MENOPAUSE CARE PARTNERS
For Menopause and Midlife Care Providers
Psychiatric care that understands the hormone–brain connection, coordinated with your treatment plan.
Why Perimenopause Is a Psychiatric Window
Perimenopause is a recognized window of vulnerability for mood and anxiety symptoms. In the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), women were two to four times more likely to experience a major depressive episode during perimenopause and early postmenopause than before it. The risk is highest for women with a prior history of depression, premenstrual or postpartum mood symptoms, significant vasomotor and sleep disruption, or high life stress. FIGO’s 2026 best practice recommendations note that anxiety and depression are prevalent in perimenopause and call for psychological support as part of menopause care. The Menopause Society and the National Network of Depression Centers have issued joint guidelines for evaluating and treating perimenopausal depression.
What Co-Management Looks Like
Differentiating the Picture
Sorting hormone-driven symptoms from a primary mood, anxiety, or attention disorder, so each is treated by the right tool.
Medication Coordination
Choosing psychiatric medications that fit alongside hormone therapy or non-hormonal options, including those that also help vasomotor symptoms and sleep.
Existing Mental Health Conditions
Stabilizing patients whose depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or anxiety shifts as hormones change.
Shared Communication
Timely updates to your team, so the patient hears one plan, not two.
When to Refer
• Mood, anxiety, or irritability that persists or worsens despite hormone or non-hormonal treatment
• A personal history of depression, postpartum or premenstrual mood disorder
• New or worsening attention, focus, or memory complaints affecting work
• Sleep disruption driving daytime mood changes
• Patients already on psychiatric medication who need adjustment during the transition
If a patient is in crisis or reports thoughts of self-harm, direct them to 988 or emergency care. Psyched does not provide crisis services.
Patients can access care through three pathways:
Pathway I · Collaborative Psychiatry: Aetna, Cigna, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Humana (commercial), Ohio Healthy, Devoted Health
Pathway II · Insurance Network Partners (GrowTherapy & Headway): AmeriHealth, BCBS OH, GEHA, UHC/Optum, VA CCN, Carelon, Curative, Horizon BCBS NJ, Oscar, Oxford, The Health Plan
Pathway III · Psyched directly: Lyra Health, OSU employee and student plans, existing and transferring Anthem patients, and concierge care
References
1. FIGO best practice recommendations for the mental health of women at menopausal age. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2026;173(2):588–601.
2. Maki PM, et al. Guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of perimenopausal depression. Menopause, 2018;25(10):1069–1085.
3. Bromberger JT, et al. Major depression during and after the menopausal transition: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Psychological Medicine, 2011.
4. Stute P, et al. Management of depressive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: EMAS position statement. Maturitas, 2020.
5. Brown L, et al. Promoting good mental health over the menopause transition. The Lancet, 2024.
6. Royal College of Psychiatrists. Menopause and mental health, position statement PS02/26.