Perimenopausal women are 40% more likely to suffer from depression
PERIMENOPAUSAL women have a 40% higher risk of suffering depression, a study reveals.
Women are vulnerable in the runup to their periods stopping, say University College London experts.
The research examined seven studies involving 9,141 women from countries such as Australia, the US, China, Netherlands and Switzerland.
It concluded that perimenopausal women were “at a significantly higher risk for depressive symptoms and diagnoses” compared with premenopausal women.
Researchers did not find higher risk in post-menopausal women when compared with premenopausal individuals.
The team pointed to the drop in oestrogen during menopause triggering new symptoms or making existing depression worse.
They said oestrogen
“has been found to affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters, all of which influence emotional states”.
Night sweats can also lead to sleep problems, which may also have an influence, though this is not conclusive, they added.
Depression has also been associated with the conditions in menopause, while other studies have said caring for ageing parents and children may be a contributor.
Lead author Yasmeen Badawy said: “Combining data from global studies indicates that these findings cannot be attributed to cultural factors or lifestyle changes alone.”
Senior author Dr Roopal Desai said: “This study shows women in the perimenopausal stage are much more likely to experience depression than either before or after this stage.
“Our findings emphasise the importance of acknowledging that women in this life stage are more vulnerable to experiencing depression.
“It also underlines the need to provide support and screening for women to help address their mental health needs.”
In a previous study, the same researchers found mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy could treat the non-physical menopause symptoms.
The corresponding author Professor Aimee Spector said: “We need greater awareness and support to ensure women receive appropriate help and care both medically, in the workplace and at home.”
The authors said their study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, was limited by being unable to account for whether the women had a previous history of depression.