A midlife crisis for a woman may occur anytime in midlife, between the ages of 40 and 60. Compared to men, women's midlife crisis are often a mix of different stressors, including health or medical issues, caregiving roles both for children and for aging parents, and losses related to death or divorce.

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Signs of a midlife crisis in women -

Although further study is necessary to understand the midlife period of adulthood better, it is, however, marked by a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral shifts.

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Depression or increased depressive behaviors -

Midlife for women is a time when they can experience menopause and depression. Depressive behavior can be higher compared to other life stages.

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Deep and existential reflections -

Due to stark existential realizations during this time, a woman may find herself questioning her life choices, such as her romantic partner, career, or motherhood.

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Desire to change physical appearance -

A woman in a midlife crisis may focus extra on her appearance, trying to look younger. She might consider making physical changes to hairstyle, or even consider surgical procedures.

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Sleep problems -

Sleep changes related to perimenopause or menopause can be a sign that a woman is entering into the midlife period.

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Extreme feelings of overwhelm -

While there are inevitably stressors at any time of life, a cluster of stressors like work, motherhood, and menopause, can contribute to significant feelings of overwhelm for women in midlife.

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Changes in menstrual cycle -

Twelve consecutive months without a period is indicative of the full transition to menopause, which can contribute to a midlife crisis in women.

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Sense of boredom or apathy -

Perhaps it's not depression, but a midlife crisis can be presented with feelings of boredom, apathy, or a lack of motivation.

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Changes in weight -

Weight loss or weight gain is associated with emotional changes in people. When some people are stressed or going through a crisis, their appetite often becomes suppressed, or they might overeat. Then, there are some who cope with emotional stress by exercising.

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Contemplating a big change -

If you're contemplating making big changes in your personal or professional life, this could be a sign that you're approaching a midlife crisis.

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Sense of loss -

During any crisis, there's an underlying feeling of a loss of stability. It can be hard to identify why we feel this, but the loss of stability and security can be a sign of how much a midlife crisis impacts us.

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Fixating on "days gone by" -

Thinking a lot about your younger years, or wanting to relive experiences specific to other periods of your life, could indicate discomfort with midlife.

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Emotional volatility -

Changes in ability to handle emotions, and having emotions being intense one moment and dull the next, could indicate signs of a midlife crisis.

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Physical pain -

Sudden, unexpected, or unexplained physical pain is a clear sign that your body and mind are going through stress.

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Causes -

Causes of a midlife crisis in women might be catalyzed by biological changes or by relational shifts, such as changes in professional roles or death of a loved one. Also, many women experience loneliness due to being uncertain about their identity.

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Ways to deal with a midlife crisis as a woman -

Although it can be unsettling, dealing with a midlife crisis can be an excellent time to discover new strengths and passions. Ultimately, it doesn't have to be a frightening experience.

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Find or create a community -

Having a group of other women who are going through a similar situation is hugely powerful. It can help you combat the loneliness that's so often part of this time in life.

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Start a journal -

Therapeutic and fun, journaling is a wonderful way to chronicle your emotions. Plus, it's a great way to document your life.

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Start something new -

Perhaps it's a class you've always wanted to take or a trip to a place that's on your bucket list. Now is an excellent time to take action.

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Read books -

From fictions to biographies, and real life events, reading books can be a great way to cope with your feelings and the crisis.

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Exercise -

It's never too late to start or to change up your exercise routine. Starting or continuing healthy habits now can only enhance your overall physical and emotional wellness.

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Reconnect with your earlier version -

Given that many women have set aside their own hobbies or interests during their child-rearing years, reconnecting with those passions or projects can be an energizing activity.

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Take care of your physical health -

Beyond daily exercise, this is an important time to engage in an overall health assessment. Therefore, make sure to schedule in those routine visits!

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Reflect on your values -

Exploring and identifying your core values can help you make clear changes to live in more alignment with them.

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Reconnect with nature -

Studies suggest that 20 minutes in nature daily significantly improves mental health symptoms. This is great when dealing with stress and a midlife crisis.

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Let your significant other join you -

We're often hesitant to share about what we're going through. However, your partner is likely experiencing a similar transition. Share your feelings to foster greater connection.

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Consider career counseling -

If it's your career that's bringing you a sense of boredom, then career counseling can be helpful in processing your thoughts before making a job change.

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See a therapist -

Therapy sessions can help you process your midlife crisis. These professionals offer a confidential space to express feelings and develop personalized coping mechanisms.
Sources: (Choosing Therapy) (Healthline)
See also: The biggest women's health myths

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What is a midlife crisis? -

Shutterstock

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Women's midlife crisis -

Shutterstock

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Signs of a midlife crisis in women -

Although further study is necessary to understand the midlife period of adulthood better, it is, however, marked by a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral shifts.

