Mood swings are a commonly reported side effect of menopause, and they go hand in hand with symptoms of depression. But while menopausal mood swings are a temporary state of emotional turbulence, depression is a longer-lasting condition. Mood swings come in waves and pass quickly. They can involve feelings of sadness and despair, but they are often swiftly replaced by other emotions, such as irritation, anger, and even joy. To really tell the difference between mood swings and depression, you need to wait a while. If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue last for more than 2 weeks, it's likely that they are down to depression.