Submitted by la334 on Wed, 15/10/2025 - 11:30
In a recent El País interview, psychiatrist Liliana Galindo drew attention to a topic that remains unspoken mainly in mental health: the increase in psychotic symptoms among women during menopause. While adolescence has long been recognised as a critical period for the onset of psychosis, Galindo points out that menopause represents another, often overlooked peak.
This connection is rarely discussed — not because it’s insignificant, but because stigma and silence still surround both women’s mental health and the menopausal transition. The combination can leave many women undiagnosed, misunderstood, or even dismissed at a time when they most need support.
Galindo’s work highlights that hormonal changes during menopause can interact with existing vulnerabilities in brain chemistry, leading to symptoms such as delusions, disorganised thinking, or severe mood shifts. These experiences can be frightening, both for those affected and for their families, yet they often go unrecognised as part of a larger biological and psychological process.
Beyond identifying the problem, Galindo advocates for a paradigm shift in psychiatric treatment. Instead of relying solely on long-term symptom management, she calls for shorter, targeted interventions that address underlying causes — including hormonal, neurological, and psychosocial factors. Her research also explores the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies as part of this new model, aiming to promote more profound and more sustainable healing.
The message is clear: we need to normalise conversations about women’s mental health across all life stages. Menopause shouldn’t just be discussed in terms of hot flashes or mood swings, but as a period of profound neurological and emotional change that can, in some cases, trigger serious mental health challenges.
Early detection, compassionate care, and open dialogue can make a crucial difference. As Galindo notes, “When we intervene early, we can stop the progression and improve recovery.”
It’s time to bring this conversation into the light — for awareness, for empathy, and for better care.