Shutterstock

3 / 31 Fotos

Depression or increased depressive behaviors -

Midlife for women is a time when they can experience menopause and depression. Depressive behavior can be higher compared to other life stages.

Shutterstock

4 / 31 Fotos

Deep and existential reflections -

Due to stark existential realizations during this time, a woman may find herself questioning her life choices, such as her romantic partner, career, or motherhood.

Shutterstock

5 / 31 Fotos

Desire to change physical appearance -

A woman in a midlife crisis may focus extra on her appearance, trying to look younger. She might consider making physical changes to hairstyle, or even consider surgical procedures.

Shutterstock

6 / 31 Fotos

Sleep problems -

Sleep changes related to perimenopause or menopause can be a sign that a woman is entering into the midlife period.

Shutterstock

7 / 31 Fotos

Extreme feelings of overwhelm -

While there are inevitably stressors at any time of life, a cluster of stressors like work, motherhood, and menopause, can contribute to significant feelings of overwhelm for women in midlife.

Shutterstock

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Changes in menstrual cycle -

Twelve consecutive months without a period is indicative of the full transition to menopause, which can contribute to a midlife crisis in women.

Shutterstock

9 / 31 Fotos

Sense of boredom or apathy -

Perhaps it's not depression, but a midlife crisis can be presented with feelings of boredom, apathy, or a lack of motivation.

Shutterstock

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Changes in weight -

Shutterstock

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Contemplating a big change -

If you're contemplating making big changes in your personal or professional life, this could be a sign that you're approaching a midlife crisis.

Shutterstock

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Sense of loss -

Shutterstock

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Fixating on "days gone by" -

Thinking a lot about your younger years, or wanting to relive experiences specific to other periods of your life, could indicate discomfort with midlife.

Shutterstock

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Emotional volatility -

Changes in ability to handle emotions, and having emotions being intense one moment and dull the next, could indicate signs of a midlife crisis.

Shutterstock

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Physical pain -

Sudden, unexpected, or unexplained physical pain is a clear sign that your body and mind are going through stress.

Shutterstock

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Causes -

Shutterstock

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Ways to deal with a midlife crisis as a woman -

Although it can be unsettling, dealing with a midlife crisis can be an excellent time to discover new strengths and passions. Ultimately, it doesn't have to be a frightening experience.

Shutterstock

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Find or create a community -

Having a group of other women who are going through a similar situation is hugely powerful. It can help you combat the loneliness that's so often part of this time in life.

Shutterstock

19 / 31 Fotos

Start a journal -

Therapeutic and fun, journaling is a wonderful way to chronicle your emotions. Plus, it's a great way to document your life.

Shutterstock

20 / 31 Fotos

Start something new -

Perhaps it's a class you've always wanted to take or a trip to a place that's on your bucket list. Now is an excellent time to take action.

Shutterstock

21 / 31 Fotos

Read books -

From fictions to biographies, and real life events, reading books can be a great way to cope with your feelings and the crisis.

Shutterstock

22 / 31 Fotos

Exercise -

It's never too late to start or to change up your exercise routine. Starting or continuing healthy habits now can only enhance your overall physical and emotional wellness.

Shutterstock

23 / 31 Fotos

Reconnect with your earlier version -

Given that many women have set aside their own hobbies or interests during their child-rearing years, reconnecting with those passions or projects can be an energizing activity.

Shutterstock

24 / 31 Fotos

Take care of your physical health -

Beyond daily exercise, this is an important time to engage in an overall health assessment. Therefore, make sure to schedule in those routine visits!

Shutterstock

25 / 31 Fotos

Reflect on your values -

Exploring and identifying your core values can help you make clear changes to live in more alignment with them.

Shutterstock

26 / 31 Fotos

Reconnect with nature -

Studies suggest that 20 minutes in nature daily significantly improves mental health symptoms. This is great when dealing with stress and a midlife crisis.

Shutterstock

27 / 31 Fotos

Let your significant other join you -

We're often hesitant to share about what we're going through. However, your partner is likely experiencing a similar transition. Share your feelings to foster greater connection.

Shutterstock

28 / 31 Fotos

Consider career counseling -

If it's your career that's bringing you a sense of boredom, then career counseling can be helpful in processing your thoughts before making a job change.

Shutterstock

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See a therapist -

Shutterstock

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Do women go through midlife crises?

Causes, signs, and how to cope

29/11/24 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Aging

At least a quarter of adults have experienced a midlife crisis. Although it's not a diagnosable condition, the experiences of emotional overwhelm and crisis can be considered part of other mental health and adjustment disorders. Often seen as a male issue, a woman's midlife crisis is also a very real thing, though less acknowledged or discussed in the world.

Click on to learn more about the causes and signs of women's midlife crises, as well as how to cope.