mental problems, just as these can, in turn, affect sleep,” the expert emphasizes. She advises observing symptoms for a few weeks and then really seeking help.
Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies
As a health expert working with women just before or during menopause, she knows that micronutrients like Omega-3, Vitamin D, and magnesium play an important role in mental health. These can be consistently recommended, although it’s always best to clarify intake with a doctor. The nutrients can often help when women have sleep problems or are very nervous. “With mental issues, it doesn’t always have to be so serious that therapy is needed. Sometimes it’s enough to replenish the appropriate micronutrients. Then the lost power and energy often return.”
About the Person
Adaeze Wolf is an expert in holistic women’s health, author, podcaster, and speaker. As a holistic nutritionist and certified Health & Life Coach, she supports women over 40 who want to leave behind hormone chaos, exhaustion, and unexplained weight gain.