Why Spring Isn’t a Reset Button in Menopause

Menopause |
4 min read

Written By

Michelle Zlakowski

Published

March 04, 2026

Medically reviewed by

Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer

Winter is often one of the tougher seasons, especially during menopause: shorter days; freezing temperatures; less opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Some women may notice an ebb and flow in how they feel through the seasons. For instance, seasonal affective disorder (depression related to seasonal changes) is a serious condition that most commonly starts in winter and ends in spring.¹ But, do menopause symptoms improve in spring?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the natural energy of spring acted like a reset button for these symptoms? While seasonal shifts may slightly improve things like mood and energy , there’s no magic button that improves menopause symptoms specifically in the springtime.

Understanding Menopause Seasonal Changes

Menopause is a transitional phase of life defined by shifting and then rapidly declining reproductive hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, in the body. That means that more common menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue , mood changes, and sleep problems are present year-round as they’re due to hormonal shifts, not the seasons.

Data from a 2025 survey, including responses from more than 19,000 perimenopausal and menopausal women, found that low energy and sleep disturbances were among the most reported concerns throughout the year.²

In the same survey it was found that menopause symptoms were the most problematic in autumn. Your symptoms of low mood, stress, and brain fog may seem to be more severe in colder months, but the seasonal overlap of these symptoms with menopause is complex.

Seasonality Isn’t the Main Driver of Menopause Symptoms

While studies have shown that there is a link between climate and menopause symptoms, seasonality is not the main driver of the onset of symptoms or improvement. In one study, women in warmer Mediterranean climates experienced earlier menopause onset relative to other climates, but the seasonal changes across different regions had a smaller impact.³

Scientific reviews have concluded that broader environmental and lifestyle factors have a more significant effect on symptom severity, than seasonal changes;⁴ genetics also play a role.

So, if you don’t notice a huge improvement in your hot flashes or mood swings in spring, it’s because your body is primarily still responding to significant hormonal and physiological changes, not seasonal. However, the sunshine and warm weather can certainly help boost your mood, anecdotally.

Springtime Fatigue in Menopausal Women

Many women report persistent fatigue during menopause all year long. Fatigue is one of the more disruptive symptoms for many menopausal women. In fact, in the 2025 survey mentioned earlier, low energy was among the most frequently reported issues during menopause—even more than the signature hot flashes.⁵

Seasonal changes in light exposure can also affect your body’s circadian rhythm and mood regulation, but these patterns vary widely between individuals and aren’t directly linked to menopause.⁶

What May Improve Menopause Fatigue

Instead of focusing on spring as a magical reset season, research suggests that it’s better to take a more holistic view of year-round lifestyle patterns and how they affect your symptoms.

Sleep quality, stress management, physical activity, and nutritional habits have a stronger influence on menopause symptoms than season. This is why many women may seem to feel better when they focus on overall wellness instead of waiting for spring to “fix” things.⁷

There are evidence-based strategies that may genuinely make a difference in how you feel throughout the year:⁸

Prioritizing sleep quantity and quality
Support mood and stress with gentle exercise
Focus on micronutrient-dense food, especially for sleep and energy support
Mind habit changes as the seasons shift (light, activity, sleep patterns)
Consider dietary supplements that have been clinically shown to help manage the symptoms you are facing

Spring Doesn’t Fix Menopause Symptoms, But It May Help

Saying goodbye to the short days and cold temperatures of winter is great and more sunshine and daylight may naturally improve your mood. Spending more time outside and incorporating exercise into your routine may also help to lift your spirits.

However, if you’re still feeling fatigued, and are struggling with low energy levels, or persistent menopause symptoms in spring, consider checking in with your healthcare provider for support on how to effectively manage your symptoms and feel more like yourself again.